Mearon Lemma is a first-generation Ethiopian-American, born and raised in Jijiga, Ethiopia. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and a minor in Global Health. Her experience as an immigrant sparked her interest in international culture and public service. Her interdisciplinary studies focused on culture, global health, human rights, and crisis diplomacy.

After graduating from UGA, Mearon worked as a case manager at a family law immigration firm in Atlanta. Two and a half years later, she moved to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to fulfill a lifelong dream of reconnecting with her roots. Through EDF, she completed a six-month fellowship working as a business development officer for a social enterprise in Addis Ababa.

Like many first-generation immigrants, Mearon is driven by a deep tenacity to succeed and help those in need. Her role as a paralegal has allowed her to pursue a meaningful career with a societal impact. In late 2022, Mearon joined Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group to continue serving the Atlanta community. When she’s not sharing recipes with family and friends, she enjoys traveling in her spare time.