Entrepreneur · Community Leader · Author · Consultant
Zed Wondemu is the acclaimed author of the powerful memoir Slanted Justice, a candid exploration of her experiences as an Ethiopian immigrant navigating systemic inequities and the American legal system. Through gripping personal stories, she highlights themes of resilience, cultural adjustment, discrimination, and the pursuit of justice.
Zed has served the Washington area in various capacities for over 40 years. She started gift shops and restaurants and used her business to help other people gainfully employed. She not only provides jobs to young people but also devotes her time to mentoring and making young people marketable to the Western workforce. Zed enjoys investing her time, resources, and energy in people (investment in humans versus investment in capital).
Born in Ethiopia, Owner/President 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 hospitality. She has become one of DC's most successful foreign-born women restaurateurs. Zed is the "Board Emeriti" of many local organizations, including the National Restaurant Association, Restaurant Association of Metro Washington, and National Restaurant Association Education Foundation Trustee, to mention a few.
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" several years running. She was also involved in real estate ventures and investment as a side interest.
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 and was a popular place for lunch and dinner. Catering is 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 for observing women succeed in education, politics, and employment. She extends her help to ensure that women are the beneficiaries of their own dreams. Zed Wondemu has been involved in non-profit organizations (EDG) that provide micro-loans to low- to medium-income individuals to achieve self-sufficiency.
Zed Wondemu has received many awards, including the Thomas Carvel Immigrant Entrepreneur Award. She has been profiled in various magazines, newspapers, and TV 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 improving their businesses or organizations through her consulting service, Zed's Consulting Services.