Zemi Yenus

Zemi Yenus (; 1960–2021) was an Ethiopian businesswoman and activist for children with autism. After her son was diagnosed with autism, she established Joy Center, a school for autistic children in Addis Ababa. Through her foundation, she advocated for autism awareness. She was also a beautician and founded the Niana School of Beauty.

Early life and emigration Zemi Yenus was born 1960 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Yenus immigrated to the United States around 1982 and finished a course in cosmetology. She worked as a beautician in Beverly Hills and Hollywood before establishing her own beauty salon in Los Angeles.

Yenus also championed the issue of autism in Ethiopia, where it was formerly considered a taboo subject. She appeared regularly on television and hosted a daily radio show called Yagebangal.

Yenus’s Death Yenus died on 11 May 2021, due to complications from COVID-19. Prior to her death, she spent weeks in intensive care. Ethiopian Minister of Health Lia Tadesse was among those to offer condolences, saying that she was "deeply shocked and devastated".