Yemi Melka - Fighting Energy Poverty

Ideas to Action

After Yemi Melka graduated from Augsburg College with dual degrees in Chemistry and International Relations, she didn't know where life would lead her. But she knew that somehow she wanted to use her voice for others. During a gap year after graduation, Yemi became passionate about energy poverty. Millions of people around the world don't have access to energy, which means they live without light or heat. She wanted to use her skills and education to help. Yemi became a grad student at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs where she led a project called SolEnergy. She and a team of students went to her home country of Ethiopia to talk with rural farmers, demonstrate solar irrigation pumps, and better understand problems so they can offer effective solutions. Listen to this episode to learn more about Yemi's idea for change. Learn more about the Nobel Peace Prize Forum | Minneapolis at peace.augsburg.edu