Bethiel Girma Holton
Oak Foundation
"You do not have to have it all figured out now at 15, in 10 years at 25, or at 35."
Career Roadmap
Bethiel's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Combined Sciences
Santa Clara University
Graduate Degree
Social Work
Boston College
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Programme Officer:
Bachelor's Degree: Combined Sciences
Graduate Degree: Social Work
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I grew up in Seattle, Washington.
2.
I watched my older brother face some challenges after deciding not to go to college, so I knew that I did ultimately want to pursue college.
3.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in combined sciences—biology and psychology—from Santa Clara University.
4.
After college, I assumed I should follow an expected path and apply to dental school, but I decided to spend a year or two working in a school first before doing so.
5.
After spending some time working with students in schools, I realized that I actually loved it and wanted to continue working in education.
6.
I went back to school and earned a master’s degree in social work from Boston College.
7.
I continued to work closely with schools and young people in support of student success and educational equity.
8.
All of my experience working closely with schools and students now helps me in my current role as a programme officer for the educational program efforts at the Oak Foundation.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Teachers:
Students like you don't usually graduate with a degree in science.
How I responded:
During my freshman year of college, I told my advisor I was interested in science. He told me that students like me—which I understood to be Black women—didn't usually graduate with a degree in science. I felt sad and defeated. I called my mom and she told me not to let some man tell me what I can or cannot do. From that moment, I was determined. I graduated with a degree in combined sciences. It was challenging and I'm very proud of myself for doing it.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Like many women and people of color, I've dealt with imposter syndrome throughout my career. However, I try to remain mindful of the message it sends if I do show up feeling and reacting like this in meetings. It's something I continue to work on.