Hana Melese

International Relations Co-Director

Hana Melese Maru is an Environmental Engineer and a self-taught artist. As a certified fellow of ClimArts Picture the Change, she employs storytelling to make climate communications relatable and easy to understand through digital and traditional art. She published her first poetry book during her undergraduate studies. Hana founded Akababinet, an initiative to equip students with green skills and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Her project was recognized as one of the 25 innovative youth-led solutions under the climate education thematic area at the Youth4Climate Sparking Solution event in Rome, organized by the Italian government and UNDP.

Within Climate Cardinals, she serves as the Co-director of International Relations, overseeing 8 Regional Presidents and over 80 chapters. She is also the Ambassador of Plastic Free in Ethiopia. Currently, she has been selected to participate in the prestigious Young African Leaders Initiative program for demonstrating proven leadership skills and commitment to making a difference.