Obituaries

Makeda Yohannes, born on May 25, 1994, to Jill Powell and Yitbarek Yohannes, was welcomed into the world by a family overflowing with love. From a very young age, Maki was a vision of excellence—every room she entered she was a star.

She attended Jackson Park Elementary School, Brentwood Middle School, and John Burroughs High School. After graduating from John Burroughs, she went on to American University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a degree in International Relations with a concentration in Economics. It was there that she met her best friend and soulmate, Leilani. During her time at American, she traveled the world, building connections and broadening her perspective.

Following graduation, Maki joined her family in Ethiopia, where she worked for UNESCO. She explored her father’s homeland, immersed herself in its culture, and cherished time spent with her relatives.

When she returned to the United States, she eventually settled once more in her chosen home of Washington, D.C. She worked her way through sales and data analytics roles, ultimately finding her place at Amazon. To call her hard-working would only scratch the surface—Maki fought with tenacious fearlessness to overcome challenges and claim the life she deserved.

In 2023, she began a relationship with her fiancé, Kai. Their love was deep and steadfast. Together they created a home, with their two dogs Bechemel and Nala. Kai stood by her side through every moment, loving her fiercely and filling her final months with immense joy. His family embraced her with open hearts, and she returned that love fully.

Everything Maki did, she did with excellence. She thrived at one of the most academically challenging schools, where she played field hockey, learned French and Russian, and sharpened her golf game. She excelled in university, making the most of every opportunity. She worked to preserve heritage sites in Ethiopia, protecting the land and legacy of a culture and country she adored. In every workplace, she earned the respect of her colleagues and was often the smartest voice in the room.

Maki loved deeply. That love remains—the fire, the light, and the beacon that will guide all who knew her through the pain of losing her.

She is survived by her mother, Jill; her father, Yitbarek; her stepfather, Mike; her grandmother, Bonnie; her aunts and uncles; her fiancé, Kai; and countless others who loved her.