My name is Hawi Berhanu Zergaw, I’m 27 years old and was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I’m a public health officer by profession, a model by passion, and the founder of a small cosmetics company in Ethiopia. Beyond my career, I’m also a proud wife and mother to a wonderful little boy.
How did you first get into the fashion and modeling industry? Was it something you always dreamed of, or did it happen unexpectedly?
Modeling has always been my childhood dream. Growing up, opportunities were limited, and my family believed the most secure path for a bright future was through education. Following their advice, I pursued my studies and graduated in public health. However, I never let go of my passion. I started experimenting with poses and photography using just my smartphone, and soon, photographers began to notice me. That was the beginning of my modeling journey, where I found the courage to follow the dream I had carried with me since I was a little girl.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced on your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been the lack of societal and familial support. In my community, modeling was not always seen as a respectable or promising future for women. Overcoming those doubts required persistence, faith in myself, and a strong belief that passion and hard work can transform perceptions.
Another personal challenge came after becoming a mother. Like many women, I experienced significant body changes such as weight gain and stretch marks. At first, I struggled with self-confidence, but over time I learned to embrace these changes as symbols of strength and motherhood. I now see them not as flaws, but as part of my unique journey, proof that beauty can exist in every stage of a woman’s life. By accepting and loving myself fully, I have become even more passionate about encouraging other women, especially mothers, to feel confident and proud of their bodies.
If you could walk for any fashion brand or be the face of a campaign, which one would it be — and why?
If I could walk for any fashion brand, it would be Dior. The brand represents timeless elegance, sophistication, and strength, values I deeply connect with. Being part of a campaign that empowers women to feel confident, graceful, and powerful would be an incredible honor.
How do you define beauty in your own words, and how important is it to show diverse standards of beauty on international platforms?
To me, beauty is authenticity. It is the art of embracing who you are and expressing yourself naturally, without needing to conform to others’ expectations. Beauty shines in the way you carry yourself, the kindness you show, and the harmony you create with those around you and with nature. On international platforms, it is vital to highlight diverse standards of beauty so that every culture, background, and identity is represented. True beauty does not fit into one mold , it is a celebration of uniqueness.
What does it mean to you to represent Ethiopia in an international beauty pageant?
Representing Ethiopia on an international stage is both an honor and a responsibility. Ethiopia is a land of deep history, resilience, and pride, and being able to showcase its beauty and strength means the world to me. It is especially meaningful at a time when Ethiopia is building symbols of progress and unity, such as the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam , a project that represents hope, strength, and the future of our nation. Standing on an international platform, I would not just represent myself, but the spirit, culture, and dreams of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Is there something in particular about your country that makes you proud and that you’d love others to know?
Ethiopia is truly unique. It is the only African country that was never colonized, preserving its sovereignty and cultural heritage. We have our own calendar, alphabet, and rich traditions that span thousands of years. Ethiopia is the cradle of humankind, home to “Lucy,” the oldest human fossil ever discovered, and the land where coffee , a gift to the world originated. With over 90 languages and countless cultures, Ethiopia is a mosaic of diversity, history, and beauty. But what makes me proud the most is the warmth of our people , welcoming, kind, and resilient, with a spirit that shines through every challenge.
What are your goals after the pageant? Do you plan to continue in the modeling world or explore other paths as well?
After the pageant, I plan to continue pursuing my modeling career while also exploring fashion design. I want to create opportunities for other talented women in Ethiopia who may not have had the chance to enter the industry. My dream is to empower and uplift others, showing that modeling is not limited by age, motherhood, or circumstance. As a mother, I especially want to inspire women who have gone through many changes in life to embrace their beauty and believe that they, too, can shine.
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