Born and raised in Ethiopia, Dawit began his higher education at Bahir Dar University, where he graduated with honors majoring in History. He then taught history at a high school for two years. Later, he joined a travel management school in Addis Ababa, earning an associate degree, which led him to work in the travel sector as a consultant and trip leader. Dawit received a scholarship to study at Goshen College in Indiana, where he majored in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies, graduating with honors in 2007. He collaborated with his mentor and advisor, Professor Jan Bender Shetler, co-publishing two scholarly papers focusing on intercommunal peace in Ethiopia and presenting their findings at an African Studies conference. He later completed a Master’s degree in Public Affairs at Indiana State University, also graduating with honors. Dawit’s work experience ranges from teaching and travel consultancy in Ethiopia to mediation and research work in the United States. He is currently a PhD student and research assistant at the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA).