Celebrating Empowerment: EEWSO at the Women’s Lead Expo
On a rainy Sunday, March 16th, Ethiopians gathered at Veteran’s Place in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, for the much-anticipated Women’s Lead Expo. Hosted by the Ethio-American Chamber of Commerce and Haney Events, the event attracted a large turnout with numerous companies stepping up as sponsors and participants. It was a vibrant networking opportunity that brought women from all walks of life—technology, business, non-profits, and beyond—together under one roof.
A Day of Networking, Collaboration, and Inspiration
At the heart of this dynamic gathering was a powerful sense of community. The expo featured numerous vendors, each offering goods, services, and innovative ideas to support and uplift others. It was a space where hardworking individuals—both men and women—took the opportunity to showcase their work, share their passions, and offer their talents.
Among the many vibrant tables, the Ethio-Eritrean Women’s Support Organization (EEWSO) had its own dedicated spot, introducing the work we’re doing to the visitors and fellow vendors. It was a beautiful moment to connect with familiar faces, speak the same language, and engage in meaningful conversations with countrywomen and other participants who shared our mission of empowerment and support.
Building Connections and Growing Together
Throughout the day, people from different backgrounds came to the EEWSO table, eager to learn more about our organization and what we offer. Our dedicated team of women vendors engaged with other tables, exchanging ideas and initiating fruitful conversations. Many were curious about our current projects and future plans. The interactions were overwhelmingly positive, and we were approached by individuals interested in collaborating with us to offer training, share program time slots, and work together to further our mission.
In the spirit of Women’s Month, the expo truly celebrated women—highlighting their strength, achievements, and shared experiences. For EEWSO, it was a great opportunity to showcase how we’re supporting Ethiopian and Eritrean women in the U.S. while connecting with others in the community who share similar goals.
Empowering Women through Networking and Partnerships
The event served as an excellent platform for women entrepreneurs and professionals to network, learn, and grow. It wasn’t just about sharing goods and services; it was about creating partnerships that can make a long-lasting impact. By fostering an environment of mutual support and encouragement, the expo empowered participants to take the next step in their personal and professional journeys.
As the day transitioned into the evening, the program took a more reflective turn with a highly organized session of panel discussions, cultural showcases, and award ceremonies. Distinguished guests, delegates, and representatives gathered to celebrate the women who are making significant strides in their fields.
Celebrating Women Leaders
One of the evening’s highlights was the award presented to Helen Mesfin for her outstanding contributions to the Ethiopian community in the United States. Helen has created a platform for women to express themselves and share their voices, positively shaping the dialogue within the community. In her acceptance speech, she encouraged the women in attendance to “rise, connect, and thrive.” She emphasized the power of connectedness and the strength that comes from uplifting each other.
Following Helen’s award, a panel discussion with three incredible women—Helen Hadush (entrepreneur), Rebkha Atnafou (CEO of RDA Africa), and Wayna (Grammy-nominated singer)—was a source of inspiration. The panelists shared their unique experiences, discussed the challenges they’ve faced, and reflected on the ways they’ve overcome adversity to achieve success. Their words were a powerful reminder that through hard work, resilience, and collaboration, women can achieve incredible things.
A Valuable Experience for EEWSO
For the Ethio-Eritrean Women’s Support Organization, being a part of this event was invaluable. It was an opportunity to learn, share, and connect with other women and organizations. The expo provided insight into how women can progress together, develop self-sufficiency, and cultivate cooperation, especially when navigating a new country and culture. The event reinforced the importance of networking, organizing, and supporting one another in both professional and personal endeavors.
Many attendees were introduced to the mission of EEWSO for the first time. We were grateful for the chance to showcase our work, explain our goals, and interact with individuals eager to contribute to our cause. Several people expressed interest in supporting our work, offering training sessions, and helping spread the word about our organization.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
The Women’s Lead Expo was a significant milestone for the Ethio-Eritrean Women’s Support Organization. It allowed us to connect with empowered women who share our vision of creating a supportive community for Ethiopian and Eritrean women in the U.S. We left the event inspired, encouraged, and excited about the partnerships we can foster to expand our reach and impact.
As we continue to grow and serve the women who need it most, we are thankful for the opportunity to be part of such an inspiring and impactful event. We look forward to building on these new connections and collaborations to create a brighter future for the women we support.
Stay tuned for more updates on how you can get involved and help us in our mission to empower women, create opportunities, and build stronger communities. Together, we rise. Together, we thrive.