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|email      =  

|email      =  

|website    =

|website    =

|blog    = [http://whatidowhereido.blogspot.com/ Sophia's Blog]

|blog    = http://whatidowhereido.blogspot.com/  

|twitter    = sophiabekele

|twitter    = sophiabekele

|facebook  =  

|facebook  =  

|linkedin  = [http://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiabekele Sophia Bekele]

|linkedin  = http://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiabekele  

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Ms. [[Sophia Bekele]] is a business and corporate executive, an entrepreneur, ICT activist, and international policy adviser on ICT/Telcom to public and private enterprise.  She has maintained a successful career track record spanning over a decade of constant professional activity working for Fortune 500 Companies and transnational business ownership/operation.  Bekele has founded and run various International start-ups amongst them [[CBS International]] and [[DotConnectAfrica]] and implemented successful projects as well as launched companies into new markets.

Ms. [[Sophia Bekele]] is a business and corporate executive, an International entrepreneur, corporate governance & risk management specialist, international policy advisor on ICT, internet and development issues, and ICT & governance activist and a philanthropist.  She has maintained a successful career track record spanning over a decade of constant professional activity working for Fortune 500 Companies and transnational business ownership/operation.  Bekele has founded and run various International start-ups amongst them [[CBS International]] and [[DotConnectAfrica]] and implemented successful projects as well as launched companies into new markets.

She was elected member of the ICANN Council of the GNSO (Generic Names Supporting Organization), which advises on global internet policy.<ref>[https://www.icann.org/en/groups/nomcom/2005/candidates Sophia Bekele ICANN GNSO]</ref>  During her term at [[ICANN]], she has championed the IDN Policy Dialog for the international community. Concurrently, Bekele initiated the first African-run Registry for a .africa TLD, under DotConnectAfrica Trust, and run a successful 6-year “Yes2dotAfrica” global awareness campaign.<ref>[http://www.cio.co.ke/news/main-stories/Governments-have-no-role-in-managing-gTLDs Governments have no role in managing gTLDs]</ref> <ref>[https://thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/living-and-the-arts/lifestyle/item/324-an-ethiopian-woman-fighting-for-africa-a-new-generic-top-level-domain An Ethiopian woman fighting for .africa, a new generic Top-Level Domain]</ref>

Bekele was elected and served as a member of the ICANN Council of the GNSO (Generic Names Supporting Organization), advising on global internet policy and the policy development work on new generic Top Level Domain name.<ref>[https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/candidates-2013-11-13-en Sophia Bekele ICANN GNSO]</ref>  During her term at [[ICANN]], she has championed the IDN Policy Dialog for the international community. Concurrently, Bekele initiated the first African-run Registry for a .africa TLD, under DotConnectAfrica Trust, and run a successful 6-year “Yes2dotAfrica” global awareness campaign.<ref>[http://www.cio.co.ke/news/main-stories/Governments-have-no-role-in-managing-gTLDs Governments have no role in managing gTLDs]</ref> <ref>[https://thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/living-and-the-arts/lifestyle/item/324-an-ethiopian-woman-fighting-for-africa-a-new-generic-top-level-domain An Ethiopian woman fighting for .africa, a new generic Top-Level Domain]</ref><ref>[http://blog.ud.com/2012/03/new-gtld-news-connecting-a-continent-with-africa/ New gTLD News: Connecting a Continent with .AFRICA]</ref>

Bekele is also a co-founder and Executive Board Member of Internet Society Chapter (ISOC) San Francisco Bay<ref>[http://www.sfbayisoc.org/founding-members/, Founding Members ISOC San Francisco Bay]</ref> and was elected and served for two tenures as Alumni Board member of Golden Gate University.<ref>[http://www.ethiopianwomenunleashed.org/profile_detail.php?PId=111 Ethiopian Women Unleashed]</ref> Bekele has served as an Ambassador to various Rotary Clubs, where she has earned recognition of a Paul Harris Fellow for her contributions.

In 2013, Bekele was named Top <b><i>“50 Trailblazers – A future made in Africa”</i></b>, by the influential UK’s NewAfrican Magazine, an IC Publications group, <i>“Collector’s Edition”</i> which coincides with the continent’s 50th anniversary celebrations of the African Union, and featured individuals <i>“who are realizing significant achievements in their specific field of endeavor” and who are “breaking ground, making Africa proud and propelling it into a future of great hope.”  </i><ref>[http://techmoran.com/juliana-rotich-jason-njoku-alex-okosi-sophia-bekele-barrack-obama-named-top-50-african-trailblazers-by-uks-newafrican-magazine/,Juliana Rotich, Jason Njoku, Alex Okosi, Sophia Bekele & Barrack Obama Named Top “50 African Trailblazers” By UK’s NewAfrican Magazine]</ref><ref>[http://aptantech.com/2013/07/dcas-sophia-bekele-named-among-50-african-trailblazers-by-newafrican-magazine/ DCA’s Sophia Bekele named among “50 African Trailblazers” by NewAfrican Magazine]</ref> <ref>[http://www.undpegov.org/node/6431 Africa: DotConnectAfrica's Sophia Bekele Named One of 50 African Trailblazers]</ref><ref>[ http://naijacelebritynews.blogspot.com/2013/08/top-50-african-trailblazers-by-uks-new.htm/, Top “50 African Trailblazers” By UK’s New African Magazine: Juliana Rotich, Jason Njoku, Alex Okosi, Sophia Bekele & Barrack Obama Named]</ref> <ref>[ http://www.kenyanews.net/index.php/sid/214959307/scat/c1ab2109a5bf37ecAfrica: DotConnectAfrica's Sophia Bekele Named One of 50 African Trailblazers by NewAfrican Magazine]</ref><ref>[http://issuu.com/icpubs/docs/na0513_combinedissue_lowres?e=6326645/2549184,A future made in Africa-50 Trailblazers under 50 MADE IN AFRICA!_New African page 59]</ref> Bekele was also named as one of the <i><b>“two leading ladies in Africa’s ICT sector”</b></i> by “Bloomberg TV”<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20131129_african_women_to_watch_sophia_bekele_on_bloomberg_tv/ "African Women to Watch" - Sophia Bekele on Bloomberg TV]</ref> and enumerated in “African Women to Watch” a  prime TV program,  that <i>“celebrates the most fearless, competitive and visionary African women of our time” </i>,  and explores <i><b>“the women working hard to close the gender gap and  shaping the continent’s social, political and economic landscape”</b></i>.

 

In 2013, Bekele was named Top <b><i>“50 Trailblazers – A future made in Africa”</i></b>, by the influential UK’s NewAfrican Magazine, an IC Publications group, <i>“Collector’s Edition”</i> which coincides with the continent’s 50th-anniversary celebrations of the African Union, and featured individuals <i>“who are realizing significant achievements in their specific field of endeavor” and who are “breaking ground, making Africa proud and propelling it into a future of great hope.”  </i><ref>[http://techmoran.com/juliana-rotich-jason-njoku-alex-okosi-sophia-bekele-barrack-obama-named-top-50-african-trailblazers-by-uks-newafrican-magazine/,Juliana Rotich, Jason Njoku, Alex Okosi, Sophia Bekele & Barrack Obama Named Top “50 African Trailblazers” By UK’s NewAfrican Magazine]</ref><ref>[http://aptantech.com/2013/07/dcas-sophia-bekele-named-among-50-african-trailblazers-by-newafrican-magazine/ DCA’s Sophia Bekele named among “50 African Trailblazers” by NewAfrican Magazine]</ref> <ref>[http://www.undpegov.org/node/6431 Africa: DotConnectAfrica's Sophia Bekele Named One of 50 African Trailblazers]</ref><ref>[ http://naijacelebritynews.blogspot.com/2013/08/top-50-african-trailblazers-by-uks-new.htm/, Top “50 African Trailblazers” By UK’s New African Magazine: Juliana Rotich, Jason Njoku, Alex Okosi, Sophia Bekele & Barrack Obama Named]</ref> <ref>[ http://www.kenyanews.net/index.php/sid/214959307/scat/c1ab2109a5bf37ecAfrica: DotConnectAfrica's Sophia Bekele Named One of 50 African Trailblazers by NewAfrican Magazine]</ref><ref>[http://issuu.com/icpubs/docs/na0513_combinedissue_lowres?e=6326645/2549184,A future made in Africa-50 Trailblazers under 50 MADE IN AFRICA!_New African page 59]</ref> Bekele was also named as one of the <i><b>“two leading ladies in Africa’s ICT sector”</b></i> by “Bloomberg TV”<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20131129_african_women_to_watch_sophia_bekele_on_bloomberg_tv/ "African Women to Watch" - Sophia Bekele on Bloomberg TV]</ref> and enumerated in “African Women to Watch” a  prime TV program,  that <i>“celebrates the most fearless, competitive and visionary African women of our time” </i>,  and explores <i><b>“the women working hard to close the gender gap and  shaping the continent’s social, political and economic landscape”</b></i>. The CIO East Africa in 2017 named her "Industry Trailblazer" and "Internet Governance Pioneer", recognizing her significant contribution in the ICT and DNS industry as well as in the Internet Governance terrain, where she has accomplished impactful work on internet policy and governance.<ref>[http://itbusinessdirect.com/miss-africa-seed-fund-announces-201617-grand-prize-winners/, #SheTechsAfrica: Miss.Africa Seed Fund Announces its 2016/17 Prize Winners]</ref><ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/dot-africa-founder-sophia-bekele-named-industry-trailblazer-internet-governance-pioneer-by-cio/, .Africa Founder Sophia Bekele Named Industry Trailblazer & Internet Governance Pioneer, by CIO]</ref>

==ICANN Work==

==ICANN Work==

Ms. Bekele was nominated to serve on [[ICANN]]'s [[GNSO]] policy board from 2005-2007, under the Chairmanship of [[Dr. Vinton Cerf]]. Elected by the [[NomCom]]<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-04nov05-en.htm, Nominating Committee Announces Final Selections for Key Leadership Positions within ICANN 4 November 2005]</ref> , Sophia was the first African to serve and hold a seat on the GNSO. During her tenure, Sophia worked and participated on the development of policy over the New gTLD programme for ICANN that which is now approved for implementation and saw the application of 1930 new gTLDs at ICANN<ref>[http://gnso.icann.org/en/search/icann-search/sophia%20bekele, GNSO Activities]</ref><ref>[http://gnso.icann.org/en/issues/vertical-integration/soi-vi-pdp-wg-01apr10-en#bekele, Vertical Integration Policy Development Process Working Group]</ref>  <ref>[http://www.prlog.org/11222383-dotconnectafrica-open-letter-to-us-department-of-commerce.html, OPEN Letter to US Department of Commerce]</ref> <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1109084848076.html, DotConnectAfrica Welcome 2012 - The Year for new gTLDs]</ref>. Sophia was instrumental in initiating policy dialogue over [[IDN]]s as well as the formation of an [[IDN]] working group. Ms. Bekele initiated the formation of the AfriICANN grouping within [[ICANN]]

Ms. Bekele was nominated to serve on [[ICANN]]'s [[GNSO]] policy board from 2005-2007, under the Chairmanship of [[Dr. Vinton Cerf]]. Elected by the [[NomCom]]<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-04nov05-en.htm, Nominating Committee Announces Final Selections for Key Leadership Positions within ICANN 4 November 2005]</ref>, Sophia was the first African to serve and hold a seat on the GNSO. During her tenure, Sophia worked and participated in the development of policy over the New gTLD programme for ICANN that which is now approved for implementation and saw the application of 1930 new gTLDs at ICANN<ref>[http://gnso.icann.org/en/search/icann-search/sophia%20bekele, GNSO Activities]</ref><ref>[http://gnso.icann.org/en/issues/vertical-integration/soi-vi-pdp-wg-01apr10-en#bekele, Vertical Integration Policy Development Process Working Group]</ref>  <ref>[http://www.prlog.org/11222383-dotconnectafrica-open-letter-to-us-department-of-commerce.html, OPEN Letter to US Department of Commerce]</ref> <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1109084848076.html, DotConnectAfrica Welcome 2012 - The Year for new gTLDs]</ref>. Sophia was instrumental in initiating policy dialogue over [[IDN]]s as well as the formation of an [[IDN]] working group. Ms. Bekele initiated the formation of the AfriICANN grouping within [[ICANN]]

::<i> "I am most interested in the issues of emerging economies and the use of ICT and the growth of Internet or lack thereof over these environments. Therefore, the policies developed by ICANN over issues governing the global Internet particularly domain names could determine the gap in the digital divide within these economies...I have also initiated and pursuing the efforts for a successful launch of the '.Africa' continental domain name project within ICANN and the global African community” <b>Sophia Bekele, Statement of Interest ICANN, 2005-2007</b></i> <ref>[http://mex.icann.org/node/4985, Statement of Interest]</ref>

::<i> "I am most interested in the issues of emerging economies and the use of ICT and the growth of the Internet or lack thereof over these environments. Therefore, the policies developed by ICANN over issues governing the global Internet particularly domain names could determine the gap in the digital divide within these economies...I have also initiated and pursuing the efforts for a successful launch of the '.Africa' continental domain name project within ICANN and the global African community” <b>Sophia Bekele, Statement of Interest ICANN, 2005-2007</b></i> <ref>[http://mex.icann.org/node/4985, Statement of Interest]</ref>

==Championing the International Domain Name (IDN) Policy==

==Championing the International Domain Name (IDN) Policy==

As a gNSO adviser to ICANN Bekele participated actively in policy development for IDNs and campaigned for the efforts to introduce IDNs in the ICANN policy dialog. She was later credited for championing the inclusion of the global [[IDN]] community within this policy dialogue and nominated to chair ICANN's [[IDN Working Group]]. She was one of the co-authors of ICANN's IDN policy guidelines.<ref>[http://ictcreatives.com/component/k2/item/50-sophia-bekele-ethiopian-champion-of-the-dot-africa-initiative Sophia Bekele, Ethiopian champion of the dot africa initiative Enterprise Technology ICT Creatives]</ref><ref> [http://www.scribd.com/doc/35142308/ICANN-IDN-Language-Group-Recommendation-IDN-1#fullscreen:on, IDN Language group Recommendation]</ref><ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/44715292/IDRU-Endorsement-of-Dotafrica-for-DotConnectAfrica-DCA#fullscreen:on, IDRU Endorsement]</ref> <ref>[http://nomcom.icann.org/candidate-bios-2005.htm GNSO-IDN-WG, IDN Chair Nomination, Oct 2006]</ref><ref>[http://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiabekele Bekele co-author of ICANN's IDN policy guidelines, Recommendations]</ref>

As a GNSO adviser to ICANN Bekele participated actively in policy development for IDNs and campaigned for the efforts to introduce IDNs in the ICANN policy dialog. She was later credited for championing the inclusion of the global [[IDN]] community within this policy dialogue and nominated to chair ICANN's [[IDN Working Group]]. She was one of the co-authors of ICANN's IDN policy guidelines.<ref>[http://ictcreatives.com/component/k2/item/50-sophia-bekele-ethiopian-champion-of-the-dot-africa-initiative Sophia Bekele, Ethiopian champion of the dot Africa initiative Enterprise Technology ICT Creatives]</ref><ref> [http://www.scribd.com/doc/35142308/ICANN-IDN-Language-Group-Recommendation-IDN-1#fullscreen:on, IDN Language group Recommendation]</ref><ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/44715292/IDRU-Endorsement-of-Dotafrica-for-DotConnectAfrica-DCA#fullscreen:on, IDRU Endorsement]</ref> <ref>[http://nomcom.icann.org/candidate-bios-2005.htm GNSO-IDN-WG, IDN Chair Nomination, Oct 2006]</ref><ref>[http://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiabekele Bekele co-author of ICANN's IDN policy guidelines, Recommendations]</ref>

Bekele successfully made the case at ICANN on behalf of the global IDN community.  In a written Testimonial,the various leadership of the IDN group gave her the following citations:<br />

Bekele successfully made the case at ICANN on behalf of the global IDN community.  In a written Testimonial, the various leaders of the IDN group gave her the following citations:<br />

::<i>"Bekele was very influential in drafting the IDN policy guidelines as well as developed a framework for leading a language group.  This required contentious and controversial matters with complicated political and commercial implications and interests. Ms Bekele strongly advocated and further went on to aggressively bring the voices of the global public of early adapters of IDN businesses and countries who implemented IDNs to the policy of ICANN" -<b>Mr. Yoav Karen,the then Member of the ICANN's President IDN Advisory Committee, Current ICANN gNSO Council member and Executive member of the IDRU.</b><ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/101440288/ICANN-IDN-Recommendation-DomainTheNet, Testimony of Sophia Bekele's IDN work at ICANN]</ref></i>

::<i>"Bekele was very influential in drafting the IDN policy guidelines as well as developing a framework for leading a language group.  This required contentious and controversial matters with complicated political and commercial implications and interests. Ms Bekele strongly advocated and further went on to aggressively bring the voices of the global public of early adapters of IDN businesses and countries who implemented IDNs to the policy of ICANN" -<b>Mr. Yoav Karen, the then Member of the ICANN's President IDN Advisory Committee, Current ICANN gNSO Council member and Executive member of the IDRU.</b><ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/101440288/ICANN-IDN-Recommendation-DomainTheNet, Testimony of Sophia Bekele's IDN work at ICANN]</ref></i>

::<i> "..Ms. Bekele, as a former gNSO advisor to ICANN, you have worked hard and long to champion Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs). You have made the case within ICANN for a policy development process that will see IDNs in service of the world community. And you have done so successfully." - <b>David Allen Executive Director 05 December 2010, Internationalized Domain Resolution Union.</b> <ref>[http://www.scribd.com/dotafrica/d/44715292-IDRU-Endorsement-of-Dotafrica-for-DotConnectAfrica-DCA, ::Endorsement of Dotafrica (.africa) Initiative, 05 December 2010 by The International Domain Resolution Union]</ref> </i>

::<i> "..Ms. Bekele, as a former GNSO advisor to ICANN, you have worked hard and long to champion Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs). You have made the case within ICANN for a policy development process that will see IDNs in service of the world community. And you have done so successfully." - <b>David Allen Executive Director 05 December 2010, Internationalized Domain Resolution Union.</b> <ref>[http://www.scribd.com/dotafrica/d/44715292-IDRU-Endorsement-of-Dotafrica-for-DotConnectAfrica-DCA, ::Endorsement of Dotafrica (.africa) Initiative, 05 December 2010 by The International Domain Resolution Union]</ref> </i>

::<i>"The call for such Pan-African brand was largely initiated by Sophia Bekele who is no new-comer to spearheading new ways of thinking at ICANN. Years ago, her heroic efforts during her tenure as a newbie GNSO advisor to ICANN, in reversing the disastrous and misguided course that IDN policy took within ICANN at that time is now well documented and clearly attested to by the opposite direction in which the IDN portion of the new GTLD process at ICANN has since gone as bespeaks a true visionary,  while she never been shy of controversy, under her stewardship DCA for the past 5 years continued with unflagging effort to promote the cause and need for  .africa gtld.  The Tireless campaign for .Africa has earned DCA respects in the ranks of internet technology movers and shakers" -<b> Dr. Subbiah, Chairman iDNS.net Intl, Ex Stanford University, Co Inventor of IDN.</b><ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/SAB-Support-Letter_SubbiahS.pdf Support Statement by Subbiah ]</ref></i>

::<i>"The call for such Pan-African brand was largely initiated by Sophia Bekele who is no newcomer to spearheading new ways of thinking at ICANN. Years ago, her heroic efforts during her tenure as a newbie GNSO advisor to ICANN, in reversing the disastrous and misguided course that IDN policy took within ICANN at that time is now well documented and clearly attested to by the opposite direction in which the IDN portion of the new GTLD process at ICANN has since gone as bespeaks a true visionary,  while she never been shy of controversy, under her stewardship DCA for the past 5 years continued with unflagging effort to promote the cause and need for  .africa gtld.  The Tireless campaign for .Africa has earned DCA respects in the ranks of internet technology movers and shakers" -<b> Dr. Subbiah, Chairman iDNS.net Intl, Ex Stanford University, Co Inventor of IDN.</b><ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/SAB-Support-Letter_SubbiahS.pdf Support Statement by Subbiah ]</ref></i>

::<i>"During my acquaintance with Sophia, she was championing IDNs which I had previously implemented in March 1998...., Sophia pushed very hard for a policy dialog through the GNSO Board and finally through the ICANN Board, where we now have IDN policy formally ......I found Sophia to be a quick learner on new issues, persistence and courageous. She is a team player with integrity." -<b> Dr. Tin Wee Tan, Associate Professor, Dept of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, INTERNET HALL of FAMER</b><ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/SAB-Support-Letter_Tin-Tan-Wee.pdf Dr. Tin Wee Tan, Associate Professor Recommendation]</ref></i>

::<i>"During my acquaintance with Sophia, she was championing IDNs which I had previously implemented in March 1998...., Sophia pushed very hard for a policy dialog through the GNSO Board and finally through the ICANN Board, where we now have IDN policy formally ......I found Sophia to be a quick learner on new issues, persistent and courageous. She is a team player with integrity." -<b> Dr. Tin Wee Tan, Associate Professor, Dept of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, INTERNET HALL of FAMER</b><ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/SAB-Support-Letter_Tin-Tan-Wee.pdf Dr. Tin Wee Tan, Associate Professor Recommendation]</ref></i>

==Championing the [[.africa]] (dotAfrica) gTLD Project==

==Championing the [[.africa]] (dotAfrica) gTLD Project==

Following her important experiences gained from her work as gNSO advisor to ICANN and successful achievement of IDN work for ICANN and for the global internet community,  Bekele started the DotAfrica initiative. Bekele  made a clear case for a DotAfrica ([[.africa]]) gTLD for Africa within ICANN and also the global Internet Community on behalf of the global African and Pan-African constituency.<ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/47087667/A-Preliminary-Case-for-Africa-gTLD-Open-Letter-to-NTIA-US-Department-of-Commerce-by-DotConnectAfrica, Open Letter to US Department of Commerce National Telecommunication Information Administration (NTIA) making a preliminary case for the .africa gTLD]</ref>,<ref>[http://www.prlog.org/11150099-dotconnectafrica-statement-to-icann-public-forum-cartegena-colombia.html, DotConnectAfrica  Statement to ICANN public forum Cartegena Columbia]</ref> ,<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1104224678384.html, The .Africa project announced at public forum in Paris]</ref>,<ref>[http://forum.icann.org/lists/5gtld-guide/msg00108.html, DCA statement to ICANN public forum, Colombia]</ref>.  She soon led the [[.africa]] initiative<ref>[http://www.ssinformer.com/ssinformer-old/business_news/Africa/eastern/ethiopia/corporate/2009/december/11/eth_bus_corp_12_11_09_001.html, ‘ .Africa’ domain name to position Africa’s Web Industry]</ref>. under a successful venture [[DotConnectAfrica]]  organization, a non-profit, non partisan self start-up, and traveled throughout the various African countries and globally speaking and advocating the benefit of adapting to a .AFRICA Top Level Domain name (TLD) for the African Continent. Her most significant accomplishment so far for the [[.africa]] gTLD project is undertaking and sustaining a successful global campaign,under a “Yes2dotafrica” theme, energizing it and giving it global momentum and raising its Pan-African and International profile to a position of relevance, and introducing it to the Pan-African inter-governmental organizations – the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union Commission (AUC) and getting them to endorse it.<ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/31565131/African-Union-AU-Endorsement-of-DotConnectAfrica, The dotafrica Project initiative, August 8, 2008]</ref> , <ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/31566444/Economic-Commission-for-Africa-ECA-Endorsment-of-DotConnectAfrica, Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Endorsment of DotConnectAfrica]</ref>.  Bekele's presentations, speeches and publications used for this global campaign and promotional work to create awareness of the .africa TLD are are chronicled by the international and local media and the internet widely and captured on the Organization's website.<ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/yes-campaign/dca-presentations, DCA Campaign Presentations and Speeches]</ref>

Following her important experiences gained from her work as gNSO advisor to ICANN and successful achievement of IDN work for ICANN and for the global internet community,  Bekele started the DotAfrica initiative. Bekele  made a clear case for a DotAfrica ([[.africa]]) gTLD for Africa within ICANN and also the global Internet Community on behalf of the global African and Pan-African constituency.<ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/47087667/A-Preliminary-Case-for-Africa-gTLD-Open-Letter-to-NTIA-US-Department-of-Commerce-by-DotConnectAfrica, Open Letter to US Department of Commerce National Telecommunication Information Administration (NTIA) making a preliminary case for the .africa gTLD]</ref>,<ref>[http://www.prlog.org/11150099-dotconnectafrica-statement-to-icann-public-forum-cartegena-colombia.html, DotConnectAfrica  Statement to ICANN public forum Cartegena Colombia]</ref> ,<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1104224678384.html, The .Africa project announced at public forum in Paris]</ref>,<ref>[http://forum.icann.org/lists/5gtld-guide/msg00108.html, DCA statement to ICANN public forum, Colombia]</ref>.  She soon led the [[.africa]] initiative<ref>[http://www.ssinformer.com/ssinformer-old/business_news/Africa/eastern/ethiopia/corporate/2009/december/11/eth_bus_corp_12_11_09_001.html, ‘ .Africa’ domain name to position Africa’s Web Industry]</ref>. under a successful venture [[DotConnectAfrica]]  organization, a non-profit, non-partisan self start-up, and traveled throughout the various African countries and globally speaking and advocating the benefit of adapting to a .AFRICA Top Level Domain name (TLD) for the African Continent. Her most significant accomplishment so far for the [[.africa]] gTLD project is undertaking and sustaining a successful global campaign, under a “Yes2dotafrica” theme, energizing it and giving it global momentum and raising its Pan-African and International profile to a position of relevance, and introducing it to the Pan-African inter-governmental organizations – the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union Commission (AUC) and getting them to endorse it.<ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/31565131/African-Union-AU-Endorsement-of-DotConnectAfrica, The dotafrica Project initiative, August 8, 2008]</ref> , <ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/31566444/Economic-Commission-for-Africa-ECA-Endorsment-of-DotConnectAfrica, Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Endorsement of DotConnectAfrica]</ref>.  Bekele's presentations, speeches and publications used for this global campaign and promotional work to create awareness of the .africa TLD are chronicled by the international and local media and the internet widely and captured on the Organization's website.<ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/yes-campaign/dca-presentations, DCA Campaign Presentations and Speeches]</ref>

Bekele therefore was recognized and credited for her global campaign efforts by the global internet community as well as various leading African and International media. As such, was credited by the Economist as "leading the .africa initiative"<ref>[http://www.economist.com/blogs/baobab/2010/09/rebranding_africa,Can "Africa" get a make over?]</ref>.  The Diplomat East Africa named her "Brains Behind .africa" <ref>[http://www.diplomateastafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=388:connecting-africa-towards-a-digital-africa&catid=36:latest,Connecting Africa, Towards a Digital Africa]</ref>.  

Bekele, therefore, was recognized and credited for her global campaign efforts by the global internet community as well as various leading African and international media. As such, was credited by the Economist as "leading the .africa initiative"<ref>[http://www.economist.com/blogs/baobab/2010/09/rebranding_africa, Can "Africa" get a makeover?]</ref>.  The Diplomat East Africa named her "Brains Behind .africa" <ref>[http://www.diplomateastafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=388:connecting-africa-towards-a-digital-africa&catid=36:latest,Connecting Africa, Towards a Digital Africa]</ref>.  

Enterprise Technology Magazine called her <i>"Sophia Bekele: Ethiopian Champion of .africa initiative"</i> <ref>[http://ictcreatives.com/component/k2/item/50-sophia-bekele-ethiopian-champion-of-the-dot-africa-initiative,Sophia Bekele, Ethiopian champion of the dot africa]</ref> The New African Uk, named her one of 50 African Trailblazers under 50, noting her successful six-year Yes2dotAfrica global awareness campaign for the Africa Top Level Domain Name.<ref>[http://www.equities.com/news/industrial/2013-05-12/1392076/a-future-made-in-africa50-trailblazers-under-50-made-in.story,Sophia Bekele, A future made in Africa-50 Trailblazers under 50 MADE IN AFRICA!_New African]</ref>  

Enterprise Technology Magazine called her <i>"Sophia Bekele: Ethiopian Champion of .africa initiative"</i> <ref>[http://ictcreatives.com/component/k2/item/50-sophia-bekele-ethiopian-champion-of-the-dot-africa-initiative,Sophia Bekele, Ethiopian champion of the dot africa]</ref> The New African Uk, named her one of 50 African Trailblazers under 50, noting her successful six-year Yes2dotAfrica global awareness campaign for the Africa Top Level Domain Name.<ref>[http://www.equities.com/news/industrial/2013-05-12/1392076/a-future-made-in-africa50-trailblazers-under-50-made-in.story,Sophia Bekele, A future made in Africa-50 Trailblazers under 50 MADE IN AFRICA!_New African]</ref>  

CIO East Africa calling her views "controversial" on who should run gTLDs, saying "Sophia Bekele has been in the news if not for promoting DotConnectAfrica’s bid for the DotAfrica geographical gTLD for the past three years, then in a controversial statement about the same":<br />

CIO East Africa calling her views "controversial" on who should run gTLDs, saying "Sophia Bekele has been in the news if not for promoting DotConnectAfrica’s bid for the DotAfrica geographical gTLD for the past three years, then in a controversial statement about the same":<br />

Bekele currently oversees the [[.africa]] new gTLD initiative of DotConnectAfrica Trust.  As Executive Director of DCA Trust & CEO of DotConnectAfrica Registry Services Limited, she has led a multi-national team of experts to prepare and submit an application for the DotAfrica (.AFRICA) generic Top-Level Domain. [[DotConnectAfrica]] Trust (DCA Trust) has already submitted an application in May 2012 for the .AFRICA (pronounced as ‘DotAfrica’) geographic name string<ref>[http://gtldresult.icann.org/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/1276;jsessionid=2500230032894FB8CB3F16550E33DF0Farchive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110237447043,ICANN New gTLDs - Application Details]</ref> to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a U.S.-based non-profit organization that is overseeing the global Internet expansion project to introduce new generic Top-Level Domain Names (gTLDs) under the new gTLD Program.

Bekele currently oversees the [[.africa]] new gTLD initiative of DotConnectAfrica Trust.  As Executive Director of DCA Trust & CEO of DotConnectAfrica Registry Services Limited, she has led a multi-national team of experts to prepare and submit an application for the DotAfrica (.AFRICA) generic Top-Level Domain. [[DotConnectAfrica]] Trust (DCA Trust) has already submitted an application in May 2012 for the .AFRICA (pronounced as ‘DotAfrica’) geographic name string<ref>[http://gtldresult.icann.org/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/1276;jsessionid=2500230032894FB8CB3F16550E33DF0Farchive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110237447043,ICANN New gTLDs - Application Details]</ref> to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a U.S.-based non-profit organization that is overseeing the global Internet expansion project to introduce new generic Top-Level Domain Names (gTLDs) under the new gTLD Program.

==Controversies==

==Controversies==

In October 2012, DCA published a press release saying that their Wikipedia sites willfully sabotaged. Entries on Wikipedia sites containing DotConnectAfrica, .africa, and Sophia Bekele <ref>[http://sophiabekele.com/ Sophia Bekele Proffesional website].</ref>,were modified. According to the press release, some information that had been unmodified for over five years were removed from Wikipedia and replaced by new versions where DCA's involvement with .africa, DCA's working history, and Bekele's credentials were downplayed.<ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/2012/10/sabotage-of-our-wikipedia-sites/ Sabotage of Our Wikipedia Sites]. Published 2012 October 1. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref> The Press Release states this was done by DotConnectAfrica's opponents on .africa controversies.

In October 2012, DCA published a press release saying that their Wikipedia sites willfully sabotaged. Entries on Wikipedia sites containing DotConnectAfrica, .africa, and Sophia Bekele <ref>[http://sophiabekele.com/ Sophia Bekele Proffesional website].</ref>,were modified. According to the press release, some information that had been unmodified for over five years was removed from Wikipedia and replaced by new versions where DCA's involvement with .africa, DCA's working history, and Bekele's credentials were downplayed.<ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/2012/10/sabotage-of-our-wikipedia-sites/ Sabotage of Our Wikipedia Sites]. Published 2012 October 1. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref> The Press Release states this was done by DotConnectAfrica's opponents on .africa controversies.

The information from Wikipedia was captured by the biography of her personal website<ref>[http://sophiabekele.com/biography/ Sophia Bekele Biography]</ref>

The information from Wikipedia was captured by the biography of her personal website<ref>[http://sophiabekele.com/biography/ Sophia Bekele Biography]</ref>

Ms. Bekele founded [[CBS International]], a private corporation with the goal of technology transfer to emerging economies. The company also consults on Systems Integration, Internet solutions, Business Process Engineering, implementation of Corporate Strategy & Governance,  Sarbane Oxley compliance initiatives, public policy on ICT/telecom.  It is based near Silicon Valley, California.

Ms. Bekele founded [[CBS International]], a private corporation with the goal of technology transfer to emerging economies. The company also consults on Systems Integration, Internet solutions, Business Process Engineering, implementation of Corporate Strategy & Governance,  Sarbane Oxley compliance initiatives, public policy on ICT/telecom.  It is based near Silicon Valley, California.

CBS International, is a private California-based firm engaged in technology transfer to emerging economies, which also set up SbCommunications Network, an Ethiopian IT company.  In 2002 SbCNet was known for being successfully awarded a highly controversial bid for a government contract to build an integrated information network infrastructure for the Ethiopian Parliament.<ref>[http://cbsegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/auditor-says-parliament-award-improper.pdf Ethiopian Parliament Integrated Information Network Infrastructure]</ref>

CBS International also set up SbCommunications Network, an Ethiopian IT company.  In 2002 SbCNet was known for being successfully awarded a highly controversial bid for a government contract to build an integrated information network infrastructure for the Ethiopian Parliament.<ref>[http://cbsegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/auditor-says-parliament-award-improper.pdf Ethiopian Parliament Integrated Information Network Infrastructure]</ref>

 

Ms. Bekele and her company CBS International have also assisted various U.S. Clients in the public/private markets, primarily in corporate governance and risk management areas, including the recent Sarbanes-Oxley ACT, GAAP & PCAOB.  In these areas, her selected clients have included OnScreen Technologies, Inc. (OTC), Intel Corp. (Nasdaq) BDO Sieldman LLP, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLB), Genentech Corp (Gene).<ref>[http://www.ethiopianwomenunleashed.org/database/sophia-bekele-eshete/  Ethiopian Women Unleashed Mary-Jane Wagle; Betel Bekele (August 2012)]</ref>

==DotConnectAfrica (DCA)==

==DotConnectAfrica (DCA)==

Bekele’s recent venture is the establishment of the DotConnectAfrica Trust and DotConnectAfrica Registry Services Limited, which is well-known for its successful six year Yes2dotAfrica global awareness campaign for the .Africa Top Level Domain Name.  Bekele made a clear case for a DotAfrica (.africa) gTLD for Africa within ICANN and introduced it to the PanAfrican organizations in Africa such as UNECA and African Union and the global publics.  She then received endorsements from both organizations in 2008 and 2009 respectively, and the global IDN working group for her DotAfrica Initiative.  Currently, Bekele's focus is on the .africa – a new generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) for the Africa geographic name that she initiated during her appointment at ICANN. The project will be introduced and delegated for operation under ICANN’s new gTLD programme.

Bekele’s recent venture is the establishment of the [[DotConnectAfrica]] Trust and DotConnectAfrica Registry Services Limited, which is well-known for its successful six-year Yes2dotAfrica global awareness campaign for the .Africa Top Level Domain Name.  Bekele made a clear case for a DotAfrica (.africa) gTLD for Africa within ICANN and introduced it to the PanAfrican organizations in Africa such as UNECA and African Union and the global publics.  She then received endorsements from both organizations in 2008 and 2009 respectively, and the global IDN working group for her DotAfrica Initiative.  Currently, Bekele's focus is on the .africa – a new generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) for the Africa geographic name that she initiated during her appointment at ICANN. The project will be introduced and delegated for operation under ICANN’s new gTLD programme.

 

==Speakings and Writings==

==Speakings and Writings==

Sophia is invited to speak on international foras to present her exemplary work in technology transfer, and her work was credited for bringing powerful advanced information technology to the developing world, with long-standing initiatives to bring the internet to Africa.  She has made presentations at Yale University African Youth Empowerment Conference, at prestigious high-level meetings such as the United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on ICT in New York, ITU “ConnectAfrica” Heads of State submit in Kigali Rwanda,and Stanford Women in Business in California alongside founders and executives of Pandora, YouTube, Gmail, and Yahoo featuring people that have made great impact!, Rebranding Africa with African Leadership Retreat in South Africa,and How to build a Top Level Domain Community in Munich, Germany. <ref>[http://sophiabekele.com/speaking/ Selected Speaking Sessions]</ref>

Sophia is regularly invited to speak on international fora to present her work in technology transfer and has been credited for bringing powerful advanced information technology to the developing world, with long-standing initiatives to bring the internet to Africa. She spoke as one Africa Diaspora Leader panelist at the GES-Global Tech Entrepreneurship Summit in Silicon Valley, USA organized by USAID and White house State Dpartment<ref>[http://urb.im/blog/sas/150724 African tech entrepreneurs building bridges with Silicon Valley]</ref> <ref>[http://itbusinessdirect.com/ethiopian-entrepreneur-sophia-bekele-spoke-ges-panel-san-francisco/ Ethiopian Entrepreneur Sophia Bekele spoke on #GES Panel in San Francisco]</ref>, delivered a trending Keynote at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business <ref>[http://itbusinessdirect.com/top-ict-diva-sophia-bekele-trendsets-at-uc-berkeley-haas-school-of-business-heralding-mobile-technology-is-the-future-of-the-internet/ Top ICT DIVA Sophia Bekele Trendsets at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, heralding “Mobile technology is the future of the internet”]</ref>, delivered a keynote address at the City University of New York (CUNY) 2014 Young African Leadership Symposium; <ref>[http://tandaabiashara.com/keynote-sophia-bekele-rallied-yals-new-york-saying-push-to-change-africa/ KeyNote: Sophia Bekele rallied YALS New York saying “P.U.S.H to Change Africa”]</ref> <ref>[http://itbusinessdirect.com/sophia-bekeles-p-u-s-h-to-change-africa-keynote-won-the-yals-at-cuny-new-york/ Sophia Bekele’s “P.U.S.H to Change Africa” KeyNote Won the YALS in New York]</ref> spoke on Digital Innovation in Africa and moderated a high-level panel on US-Africa Relations in Gabon; <ref>[http://vimeo.com/96423312 Innovation and US-Africa Relations, NYF Africa in Gabon]</ref> <ref>[http://itbusinessdirect.com/new-york-forum-africa-2014-bekele-moderates-a-high-level-panel-on-usafrica/ United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on ICT in New York on ICT]</ref> presented a keynote remark for the ITU International Girls day in 2014 in Addis Ababa; <ref>[http://www.africasciencenews.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&id=1181:internet-bridging-the-gender-gap&Itemid=116  Internet bridging the gender gap]</ref>  spoke at the Yale University on 'Africa: Economic Development Through Technology'; <ref>[http://www.yaapd.org/sankofa54-2013/speaker-biographies/ Re-imagining Africa: a closer look at Autonomy, Identity and Perspective.]</ref> spoke as member of a high-level panel on ICT at the United Nations General Assembly in New York; <ref>[http://www.un.org/webcast/prelease.htm United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on ICT in New York on ICT]</ref>    spoke at ITU “ConnectAfrica” Heads of State submit in Kigali Rwanda; <ref>[https://appablog.wordpress.com/2007/11/13/compte-rendu-du-sommet-connect-africa-de-kigali/ International Telecommunication Union (ITU's) “ConnectAfrica” Heads of State submit in Kigali]</ref>  panelist at " I don't know how to CEO" at Stanford University California alongside founders and executives of Pandora, YouTube, Gmail, and Yahoo featuring people that have made great impact!; <ref>[http://events.stanford.edu/events/187/18767/ “I Don't Know to CEO: Inspiration at Every Milestone”]</ref> speaker at "Rebranding Africa" with African Leadership Retreat in South Africa; <ref>[http://africa2point0.org/web/index.php/en/component/k2/item/125-leadership-retreat-2010-re-evaluation-of-the-state-of-africa "Re-Branding Africa", Africa 2.0 Africa Leadership Retreat]</ref>  Panelist on "How to build a Top Level Domain Community" in Munich, Germany; <ref>[http://newdomains.org/panelists/sophia_bekele How to build a Top Level Domain Community]</ref>  and a KeyNote address at the "Launch of the DotAfrica East African campaign" during the annual AITEC East Africa Summit" <ref>[http://www.aganoconsulting.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/Programme-East-African-ICT-Summit-NEW1.pdf Launch of the DotAfrica East African campaign]</ref> <ref>[http://sophiabekele.com/speaking/ Selected Speaking Sessions]</ref>

 

She has been involved in public affairs commentary and continues to write articles on technology for development, [[Internet Governance]], [[Cybersecurity]], regional economic integration, good governance, business and politics; that have been published in different newspapers, journals and Internet websites <ref>[http://sophiabekele.com/writing/ selected articles/presentations]</ref>

She has been involved in public affairs commentary and continues to write articles on technology for development, Internet Governance, cyber security, regional economic integration, good governance, business and politics; that have been published in different newspapers, journals and Internet web sites <ref>[http://sophiabekele.com/writing/ selected articles/presentations]</ref>

With registered successes in ICT project delivery, Bekele has been elected and served on a number of United Nations initiatives, such as the UN-ICT Taskforce and UNECA-sponsored African Information Society Initiative (AISI) and East African Representative to the African Regional Network (ARN), UNGAID, and UNPAN, where she represents the private sector in discussions about the economic development of Africa.<ref>[http://sophiabekele.com/leadership/ Sophia Bekele Leadership]</ref> <ref>[https://www.icann.org/en/groups/nomcom/2005/candidates Nominating Committee | Biographical Information on the Nominees 2005]</ref> <ref>[http://www.ethiopianwomenunleashed.org/database/sophia-bekele-eshete/ Ethiopian Women Unleashed]</ref> The African Information Society Initiative (AISI) advised the UN Under-Secretary General of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa on building a new information society for Africa.  The ATAC formulated policy and provided policy guidance and direction especially on how to reduce the digital divide between the developed countries of the West and Africa.  During this period of her appointment to the African Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC)<ref>[http://repository.uneca.org/bitstream/handle/10855/18475/Bib-36363.pdf?sequence=1, report of the meeting of partners for information and communication]</ref> by H.E. K.Y. Amoako, then Executive Secretary of the UNECA, Bekele co-authored the 'Common Position for Africa's Digital Inclusion'<ref>[http://repository.uneca.org/bitstream/handle/10855/3069/Bib-25591.pdf?sequence=1, Common Position for Africa's Digital Inclusion]</ref>, which was developed in response to the ECA Conference of Minister's Resolution 812 (XXXI)<ref>[http://www.uneca.org/pages/812-xxxi-implementation-african-information-society-initiative-aisi, 812 (XXXI). Implementation of the African Information Society Initiative (AISI)]</ref>. The 'Common Position' was a blueprint that reflected Africa's ICT position communicated to various global forums such as the G8 DOT Force, ECOSOC, the UN Task Force, World Economic Forum, NEPAD initiatives, etc. She has since continued to use this identifying framework for future ICT projects and activities that are geared towards building a 21st-century e-enabled society in Africa.

Bekele is also a co-founder and Executive Board Member of Internet Society Chapter (ISOC) San Francisco Bay<ref>[http://www.sfbayisoc.org/founding-members/, Founding Members ISOC San Francisco Bay]</ref> and was elected and served for two tenures as Alumni Board member of Golden Gate University. Bekele was a former Board Member of ISACA (Information Systems and Control Association), and a steering committee member to the World Affairs Council, Contra Costa. Bekele has also served as an Ambassador to various Rotary Clubs, where she has earned the recognition of a Paul Harris Fellow for her contributions.<ref>[http://www.ethiopianwomenunleashed.org/database/sophia-bekele-eshete/ Ethiopian Women Unleashed]</ref>

Bekele has been elected and served on a number of United Nations initiatives, such as the UN-ICT Taskforce and UNECA-sponsored African Information Society Initiative (AISI) and East African Representative to the African Regional Network (ARN), UNGAID, and UNPAN, where she represents the private sector in discussions about the economic development of Africa.<ref>[http://sophiabekele.com/leadership/ Sophia Bekele Leadership]</ref> <ref>[https://www.icann.org/en/groups/nomcom/2005/candidates Nominating Committee | Biographical Information on the Nominees 2005]</ref> <ref>[http://www.ethiopianwomenunleashed.org/profile_detail.php?PId=111 Ethiopian Women Unleashed]</ref> In her tenure at AISI,  Bekele co-authored the 'Common Position for Africa's Digital Inclusion', which was developed in response to the ECA Conference of Minister's Resolution 812 (XXXI). The 'Common Position' was a blueprint that reflected Africa's ICT position communicated to various global forums such as the G8 DOT Force, ECOSOC, the UN Task Force, World Economic Forum, NEPAD initiatives, etc

==Domain Industry Advocacy==

==Domain Industry Advocacy==

Bekele's early advocacy work on New gTLDs and the Domain Industry in general can be attested through the tireless presentations, speeches and publications used as part of the global campaign and promotional work to create awareness of the .africa TLD; and are chronicled by the international and local media and the internet widely, and captured on the Organization's website <ref>[http://sophiabekele.com/writing/ selected articles/presentations]</ref>

Bekele's early advocacy work on New gTLDs and the Domain Industry, in general, can be attested through the tireless presentations, speeches and publications used as part of the global campaign and promotional work to create awareness of the .africa TLD; and are chronicled by the international and local media and the internet widely, and captured on the Organization's website <ref>[http://sophiabekele.com/writing/ selected articles/presentations]</ref>

Watch Sophia Bekele, discuss the domain industry during the African development Bank (ADB) annual meeting at Abidjan capital of Ivory Coast for the Movers & Shakers of Africa hosted by Jeff Koinange, former CNN Africa host and now at K24 <ref>[dotafrica.tv/movers-and-shakers/]</ref>  a Leading TV station in Kenya.

Watch Sophia Bekele, discuss the domain industry during the African development Bank (ADB) annual meeting at Abidjan capital of Ivory Coast for the Movers & Shakers of Africa hosted by Jeff Koinange, former CNN Africa host and now at K24 <ref>[dotafrica.tv/movers-and-shakers/]</ref>  a Leading TV station in Kenya.

<videoflash>OfjOAtv-fMs</videoflash>

{{#ev:youtube|OfjOAtv-fMs}}

==External Links==

==External Links==

==References==

==References==

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[[category: USA]]

[[category: USA]]

[[category: Ethiopia]]

[[category: Ethiopia]]