OUR team

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR,

INSTRUCTOR

 Dr. Amanuel Haile Asfaw, an Associate Professor at Saybrook University, is passionate about youth development, particularly in family relationships. With a focus on supporting Ethiopian-American youth, Dr. Asfaw has dedicated his career to empowering young people, helping them grow emotionally and personally through transformative experiences like AHA Youth Camp. 

PROGRAM  COORDINATOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

 Edom Kassaye is a Multimedia Designer specializing in Animation and Interactive Media. She holds a BFA in Animation & Visual Effects and an MFA in Dramatic Media. Her work addresses the misrepresentation and under representation of Ethiopia in mainstream media by creating content that both represents Ethiopia and inspires the next generation.  

INSTRUCTOR

Liqe Tiguhan Kesis TekleMariam Greene is a distinguished Ecumenical Ambassador and Evangelist of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, renowned for his dedication to both spiritual and humanitarian causes. His journey in religious service, education, and health administration spans 40 years, marked by numerous contributions to the growth and expansion of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, particularly within the Western Hemisphere and Caribbean regions. 

INSTRUCTOR

 Dn. Abel is a devoted deacon and community leader committed to fostering  positive change through mentorship and advocacy. He is passionate about  empowering youth, particularly Ethiopian American children, to navigate  their cultural heritage and strengthen their spiritual growth. Beyond  his community work, he is pursuing a PhD to advance his research in  Alzheimer’s disease and the Structural and Social Determinants of  Health.

INSTRUCTOR

 Yemisrach Bogale (Japi) is a Program Coordinator and Business Development Advisor with over eight years of experience in development organizations, startups, and academia, including Arizona State University. She holds degrees in Finance, Development Economics, and a Master’s in Social Work.  In 2017, she was named a Mandela Washington YALI Fellow. She is passionate about youth leadership, empowering the next generation of change-makers, and balancing motherhood. 

INSTRUCTOR

  Dn. Nahom is a dedicated deacon and preacher at Debre Birhan Kidist Selassie EOTC in Nashville, TN, where he is deeply committed to serving his community and nurturing spiritual growth. With a degree in Psychology, Dn. Nahom has a strong interest in the intersection of faith and mental health. In his free time, he enjoys writing poetry, playing football, and studying African history.