Hiwote Getaneh
“Women bring innovation and creativity, sharing powerful stories and fresh perspectives that deeply connect with diverse audiences. Our brilliance shines in the authenticity and inclusivity we infuse into our content, challenging norms and breaking barriers. By shaping the narrative and driving change, we make the podcasting landscape richer and more dynamic. Our contributions are essential to the evolution and growth of the industry, inspiring future generations of creators.”
Hiwote Getaneh
Hiwote Getaneh is an audio producer who is curious about human-centered, emotion-driven storytelling. Most recently, she produced The Possibility Pattern podcast with Kiran Yoliswa. Before that, she co-developed and produced the hit podcast, This is Dating, where listeners eavesdrop on four modern daters as they trade the swiping, small talk, and the fumbled first kiss for a curated virtual date with a team of fairy godmothers behind the scenes. This is Dating has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, and listed as one of Time Magazine’s best podcasts of 2022.
Hiwote’s other production credits include: Together Apart with Priya Parker for The New York Times, Where Should We Begin and How’s Work with Esther Perel, Far Flung for TED, and Make Me Care About for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
She is currently running Emerging Voices, a podcasting accelerator for aspiring creators who want to start a podcast that is unique to them. As an extension of her work as a producer, Hiwote has spoken about the concepts in her shows at Google, House of Beautiful Business, and several professional networking conferences.
Trained in public policy, Hiwote worked for years as a Senior Research Analyst at MDRC — a leading social policy research institution. She eventually veered from the traditional path to explore her research and strategic sensibilities in the media world with brands like Mic, Bustle and Afropunk.
Hiwote was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and has lived in several corners of the world including Maputo, Mozambique, a tiny Amish town called Kidron, Ohio, and as of late - Lisbon, Portugal. She is an alumna of Virginia Tech (BS) and Johns Hopkins University (MPA).
Hiwote will be hosting the Structure of Intimacy Panel alongside Karen Arthur, Maisie Hill and Natasha Miller at this year’s festival.