CHSS G.O.L.D. - Graduate of the Last Decade - Hailemeskel

Merone Hailemeskel

BA Economics '15, MPP '17

Merone Hailemeskel serves as the digital director and communications associate for former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. In this role, she brings almost a decade of experience working in various positions in communications, digital, and public policy.

Previously, Hailemeskel worked as a communication and digital director at Common App where she was part of their access and equity team, supporting their 900 member colleges and universities. Hailemeskel also worked as a communications and digital director for Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher initiative and Better Make Room campaign, which encourages students to complete their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university. She also served as a policy advisor for Reach Higher where she led their undermatching research efforts and awarded more than $250,000 in grants to support public school teachers and school counselors.

When she’s not working, Hailemeskel enjoys traveling and taking on photography projects. Her photos have been featured in multiple publications including PEOPLE, Essence, Forbes, the Guardian, as well as in Michelle Obama’s book, The Light We Carry. She has also had photos exhibited in multiple galleries in Washington, D.C., as well as the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia.

Hailemeskel earned her bachelor of arts in economics and a master of public policy with a concentration in U.S. government and management from George Mason University.