About The Author

Zed Wondemu has served the Washington area in different capacities for over 40 years. She started gift shops and restaurants and used her business to help others gain employment and provide jobs. She mentored and made young people marketable to the Western workforce. Zed enjoys investing her time, resources, and energy in people (investment in humans versus capital investment).

Born in Ethiopia, Zed Wondemu has combined her remarkable drive with a desire to promote/educate the love of her culture (Ethiopian culture) through sharing good food and Ethiopian hospitality. She has become one of DC's most successful foreign born women restaurateurs. Zed is the 'Board Emeriti' of numerous local organizations, including the National Restaurant Association, Restaurant Association of Metro Washington, and National Restaurant Association Education Foundation.

Zed's Ethiopian Restaurant opened in Georgetown in 1988. As owner, president, and manager, Zed presided over a restaurant that had become an area favorite, winning critical acclaim from the Washingtonian as 'one of Washington's 100 Very Best Restaurants' for twenty-three years. She was also involved in real estate ventures in the USA, Ethiopia, and Bulgaria. The food and atmosphere were so popular that Zed added a second location in Gainesville, Virginia.

The second Zed's Ethiopian Restaurant opened in January 2009, it became a popular place for lunch and dinner, with catering available at both locations. Zed Wondemu is more cheerful when she helps others; she enjoys philanthropy the most. She has a special heart and mind, observing women succeed in education, politics, and employment. She extends her help to ensure women are the beneficiaries of their dreams.

Zed Wondemu engaged in non-profit organizations (EDG), which provide micro-loans to low- to medium-income individuals to achieve self-sufficiency. Zed Wondemu is a recipient of so many awards, including a recipient of The Thomas Carvel Immigrant Entrepreneur Award. Zed has been profiled in different magazines and newspapers for her work, including 'Making it in America/Conversations with Successful Ethiopian American Entrepreneurs.' Currently, she is extending her expertise to those who seek her help to improve their businesses/organizations through her consulting service, Zed's Consulting Services.