Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

“I, Mahlet Konjit-Solomon, formerly known as Mahlet Solomon, can attest to how my university experience at BiT shaped my career aspirations, provided me with essential skills and connections, and paved the way for a fulfilling professional and personal life. I graduated from BiT’s Electrical Engineering Department in 2003 and am currently the Chief of Public Reporting and Data Release for the Department of Health for the State of Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC).
In my role at MHCC, I oversee initiatives such as ‘WearTheCost’ and the Minimizing Low-value care initiative, which aim to increase healthcare transparency and reduce low-value services for patients. Additionally, I manage the APCD data release program and am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Global Health Leadership.

Outside of my primary job, I founded Ethiopian Health Data, a project that started as a COVID-19 casetracker for Ethiopia and has now evolved into a comprehensive website featuring various epidemiological analyses, policy actions taken by the government of Ethiopia, health facility information, healthcare workforce data, and high-risk population demographic information.
I credit BiT, which I fondly call Poly, for providing me with a wealth of opportunities to develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis. The connections and relationships I formed with fellow students, professors, peers, and alumni were invaluable in helping me enter the workforce.

Additionally, I discovered my passion for teaching and making individual connections with people I meet through supporting TTI teachers during my university life.

My technical skills learned at BiT helped me land a job at Northrop Grumman as a software systems engineer for the Commodity Future Trading Commission, where I focused on Oracle Financials. Later, I joined Health and Human Services on a similar position, where I was exposed to various Health-related Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems. This exposure led me to pursue a master’s degree in Health Information Technology. I also managed the Health Claims Database system for the Department of Health in Wisconsin in an analyst capacity until I joined MHCC. As an alumna, I believe in making meaningful contributions to my alma mater and the wider community. I plan to offer guidance and support to current students, volunteer my time and skills to various programs and initiatives, and leverage my alumni network to build connections and opportunities for myself and others.

Through my contributions, I aim to stay connected to my school, give back to my community, and make a positive impact on the world.”

Mahlet Konjit-Solomon
Alumna of BiT-BDU