Nate Woods ‘20

Dr. Nate Woods ‘20 (GSLC, PhD), Senior Customer Support Manager for GE Aviation in Africa, worked closely with the senior leadership of Hidaya Development Association to obtain a $12,500 grant from GE Africa to empower 200 women to start their own businesses and gain entrepreneurship skills. The program will include training on key topics such as marketing and finance, while providing access to microfinance loans. Ultimately, income in the hands of women benefits their children and families, while reducing poverty. He also worked with the GE Volunteers organization in Ethiopia to support the project as well. The program kicked off in March 2021 at a ceremony attended by the program leadership and participants, GE leadership, as well as local and federal government representatives. Additionally, Nate has accepted an invitation to join the Advisory Board of STEM Synergy, a 501(c)(3) registered organization that focuses on fighting poverty with STEM education, technology transfer and social enterprises in Ethiopia. Through his expertise and experience, Nate will help advance the mission and vision of the organization by contributing to technical and resource development.