Empress El ni of Ethiopia was born a noblewoman in Hadiya. In 1445, El ni became the wife of Emperor Zara Yaqob. El ni guided the reign of her husband and four other emperors and fearlessly challenged the leading role men played in society as an empress, queen mother, and regent. Empress El ni was an author, diplomat, and leader who cared deeply about her subjects. Empress El ni remained active at the Ethiopian court until her eighties. Empress El ni's story will inspire girls and women everywhere to rise above difficult circumstances and fulfill their destinies.