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 husband Drew and their 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 Shoaf Ward
Founder and Chief Operating 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
Program Director

Semere was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He comes to us with much experience as he has previously worked as a social worker, program director, and as part-time Sociology instructor at several colleges. In those roles, he has 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 part of the Addis Jemari team and is excited for the future as we seek to make a difference in the lives of those in our programs here in Ethiopia.

Joined AJ team: 2016

Sophia Chanyalew Kassa
Program Specialist

Sophia is a Childhood Sociologist passionate about development work with children. She has more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit program development in Ethiopia.

As a Program Specialist, she works as a subject-matter expert in helping develop, coordinate, implement, fund, and monitor programs in Ethiopia from the U.S. As a Grant Writer, Sophia coordinates all aspects of the grants management process, including researching, writing, and submitting grant proposals, tracking the progress of applications, and managing grant schedules.

Sophia holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree in Childhood Studies from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.

Sophia’s favorite thing about working at AJ is getting to work with an organization that does meaningful work for children and families with a genuine effort to bring positive changes in their lives.

Joined AJ team: 2017

Ashley’s heart for children and the hope of changing a community one life at a time is what drew her to AJ! She is excited to be able to use her gifts to serve Addis Jemari in different capacities.

Ashley was raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and moved to Raleigh while attending Meredith College. After leaving for a brief stint to do Youth and Young Adult Ministry near Detroit, Michigan she returned to Raleigh to serve eighteen years in full-time Children’s Ministry. She currently runs Ashley Henderson Photography.

Ashley and her husband, Jerald, have two teenage daughters, Kennedy and Ryen.
In her downtime, Ashley likes to travel, shop, cook, and create special memories for those around her.

Laura Kilcrease
Social Media Coordinator

Laura has always had a desire to get into the missions field to experience God’s love in a whole new light, and Addis Jemari has provided that opportunity for her. Laura is extremely grateful for the fantastic family God has blessed her with, and she is honored to now support an organization that is all about keeping families together. She currently serves as Addis Jemari’s Social Media Coordinator.

Laura graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in Psychology.

Laura lives in Raleigh, NC. Her job with IBM is what initially brought her from Atlanta, GA. She enjoys mountain biking, yoga, spending time with her three children, Jacob, Carley, and Max, and slowing down whenever possible to enjoy this wonderful life she’s been blessed with.

Leila Shikur
Family Empowerment Program Coordinator

Leila was born in Nazareth, which is south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She is responsible for the day-to-day program activities of our Family Empowerment Program that addresses multi-dimensional problems faced by children of impoverished families. Leila believes that Addis Jemari helps contribute to the improvement of the community and she is glad to be part of the AJ family.

Leila holds two Master’s degrees: Counselling from Grace College and Geography and Environmental Study from Addis Ababa University. She obtained her BA degree in Business Management. 

Leila enjoys helping others and seeing them rise to their potential. She is very happy to have the opportunity to serve as a coordinator of our Family Empowerment Program.

Joined AJ team: 2018

Temesgen Zemene (Ababa)
Guard for AJ Home

Temesgen goes by the name “Ababa” at the AJ home, which means “father” in Amharic. He is a father of six and a grandfather of a beautiful baby girl. Born in the rural Wolo region of Ethiopia, Ababa was once a strong and hardworking farmer. He now is responsible for the safety and security of Addis Jemari.

Ababa keeps the AJ home secure by overseeing and caring for the property, the garden, and “Lucky,” the AJ family dog. He manages in-gate and out-gate movements of program beneficiaries and staff and guests and ensures the home and properties inside are well guarded. He also beautifully lives his role as the father figure of this home.

Joined AJ team: 2016

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

Tara Owens Shuler
Board President

When asked why she said yes to being a new AJ board member, Tara said, “As a public health educator, I joined the Addis Jemari Board because their mission and vision align with the core principles of public health. In 2017, I traveled with Addis Jemari to serve in Ethiopia and I witnessed Addis Jemari investing in the Ethiopian workforce and economy, as well as implementing a program that has population health implications for generations to come by providing access to education; development of life skills, financial management, and social skills for young girls.”

Tara is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. She currently works in the Public Health field and has focused the majority of her 23-year career working with maternal and child health programs. Tara is a Lamaze certified childbirth educator and has taught classes at Rex Healthcare on a part-time basis for the past 20 years. As a Lamaze teacher and trainer, she has used her passion to train nurses and NGO workers in Nairobi, Kenya, and Kuwait City, Kuwait.

Tara lives in Creedmoor, NC with her husband, Barton. She is a member of The Summit Church.

When not working or teaching, Tara enjoys reading, gardening, and traveling with her husband.

Emil LaCivita
Board Secretary

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.

Clark Rinehart
Board Member

Clark joined the Addis Jemari board because he’s always believed that his greatest responsibility, while he has breath in his lungs, is to invest in people with his time and resources. Clark believes AJ is exactly the kind of organization that invests, in a robust way, in the next generation of leaders, educators, and businesswomen in Ethiopia.

Most importantly, Clark loves the core of what drives AJ. He is honored to be on AJ’s board and looks forward to sharing more and more stories of lives that are changed because of the good work that community of supporters/friends/staff will be engaged in over the next few years.

Clark graduated from the University of Miami (GO ‘CANES!) in 2009 with a BS in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Economics. After undergrad, he made a bit of a vocational pivot and enrolled in Duke Divinity School’s Master of Divinity program (MDiv ’12). Since Clark’s time in seminary, he served Grace Community Church in North Raleigh (now called Grace Raleigh) in a number of different capacities and was ordained in June 2014.

At his core, Clark is a dreamer, an encourager, and a collaborator. Now, as the Director of Community of Loading Dock Raleigh—a co-working and collaborative space—Clark’s passion centers on people and making social impact-focused connections within the greater community in the Triangle (both in the non-profit and for-profits spaces).

Clark is originally from Miami, Florida.

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

Michael Resar (Mikey)
Board Member

Mikey is honored and blessed to be part of the AJ Board of Directors, after partnering with AJ for the last few years that allowed his family to help empower young girls.
Mikey has 16 years of experience in the real estate industry.

In explaining why he became AJ board member, Mikey said, “Growing up in the church and going on mission trips have always been a part of my life. Having the experience of showing God’s love through helping others is an experience like no other. Raising three girls, I want to pass along that love of helping and empowering others through God’s grace.”

Mikey grew up in the Raleigh area. He has been married for 15 years to his wife, Susan and they have three wonderful girls.

Karen Timmeny
Board Member & Finance Chair

It is only through the Grace of God that all circumstances came to pass!

Karen moved in across the street from Suzanne Ward, one of the founders of AJ, in August of 2011. Over time, Karen watched Suzanne and AJ co-founder Cindy be moved by God to start Addis Jemari. In 2018 Suzanne and Cindy asked Karen to write the Financial Literacy program that is now taught to the girls and mothers at the AJ Home and FEP families.

Karen earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work and has a passion for helping people. She is currently a Director of Customer Strategy for a Start-Up in Boston, MA that helps companies and organizations teach employees the skills and competencies of resilience.

Originally from Connecticut, Karen and her family relocated to Raleigh, NC in 2006. Karen and her husband, Bill has been married for 17 years. They have two awesome kids, Amelia, and Will.

When Karen is not working to help people be more resilient, less stressed, and happier, or spending time with Bill, Amelia, and Will, she is most likely working on her yoga game, listening to a podcast, or trying to perfect her cooking skills.

Jilalo Chebsa
Chairperson

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.

Fekadu Fereje
Vice Chair

Fekadu is the chairperson for our Ethiopia in-country board. He was born in Southwest Ethiopia in 1951 and has been married for 37 years. He is the father of five children.
Fekadu attended Debre- Birhan Teaching College and upon his graduation taught history for ten years in many parts of Ethiopia. Following his teaching career, he worked for 16 years in Hitsanat Amba as a Personnel and Finance Manager. Hitsanat Amba was a village near Ziway established to accommodate and provide help and support for orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) who had lost their parents due to Civil War in the country. He went on to manage a private firm for many years and upon his retirement still consults on a part-time basis.

Fekadu is happy to bring his many years of knowledge and experience to helping serve those at Addis Jemari.

Aboneh W/mariam
Board Secretary

Aboneh is our Ethiopian board secretary. He is married and lives in Addis Ababa. He attended Arba Minch University and earned a BA in Economics. Upon his graduation, he worked for three years for the Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority and currently works for Bunna International Bank S.C.

Aboneh is happy to be a part of the AJ family, bringing his talents and skills to helping Addis Jemari in Ethiopia.

Worku Gebre
Board Member

Worku is a board member in Ethiopia. He was born and raised in Addis Ababa. He is the fifth of six siblings and loved growing up with his family in the city of Addis.

Worku attended Entoto Technical College and graduated with distinction. He currently owns his own rental car business and really likes meeting new people and showing them the beauty of Ethiopia.

In his spare time, Worku enjoys soccer and series films.

Yisahak Desalegn
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.

Abel Atle Mekonnen
FEP Social Worker

Abel is a young person born and raised in Ethiopia. He has seven years of work experience as a social worker. Abel is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those in his community. He is excited about his current position. He says it is allowing him many opportunities of supporting vulnerable children and families in his community. 

Abel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Adama Science and Technology University, Ethiopia.

Abel’s favorite thing at AJ is working with children and families. He enjoys getting to know them each and applying well-rounded problem-solving skills to support them.  

Joined AJ team: 2019

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

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

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

Betselot Yitagesu
FEP Social Worker

Betselot was born and raised in Addis Ababa. She now lives with her husband and her two-year-old baby boy. Betselot has the passion to help children and families and solve their problems. Before joining Addis Jemari, she worked as a volunteer in a few NGOs that serve children.

Betselot is a qualified social worker with a Bachelor’s degree from Addis Ababa University. She is excited to join Addis Jemari and use her skills to serve children and families.

Joined AJ team: 2021

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

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

Woinshet Mekuria (Weyni)
AJ Home Program Coordinator

Weyni’s true passion is helping others and advocating for the underprivileged in her community. She is happy to have the unique privilege of working one on one with the AJ girls, as well as overseeing and managing all components of the AJ home program. 

Weyni holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Anthropology from Bahir Dar University. Her professional accomplishments include teaching teenagers and young adults to view themselves as capable and complete individuals and to lead a healthy life. During her five years of professional experience, Weyni received the ‘Worker of the Year’ award from her previous organization. 

Weyni’s favorite thing at AJ is empowering young girls and working with them to bring a difference in their lives.

Joined AJ team: 2020

Shimelis Mekonnen
Tutor

Shimelis came to Addis Ababa from the countryside and grew in an area called Kore. He enjoys working with disadvantaged children and runs a program called Source of Hope to support disadvantaged children in his community.

Shimelis works with students in our Family Empowerment Program. He supports students to learn English and apply it in their classroom and everyday life. Outside of AJ, Shimelis teaches sign language and other classes at a local school for children born with hearing impairments. 

Shimelis holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Addis Ababa University.

Teaching and counseling students are Shimelis’ favorite things to do at AJ.

Joined AJ team: 2021

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