**Remember the Girl Angelina Jolie Adopted 17 Years Ago? Here’s Zahara Jolie-Pitt’s Inspiring Life Story**

Seventeen years ago, a seven-month-old baby girl from an Ethiopian orphanage captured the heart of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Today, Zahara Jolie-Pitt is an inspiring young woman whose journey from hardship to hope has stunned and moved fans worldwide.

**From Orphanage to Opportunity**

Born in Ethiopia, Zahara’s early life was marked by struggle. Severely malnourished, she was raised for her first few months by her grandmother, Alma, in a crumbling one-room home. With only $9 a month to survive, Alma made the heartbreaking decision to place Zahara in an orphanage, hoping she would find a better life.

Enter Angelina Jolie, already known for her humanitarian efforts and as an adoptive mother to Maddox from Cambodia. During a mission to Ethiopia, Jolie met Zahara and was deeply moved by the baby’s condition and expressive eyes. Jolie began the adoption process, unaware that Zahara’s biological mother, Menawab Dawit, was still alive but unable to care for her due to tragic circumstances.

**A New Life in the Spotlight**

After her adoption, Zahara was brought to the U.S. by Jolie and, soon after, Brad Pitt. She became part of a growing, multicultural family and was raised in a world of privilege, education, and love. Despite the fairy-tale headlines, Zahara’s life was not without challenges. Media scrutiny was relentless, and her adoption story was complicated by later revelations about her biological mother.

Angelina Jolie made it a priority to keep Zahara connected to her Ethiopian roots. In 2009, mother and daughter traveled back to Ethiopia, not only to honor Zahara’s heritage but also to support local causes, including the establishment of a medical clinic in Zahara’s name.

**Growing Up Jolie-Pitt**

Zahara’s childhood was global and extraordinary. She traveled the world, attended red carpets, and experienced cultures far beyond what most children ever see. She developed a close bond with her siblings—biological and adopted—and with her parents, especially her mother.

As she grew older, Zahara began to find her own voice and interests. She explored acting, voicing a character in *Kung Fu Panda 3*, and made cameo appearances in films. In 2019, she launched the Zahara Collection, a fine jewelry line that supported charitable causes, reflecting the philanthropic spirit of her family.

**Strength Through Change**

The Jolie-Pitt divorce in 2019 marked a period of transition for Zahara. Amidst legal battles and media attention, she displayed remarkable grace and resilience. She remained close with her siblings, particularly her sister Shiloh, and continued to support her mother’s humanitarian work.

**Stepping Into Her Own**

In 2021, Zahara made headlines again when she wore her mother’s vintage Elie Saab gown to the premiere of *Eternals*, symbolizing both legacy and individuality. That same year, she began attending Spelman College, a prestigious historically Black women’s college in Atlanta, with both parents expressing immense pride.

Zahara has also stepped into advocacy, joining her mother in Washington, D.C., to champion victims’ rights. Now 18, Zahara Jolie-Pitt stands as a symbol of transformation, compassion, and strength—proof that love, opportunity, and resilience can change the course of a life forever.