Firehiwot Ayalew
Board Member

I am a passionate entrepreneur, loving mom of two, and happily married woman who loves helping others and currently manages two businesses.

As a board member I contribute ideas, attend meetings, advocate for AJ vision and mission and let new people know about AJ and ways to support AJ.

I hold an LLB in Law and a degree in Accounting, and I have over 14 years of experience managing two businesses, bringing legal, financial, and entrepreneurial experiences to leadership and decision-making.

My favorite thing about AJ is it is homey environment it always feels like I am around a family than serious board meetings.

Having family time with my family, hiking, writing and of course having a great self care day.

Hiwet Alemayehu
Family Empowerment Program (FEP) Cashier

Hiwet Alemayehu is a dedicated and detail-oriented professional who joined Addis Jemari in May 2026 as the Cashier for the Family Empowerment Program (FEP). She brings valuable experience in accounting, logistics, and financial management, having previously worked as a Logistics Officer at Farid Industrial PLC and as a Junior Accountant at Tewlede Destan Contractor Office.

In her current role, Hiwet manages the financial transactions of the Family Empowerment Program, ensuring accurate cash handling, maintaining financial records, and supporting the efficient operation of program activities. Her work helps ensure that resources are managed responsibly and that beneficiaries receive timely and effective support.

Hiwet holds a diploma in accounting and is committed to using her financial skills to support Addis Jemari’s mission and strengthen the impact of the Family Empowerment Program.

One of the things Hiwet values most about working at Addis Jemari is the organization's commitment to serving communities in need and providing meaningful support to vulnerable families. She finds great fulfillment in contributing to work that creates positive and lasting change in people's lives.

Joined the Addis Jemari Team: 2026

Henok Degnet
Family Empowerment Program (FEP) Assistant

Henok Degnet is a dedicated and enthusiastic team member who joined Addis Jemari in August 2025. He began his journey with the organization as a Summer Camp Volunteer, serving for two months before transitioning into his current role as Family Empowerment Program (FEP) Assistant.

In his role, Henok provides vital support to the Family Empowerment Program by assisting teachers and social workers, managing and organizing program documentation, and helping coordinate special activities such as birthday celebrations and recognition events for FEP children. His contributions help create a positive and supportive environment for beneficiaries and ensure the smooth operation of program activities.

Henok holds a diploma in Hardware and Network Services and brings a strong spirit of service and teamwork to his work. He enjoys the variety of responsibilities his position offers and values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with children and families.

What Henok appreciates most about working at Addis Jemari is the opportunity to make a direct impact in the lives of beneficiaries. Whether playing football with children, supporting educational activities, assisting with case management, participating in home visits, or helping maintain the program environment, he finds fulfillment in serving others and contributing to the organization's mission.

Joined the Addis Jemari Team: 2025

Sheila Waldrop
Administrative and Operations Coordinator

Sheila feels blessed to be able to support Addis Jemari and its mission to empower Ethiopia’s organs, vulnerable children, and their families to end generational poverty.

Shortly after graduating from the University of Vermont, Sheila moved to North Carolina where she built her professional experience in the areas of accounting, human resources, recruiting, and real estate. Her background lends itself well to her versatile role in assisting the CEO with database reporting, data entry, program content editing, communications, and event planning.

Sheila lives in Raleigh where she shares her life with her husband and two children. She volunteers with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, and in her free time, enjoys gathering with her bookclub, playing mahjong, and hosting family game nights.

Solomon Woldegerima
Board Member and Deputy Chairperson 

Solomon is an experienced development practitioner specifically focusing on holistic youth empowerment and education. As Deputy Chair Person, he focuses on driving the strategic governance and execution of key initiatives within the organization and provide support to the AJ team when it is necessary.

He works closely with the Chairperson to ensure alignment between the board's vision and operational management, providing oversight on critical projects and policy development. His primary goal is to foster organizational growth and stability.

Solomon holds an MA in Educational Leadership and management  from Addis Ababa University and a Bachelor's degree in Education from Jimma University. His qualifications include over fifteen years of senior leadership experience in corporate governance and financial oversight.

His favorite aspect is the collective passion and commitment of the AJ to break the cycle of poverty through providing tools and skills. He deeply values the vision.

Solomon enjoys spending his free time with my family, reading books and engaging in spiritual activities, which he finds is the perfect way to clear my mind and maintain focus. 

Year Joined AJ: 2025

Cindy Douglass
Founder and Executive Director

Ethiopia has found a special place in Cindy’s heart that was developed through multiple mission trips working with the people in Addis Ababa. It was during one of these trips that Cindy met a group of amazing girls who shared a very similar life story as herself and where God begin to lay the plans for something great. After much prayer and complete obedience, Addis Jemari was established. It was then Cindy left her teaching community of fourteen years to pursue daily the call God had given her.

It is Cindy’s desire that she, along with other local community leaders in Addis Ababa, will walk alongside children and families, allowing them to understand there is purpose in their lives and that they are valuable and loved.

Cindy lives in Raleigh, NC, with her two boys when she is not away in Addis Ababa.

“Let us love one another, for love comes from God.” 1 John 4:7

Suzanne Ward
Founder and Chief Executive Officer

It was during a mission trip to Ethiopia in 2014 that Suzanne felt God calling her to help long-term in orphan care in Addis Ababa. She is truly humbled to be a part of Addis Jemari. God has already stretched her in ways she could not have imagined through her leadership role with Addis Jemari, and she is excited about the future of the organization.

Suzanne graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, with a concentration in Public Relations.

After working in both corporate and agency public relations roles, Suzanne transitioned to a consultant and freelance communications specialist in 2006, building a diverse portfolio of client work in the utilities sector, consulting for electric companies across North Carolina, as well as implementing communications projects for boutiques, restaurants, nonprofits, and other organizations.

Suzanne was born and raised in Raleigh, NC where she still lives with her husband, Wes, and two children, Taylor and Will.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11

Semere Fekadu (Sima)
Country Director

Semere was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As a founding member of Addis Jemari, he came to us with much experience as he had previously worked as a social worker, program director, and as part-time sociology instructor at several colleges. In those roles, he gained much knowledge in working with orphaned and vulnerable children, as well as working with their families. He oversaw and supervised many projects, out of which two are very similar to our vision and mission here at Addis Jemari.

Semere’s involvement in working with orphaned and vulnerable children and in family empowerment-related programs is not fortuitous but is because these issues are close to his heart. His previous experience will allow the added advantage of overseeing Addis Jemari in the best possible way and give great insight into allowing Addis Jemari’s success in meeting the needs of our program’s beneficiaries.

Semere holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Industrial Sociology from Addis Ababa University, and a BA degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Mizan-Tepi University, Ethiopia.

Semere is honored to be a founding member of the Addis Jemari team and is excited for the future of Addis Jemari as we seek to make a difference in the lives of those in our programs here in Ethiopia.

Joined AJ team: 2016

Leila Shikur
Family Empowerment Program Project and MHPSS Manager

Leila began her time with Addis Jemari back in Mach 2018 as a social worker. She was promoted to the Family Empowerment Program Coordinator for four years. After taking a brief leave of absence to work for and Organization named For Ethiopia, she rejoined the AJ Family as FEP Project and MHPSS Manager.

Leila holds a BA in Business Management, an MA in Natural Resource and Environmental Management, an MA in Counseling Psychology, and a PhD in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis on Clinical Psychology.

She enjoys everything about her work, including training mothers, listening to their problems, spending time with children, and engaging in activities that can change lives through counseling. Leila said, “It feels like serving a purpose rather than just having a job.”

Year Joined AJ:March 2018

Woyneshet Aregawi
AJ Home and Re-integration Program Coordinator

Drawing upon a rich background in social work and project coordination, Woyneshet Aregawi currently serves as the AJ home and Re-integration Program Coordinator at Addis Jemari. With an MA degree in Social Work from Addis Ababa University and a BA degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology from Mizan-Tepi University, she brings a blend of academic expertise and practical experience to her role.

Having previously worked as a Project Coordinator at Transparency Ethiopia and the Canadian Humanitarian Organization for International Relief, Woyneshet has honed her skills in gender inclusion, policy implementation, and community development. Her responsibilities have included coordinating workshops, developing work plans, and ensuring gender equality in project execution. Woyneshet has also provided technical advice on gender mainstreaming strategies and facilitated awareness creation training on topics such as child nutrition, gender-based violence, and HIV/AIDS.

Woyneshet manages the AJ home program, focusing on the five core values of education, discipleship, life skills, financial literacy, and community involvement. She oversees routine follow-up, counseling, and the progress of beneficiaries. The re-integration process is her favorite aspect, and Woyneshet is deeply passionate about her work with AJ and the children.

Fluent in Amharic, Tigregna, and English, she effectively engages with diverse stakeholders and communities. Beyond her professional endeavors, Woyneshet finds joy in spending quality time with family and children, embodying a commitment to holistic well-being and work-life balance.

Year Joined AJ: 2024

Zeleke Alemayehu (Fasil)
Liaison and Logistics Officer

Zeleke is a businessman who is always open to learning new things. 

At AJ, Zeleke has the role of supporting the performance of logistics, including coordinating vehicle usage and purchases of various products and services in Ethiopia. He has the duty of facilitating organizational tasks between the U.S & Ethiopia. 

Zeleke feels happy and blessed to be part of the AJ team. He likes everything that is being done at AJ.

Joined AJ team: 2017

Banchamlak Taye (Banchi)
Accountant

Banchi was born and raised in Gojam, north Ethiopia. She is proud of her parents who are farmers. In her spare time, Banchi enjoys cooking and listening to music.

Banchi manages accounting transactions in Ethiopia. She controls income and expenditures, administer payroll, and prepares all financial reports. She holds a Bachelor degree in Accounting and Finance from Debre Markos University. 

Banchi very much enjoys the AJ work environment and is grateful for the experience and development she is gaining.

Joined AJ team: 2019

Asrat Adugna
Education Coordinator

Asrat was born in Addis Ababa. She strongly believes in her uniqueness in this world and that there is no one else like her out there. Asrat had a very simple childhood with her only sibling who came after ten years she was born.

In her Education Coordinator position, Asrat is responsible for the education components of our AJ home and Family Empowerment Programs. She manages day-to-day program activities directly related to children’s education.

Asrat holds two BSC degrees: one in Physics from Arba Minch University and another in Software Engineering from Microlink Information Technology College. Currently, she is pursuing a second degree in Physics.

Asrat's favorite part of her job at AJ is to get to know children in our programs and helping them master the curriculum needed to be a successful student.

Joined AJ team: 2019

Kalkidan Fantahun
Counselor for AJ Home and FEP

Hermela Tsegaye
Senior Social Worker

Hermela is a dedicated and versatile recent graduate looking to make a difference in the lives of those who need assistance. In her Senior Social Worker position, Hermela is responsible for tutoring girls at the AJ Home and children in the Family Empowerment Program and the effective implementation of the overall education program.

Hermela holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB) and soon expects to receive a second bachelor’s degree in social work. She is passionate about AJ because it stands out among many nonprofits for its focus on a genuine desire to capacitate program beneficiaries and seek sustainable solutions to improving their lives.

In her spare time, Hermela enjoys taking long walks, reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends.

Joined AJ team: 2023

Bereket Haileselassie
Social Worker

Bereket joined AJ as a Social Worker in August 2025. He holds a degree in Social Work and brings work experience in this area, primarily supporting youth and mothers. In his role, Bereket provides guidance, resources, and advocacy to help individuals and families enhance their well-being. He also assists in planning, coordinating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating cases in collaboration with the senior social worker and project manager.

Outside of work, Bereket enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, playing basketball, and traveling.

What he appreciates most about AJ is being part of a dedicated team that is committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives—along with the enjoyable lunchtime conversations he gets to share with the staff.

Joined AJ: August 2025

Helen Gilla
Assistant Tutoring Coordinator

Helen joined AJ in June 2025, bringing over seventeen years of teaching experience.She previously worked as a tutor for more than eight years at the Canadian Humanitarian Association.

As the Assistant Tutoring Coordinator, she supports the tutoring program and help facilitate student learning.

She holds a second degree in Geography and Environmental Science from Kotebe Metropolitan University. Additionally, she has completed various short training courses related to student characteristics and gender equity training. She also has an international certificate from Rejoice Africa, having conducted a sixteen-hour training on mentorship and counseling.

What Helen loves most about working for AJ is being part of a dedicated team that strives to make a positive difference in people’s lives. She also enjoy the engaging lunchtime conversations she shares with the staff.

In her free time, she loves planting different flowers and swimming. Teaching is her passion, and she spends her time reading various materials and searching for educational videos using different applications.

Year Joined AJ: June 2025

Semenesh G/tsadik
Mission Teams Coordinator

Semenesh serves as the Mission Team Coordinator at Addis Jemari, where she supports the planning and coordination of mission teams and helps ensure a smooth and meaningful experience for all participants.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing Management and has a strong passion for people-centered work and community impact.

Having personally benefited from the support connected to Addis Jemari’s work, this role is deeply meaningful to her. It gives Semenesh the opportunity to give back to those who supported her and her community, and to be part of creating a positive impact in the lives of others.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and focusing on personal and spiritual growth.

Joined Addis Jemari:2026

Elsabet Tulu (Elsa)
Housemother for AJ Home

Elisa came to Addis Jemari as one of our loving housemothers after working for an NGO that helps HIV-positive children. Currently, she lives in a big family of twelve, including her parents and nine siblings. Elsa says working at Addis Jemari is different than anything she has ever done before. 

As a housemother, Elsa plays a vital role in the AJ home. She is responsible for making sure housekeeping is maintained and sanitation requirements are met. Most importantly, Elsa ensures the home environment is orderly, loving, safe, and warm. She also oversees that our program beneficiaries in the AJ Home do their homework and follow house rules.

Elsa loves her job and spending time with the AJ girls. Her favorite thing to do with AJ girls is the weekly Bible Study.

Joined AJ team: 2019

Kuribachew Esayas (Kuri)
Housemother for AJ Home

Kuri comes from a large family with six brothers and four sisters. She lived in Addis Ababa since she was five, and is now married. Kuri says coming to work feels like coming home to a family and she enjoys the love and openness shared in AJ home. 

As a housemother, Kuri plays a vital role in the AJ home. She is responsible for making sure housekeeping is maintained and sanitation requirements are met. Most importantly, Kuri ensures the home environment is orderly, loving, safe, and warm. She also oversees that our program beneficiaries in the AJ Home do their homework and follow house rules.

Kuri loves every part of her job but treasures most the ability to be a mother figure to the AJ girls.

Joined AJ team: 2019

Meseret Tamene (Messi)
House Cook for AJ Home

Messi plays the vital role of preparing food for program beneficiaries at the AJ Home. She ensures our girls and other staff members have three healthy, balanced, and nutritious meals each day. Her job requires her to stay on budget with her shopping and to maintain the cleanliness of the food being served. Messi also takes the time to teach our girls how to cook staple Ethiopian foods, how to prepare for holiday celebrations, and the importance of meal planning. Messi is vital in teaching our AJ girls one of our core values, life skills that will set them up for success later in life.

Messi loves every aspect of her life and works at AJ. She enjoys not just the day-to-day duties she performs, but also the special moments she spends with AJ girls, the things she gets to teach them, and most importantly, being a mother figure for the girls.

Joined AJ team: 2016

Habitamu Niguse
FEP English Tutor 

Habitamu is an English teacher at one of the nearby comprehesive secondary schools to our FEP Center. He resides in Addis Ababa and very much enjoys studying and writing new materials. Habitamu is a qualified educator with a Master’s degree in English. He really enjoys the love and community aspect of our program and is currently using his tutoring skills to serve the children in our Family Empowerment Program. Joined AJ team: 2022

Yabsira Alemayehu Tadesse
FEP Computer Instructor

Yabsira is a Computer Instructor in AJ’s Family Empowerment Program (FEP). He is so
passionate about introducing children to the exciting world of technology. Currently, he teaches FEP children general knowledge and skills on computers.

Yabsira came to us with two years of experience in computer training and maintenance and a one-year experience working as a personal development trainer. He holds certificates in information technology from Addis Ababa Science and Technology University and in Office
Machine Maintenance from Satcom.

Yabsira was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His favorite part of working at AJ is
getting to know the children and having the opportunity to teach them about technology, life skills, and personal development.

Joined AJ team: 2022

Meron Tilahun
FEP KG Tutor

Tsigereda Shitaye (Tsige)
Discipleship Leader for AJ Home

Tsige, our discipleship leader in our AJ home was born in Addis Ababa. She spent three years in Lebanon, Beirut working to provide for herself. Tsige is a single mother and raised her daughter by herself. Her daughter is currently in grade 12 and is expecting to join university next year. 

Tsige had worked in many different settings and recently closes her guesthouse where she used to host many people coming to Ethiopia to serve. She has her own ministry where she loves big in her community by providing for single and widowed women. 

Tsige’s heart is to make Jesus known and her desire is to see our AJ girls and staff discipled in that manner.

Joined AJ team: 2017

Michael Abera (Micki)
Driver

Michael is married and is a father of two children. He is proud of being part of the AJ Family. His background in auto mechanics, acquired from Technical School, has equipped him well for his current role as a driver. Michael’s heart lies in transporting children to and from the Family Empowerment Center, a task he cherishes deeply. Micheal grew up in Addis Ababa and knows the in and out of the city. In his spare time, he loves going to the forest and enjoying its quietness. He also loves reading books. Joined AJ team: 2023.

Adanech Merine
Cook and Cleaner Manager, FEP

Adanech is a single mom with three children. She was a beneficiary in AJ’s Family Empowerment Program in our first cycle of FEP families. She is a very determined and strong woman.

Adanech loves her job, and she is very good at it. She learned how to read and write at Addis Jemari while she was a program beneficiary. She continues to learn and expand her knowledge every day as she manages the kitchen at the FEP Center.

Adanech likes spending time with the children in the Family Empowerment Program and taking care of them.

Joined AJ team: 2022

Menalu Abebe
Cook and Cleaner, FEP

Menalu is one of the beneficiary mothers in our Family Empowerment Program (FEP). She is a reserved person who very much likes to spend her focus and energy on work and taking care of her family.

Menalu attended school up to 3rd grade. At AJ, she is responsible for preparing nutritious meals for FEP children and keeping the FEP Center and offices clean. She is happy to be able to work with various mothers in the Family Empowerment Program.

Joined AJ team: 2023

Amare Tadesse
FEP Guard

Amare is from Gojam, north Ethiopia. He grew there with his siblings until he moved to Addis Ababa.

Amare is responsible in keeping the safety, cleanliness and beauty of the FEP compound. He also assists program beneficiaries whenever they come for services at the Center.

Amare says coming to work is like coming to his family. He loves his job and he is happy to be part of the work being done.

Joined AJ team: 2019

Esikeziyaw Mosu (Solomon)
FEP Guard

Esikeziyaw is married and has four children. Before coming to Addis Ababa, he attended up to 6th grade in school and was then working as a farmer.

Esikeziyaw is one of our Family Empowerment Center guards. He is responsible for keeping the safety, cleanliness, and beauty of the FEP compound. He also assists program beneficiaries whenever they come for services at the Center.

Esikeziyaw loves his job very much and is happy to be part of AJ’s work.

Joined AJ team: 2022

Mohammed Oumer
AJ Home Guard

Keeping the AJ girls and the family secured is the major responsibility of Mohammed. He always makes sure no stranger enters the compound and takes care of the garden and the overall cleanliness of the compound.

Mohammed is a sixth grade complete. One of the things he very much enjoys doing in his free time is play and chat with his extended family members.  He loves the family environment at AJ home which makes him enjoy every piece of his work at AJ.

Joined AJ team: 2022

Kefelgn Mulatu
AJ Home Guard

Kefelgn attended school up to 4th grade. He is a very active person and hates sitting idle. He has a skill in sewing clothes, and in his spare time, he loves sewing clothes. He also enjoys reading books particularly the Holy Bible.

Kefelgn is responsible for securing the AJ Home and ensuring no stranger enters the compound. He takes care of the garden and the overall cleanliness of the AJ Home compound.

At AJ, Kefelgn enjoys the family environment and the manner the staff respects each other. He is grateful that all staff respect him like a father.

Joined AJ team: 2023

Emil LaCivita
Board President 

When Emil traveled on a mission trip to Ethiopia with AJ in 2020, he was touched by the people he met, their passion for helping those that needed it most, and the dedication of the AJ leadership team. He knew that he wanted to help this team achieve success in their incredible mission. Emil is committed to supporting the girls at the AJ home and the Family Empowerment Program families so that they have the best possible opportunities to learn, grow, flourish, and create a community of hope and success. He is honored to join the AJ Board and excited about helping! Emil earned his B.S. degree at The University of Maryland, and M.B.A. at The George Washington University. After school, he enjoyed a 30-year career as a high-performing sales professional, distinguished executive salesperson, coach, sales communication content author, and expert on optimizing sales productivity and performance. As a retired executive, Emil now spends his time running two businesses he is passionate about – a sales consulting practice and a band “Love Tribe” that has enjoyed great regional success for over 11 years. Originally from the Washington, D.C. suburb of Maryland, Emil, and his wife Nancy, of 33 years, moved to Raleigh, North Carolina in 1992, where they currently reside. Emil and Nancy have three grown boys: Taylor, Spencer, and Kyle.

Andrea Hounshell
Board Member

Andrea has had a heart for missions since she became a youth group leader and went on her first mission trip in 2009. Since then, Andrea has been on nine mission trips with the last one being in January of 2020 to Ethiopia with Addis Jemari. She has been involved with AJ in some capacity for about 3 years and is excited for the opportunity to become involved on a deeper level. Originally from Lexington KY, Andrea graduated with a degree in Advertising from the University of KY and worked at an ad agency in Cincinnati OH for 10 years before moving to Raleigh in 1998. After taking some time off to stay home with her kids, she has been a realtor serving the Triangle area since 2012. Andrea is a partner at Grace Raleigh where she has served in many different capacities and is currently serving on the mission committee. She and her husband Rob have 3 grown children: Kelsey, Jake & Benton.

Karen Latta
Board Member

Karen is humbled and honored to have been asked to serve on the Addis Jemari board of directors. She said, “I deeply believe in the vision of AJ and I look forward to seeing how God will use me in this role. My constant prayer is that I will be able to make a difference in the lives of others.” Karen is actively involved at her church, Grace Raleigh, where she serves on the missions committee. She also serves on the board of directors for two other mission-based non-profit organizations, Acts of Grace and Faith Ministry. She has been blessed to have participated in and led many mission trips within the US, Mexico, and most recently Ethiopia. These trips and the beautiful people she has met on them have truly changed her life. Karen was born and raised in Bristol, Tennessee. Karin graduated from ETSU with a BS in Elementary Education and loved teaching Kindergarten and first grade before moving to Raleigh in 1994. She and her husband, Chris have three adult children. Karen works as a part-time marketing director for her husband who owns and operates two Chick-fil-A locations.

Serve one another in love. – Galatians 5:13

Yolanda Castillo
Board Member

Yolanda is a true believer that inner happiness is achieved by doing good for others. Yolanda says, “When a child is born into poverty, she has little to no control over her destiny, her health, her education, cheated out of childhood.” She is happy to become part of the call to provide a safe loving home and empower children and their communities to thrive and break the cycle of generational poverty. Yolanda holds a BS in Business Administration and a BA degree in Global Studies from the Ibero-American University in Mexico City. Over the last 20 years, she has held multiple marketing roles in B2B, B2C, and NGO organizations, primarily focusing on integrated brand awareness and lead generation marketing campaigns, event coordination, and digital marketing. She feels extremely humbled having the opportunity to work alongside a group of smart and kind people to elevate awareness of AJ's mission. Yolanda lives in Raleigh with her husband Frank and their three children, Nicole, Jessica, and Javier.

Heidi Mulford
Board Member

Heidi’s connection with Addis Jemari (AJ) began in 2018, introduced by her best friend at an AJ Marketplace event. Her first trip to Ethiopia in 2022 was transformative, deepening her commitment to AJ’s mission. Witnessing firsthand how AJ changes the lives of vulnerable children and families has fueled her passion to support the organization by serving on the board. Heidi is a firm believer in the unique, personalized care that Addis Jemari provides to everyone involved in their programs. She views AJ’s initiatives to educate, empower, and enrich lives as a true embodiment of being the hands and feet of Jesus. Originally from the Chicago area, Heidi has called Greenville, SC home since 2001. She holds a degree in English from Bob Jones University and has built a career in communications, human resources, and event management within the healthcare and custom integration industries. An active member of Greenville Community Church, Heidi leads a disciple group, continuing her commitment to community and service.

Amy Penner
Board Member

Amy was first introduced to Addis Jemari by Cindy Douglas during their time serving together in the Women Equipping Women Discipleship Ministry at Richland Creek Community Church. Her initial experience with Cindy involved sharing the gospel in local neighborhoods, and she was immediately impressed by Cindy’s passion and effectiveness. It’s no surprise to Amy that Cindy is now making a significant impact with Addis Jemari as the Executive Director and Co-founder. Amy’s passion for helping children, especially those in poverty, was ignited by Cindy’s dedication and the mission of supporting vulnerable orphans in Ethiopia. By profession, Amy is a full-time real estate broker and leads a small team of agents. She finds joy in her career and appreciates that her work enables her to support various non-profits like Addis Jemari that are close to her heart. At Richland Creek Community Church, Amy is actively involved in leading a Bible study, serving in the nursery, and mentoring high school girls. She also serves as the board secretary for the Triangle Penn State Alumni Association and acts as a church liaison with Human Coalition. Amy has been a major donor and supporter of Addis Jemari since its founding, and AJ is so grateful that she now joins the Board of Directors. Amy has been married since 2011 and lives with her husband and two boys, who keep their lives busy with their sports activities. In her spare time, Amy enjoys traveling, reading historical non-fiction books, watching football, cheering on her boys at baseball games, and enjoying lazy days with her family.

Adam Getz
Board Member

With a deep passion for philanthropy and over 25 years of managing client and partner relationships, Adam brings a unique blend of strategic insight and commitment to giving back to the community.  His extensive career has equipped him with a proven track record of driving growth and delivering value that will help support Addis Jemari’s growth for years to come.  He’s excited about the opportunity to support the families of Addis Jemari and eventually meet everyone in person on a future trip to Ethiopia!   Originally born and raised in Maryland, Adam moved south and earned his B.S. degree at North Carolina State University (Go Pack!).  After graduation, he began his project management career working closely with Fortune 500 companies in various consulting and management roles primarily focused on product and software development.    Adam is extremely excited to start his board assignment with an active charge to build awareness and sustainable growth for Addis Jemari.   Adam lives in Raleigh with his wife Leanne and their three children Caleb, Davis and Ella.

Solomon Woldegerima
Board Member and Deputy Chairperson 

Solomon is an experienced development practitioner specifically focusing on holistic youth empowerment and education. As Deputy Chair Person, he focuses on driving the strategic governance and execution of key initiatives within the organization and provide support to the AJ team when it is necessary.

He works closely with the Chairperson to ensure alignment between the board's vision and operational management, providing oversight on critical projects and policy development. His primary goal is to foster organizational growth and stability.

Solomon holds anMA in Educational Leadership and management from Addis Ababa University and a Bachelor's degree in Education from Jimma University. His qualifications include over fifteen years of senior leadership experience in corporate governance and financial oversight.

His favorite aspect is the collective passion and commitment of the AJ to break the cycle of poverty through providing tools and skills. He deeply values the vision.

Solomon enjoys spending his free time with my family, reading books and engaging in spiritual activities, which he finds is the perfect way to clear my mind and maintain focus. 

Year Joined AJ: 2025

Yisahak Desalegn
Founder & Board Member

Yisahak is a member of our Ethiopian board. He was born in Debra- Zeit (Bishoftu), located in the southeast of Ethiopia. He is the only child in his family and loved growing up with his mom. Yisahak attended Bishoftu BTVET College and upon his graduation has worked in many areas in Ethiopia as a Pastry Chef. He is happy to be a part of the AJ family and looks forward to investing and serving the many families at Addis Jemari.

Jilalo Chebsa
Board Member

Jilalo Chebsa is the vice-chair of our board in Ethiopia. He was born in Jimma, located in the Southwest of Ethiopia, and has been married for nine years. He is the father of three handsome boys and currently speaks five languages.

Jilalo attended Jimma Teaching College and upon his graduation taught for a couple of years in the Jimma area. He went on to travel and work for twelve years in the United Arab Emirates. Upon returning to Ethiopia, he now owns his own touring business, which allows him to travel his country.

Board Member

Abenezer Gebisa
Board Member

Abenezer is a passion-driven development expert with 12 years of experience in non-profit administration, project management, and social work. He has rich experience working in non-governmental organizations (as they are called in Ethiopia) and has worked both at local and international organizations. Working towards a better future for children and impoverished families has been his lifelong personal and professional mission.

Abenezer has a Master’s degree in Social work (MSW) from Addis Ababa University and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Social work from Jimma University, Ethiopia. Working with children and their families at a grassroots level to end generational poverty is Abenezer’s core motivation to join AJ. He also loves the strong family sense among the AJ team.

In his spare time, Abebezer enjoys reading books and loves to connect with nature through hiking. He also very much enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Board Member