Who We Are
Empowering You Through Our Services
The Ethiopian Eritrean Women’s Support Organization (EEWSO) is dedicated to empowering Ethiopian and Eritrean women by promoting their social, psychological, physical, and financial well-being. We strive to enhance the quality of life for our members through accessible, effective, and innovative education and services.
Empowering Women, Transforming Lives
At EEWSO, our mission is to promote, preserve, and protect the social, psychological, physical, and financial well-being of Ethiopian and Eritrean women. Through innovative education, skill-building programs, and tailored services, we strive to uplift and improve the quality of life for our members. Our approach is rooted in efficiency, effectiveness, and entrepreneurship, ensuring that women in our community have the tools they need to succeed.
A Future of Empowerment and Stability
At EEWSO, our mission is to promote, preserve, and protect the social, psychological, physical, and financial well-being of Ethiopian and Eritrean women. Through innovative education, skill-building programs, and tailored services, we strive to uplift and improve the quality of life for our members. Our approach is rooted in efficiency, effectiveness, and entrepreneurship, ensuring that women in our community have the tools they need to succeed.
Bios of EEWSO family members
Aden Medhana
Aden Medhana, a mother of two, is a Maryland-based business owner and financial professional with over 14 years of diverse experience in financial management, planning, and women’s empowerment.
Her career has been driven by a passion for helping women pursue their goals, offering guidance and support at every stage of life—both personally and professionally. Through mentorship, financial expertise, and a strong commitment to community, Aden continues to create meaningful opportunities for growth and empowerment.
She takes pride in her accomplishments and remains dedicated to making a lasting impact.
Birtucan Assres
Birtucan E. Assres is a seasoned social and healthcare services professional with over 22 years of experience serving diverse communities in both clinical and non-clinical settings.
Based in Silver Spring, Maryland, and living with her three children, she has worked extensively with Montgomery County’s DHHS, specializing in community outreach, case management, and public assistance coordination.
Fluent in English and Amharic, Birtucan is a certified advanced-level translator and interpreter, supporting multilingual populations and promoting access to
essential services. Her background also includes nursing, HIV/AIDS program management, and community development work in Ethiopia and Swaziland.
Birtucan holds a B.A. in Sociology and Social Anthropology from Addis Ababa University and a diploma in Public Health Nursing from Haromaya University. She is passionate about empowering vulnerable populations and strengthening community ties through effective service delivery.
Meaza Bezabih
Meaza Bezabih is a mother of six children and has been a proud resident of Las Vegas, NV, since 2018. She studied Language and Literature at Addis Ababa University and currently works as a licensed Life, Health, and Medicare Insurance Agent. Passionate about service, Meaza is deeply committed to supporting her community. Her dedication to volunteering began in childhood and continues today—she teaches a weekly class at her church every Saturday as a volunteer. Known for her compassion and reliability, Meaza strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her.
Dr. Kasahun Y. Sahilu
Dr. Kassahun Yibeltal Sahilu is a legal expert and human rights advocate with advanced training in law, sociology, and criminal justice. He practiced law in Ethiopia in both public and private sectors, including serving as Head of Legal Services and Senior Attorney, and has dedicated much of his career to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and women.
As a World Blind Union ambassador for Africa, he helped advance the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and contributed to disability-focused legislation and policy in Ethiopia. Now based in Alexandria, Virginia, he serves as Board Secretary for the Global Initiative for the Blind and works with U.S.-based NGOs. His doctoral research on wartime sexual violence against women and girls in Ethiopia reflects his ongoing commitment to justice and human rights.
Tassew Gebre
Tassew G. Wolde is a seasoned accounting and finance professional with over a decade of experience in financial policy, compliance, administration, and customer service.
His career spans public service, international diplomacy, and private enterprise, including key roles at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and multiple diplomatic missions.
Tassew brings expertise in financial reporting, procurement, tax preparation, and business services. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Nairobi and a BBA in Accounting from Ethiopia Adventist College. In addition to his financial acumen, he is licensed in life and health insurance and trained in Microsoft Power BI. Fluent in both Amharic and English, Tassew is known for his analytical skills, leadership, and ability to build strong stakeholder relationships.
Rahel Tesfaye
Rahel Tessema holds a BA in Applied Psychology from Jimma University and an MA in Developmental Psychology from Addis Ababa University. She has worked as a Gender Specialist for the Ethiopian Ministry of Urban Development and Housing and as a Child Psychologist for the Ethiopian Federal First Instance Court.
With years of experience in mental health and social services, Rahel is known for her expertise in client assessment, case management, and crisis intervention. She excels at building trust across diverse cultures and is committed to delivering high-quality, cost-effective care. Rahel also brings strong skills in training development and ongoing professional growth, consistently supporting patient well-being, education, and research. Rahel is currently based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Hiwot W. Workneh
Hiwot W. Workneh is a writer, editor, and translator with over 15 years of experience in
journalism, content development, and academic editing. She holds a PhD in English Literature and has worked with international organizations, research institutions, and media outlets, translating and editing complex documents ranging from agricultural reports to PhD dissertations.
A published author and Burt Award-winning writer, she is known for crafting compelling narratives that bridge cultures and promote impactful communication. Her work spans news reporting, academic instruction, and storytelling for young adults. Hiwot is a mother of three boys.
Samuel T. Alemu
Samuel T. Alemu, a father of three, brings 20 years of experience in policy research, resilience
building, disaster risk management, and higher education. He has worked with both donors and
governments to address economic, political, and social issues, with a focus on coordination,
collaboration, and communication initiatives. Samuel has a strong background in qualitative
research, data analysis, program management, and leadership. He has advised organizations,
from for-profits to non-profits, in strategic vision delivery and donor relations. Samuel is also a
skilled educator, having taught and mentored postgraduate students at Addis Ababa University.
Samuel has also served recently as a Scholar-in-Residence at Duquesne University and as
Resilience Lead for USAID in Ethiopia. He has previously held leadership roles at Oxford Policy
Management and SOS Sahel International, and provided policy advice to Ethiopian’s Ministry of Peace.
He holds a Ph.D. in African Area Studies from Kyoto University, Japan.
Ameha Dessie
My name is Ameha Dessie. I am from Africa, born and raised in Ethiopia. Graduated from a college in Ethiopia with a Technology degree. Bilingual in English and Amharic with strong written and oral communication skills. Lived in Montgomery County for over 20years. Over eight years’ experience delivering social, community, and health care services to Low English Proficient Community Members under private organizations and/or in self-employment. Currently, Iam an employee of MC DHHS as Montgomery County Community Service Aid and Navigator since March
Hiwot Alston
I’ve lived in the state for over 20 years and worked in the service industry throughout my career.
I’m a mother of two—one biological and one I gained through a relationship—and after becoming a mother I changed fields and completed a crash course so I could work closer to home.
I now enjoy serving my community, focusing on giving back by sharing my experiences, supporting other mothers (especially single moms), and continuing to learn from everyone I meet.
Bethlehem Alemayehu
I am Bethlehem Alemayehu, MSW, an experienced counselor and case management professional with over 17 years of experience supporting individuals and families as they navigate mental health challenges, life transitions, and complex systems of care. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Washington, where I developed a strong foundation in ethical, client-centered, and culturally responsive practice.
My work is grounded in a compassionate, strengths-based approach. I am committed to meeting people where they are, honoring their lived experiences, and empowering them to build resilience, stability, and meaningful change. With extensive experience in counseling and case management, I integrate emotional support with practical advocacy to help clients access resources and move forward with confidence and dignity.
Mahadere Getachew
Program Manager with over 10 years of experience leading multinational public health initiatives and fostering cross-sector collaboration. Experienced in grants funded by federal, state, and local government agencies, including U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, and Virginia Department of Health. Skilled in program planning and execution, stakeholder engagement, and operational problem-solving within complex public health environments. Brings a strong results-based management approach and is fluent in English and Amharic.
Ashenafi Teferi
Ashenafi Teferi is a graduate in Marketing Management from Addis Ababa University and holds a diploma in Accounting from the College of Commerce. He is also certified in Database Administration. With a strong commitment to community development and education, Ashenafi actively volunteers within the Ethiopian community. In addition, he has gained valuable professional experience through service in various roles at Varies Bank.
Adane Abate
Adane Abate Takele is an engineer with a strong passion for transforming data into actionable decisions. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a Master of Science in Data Science. As a dedicated member of EEWSO, he is committed to applying his technical expertise and working diligently to contribute to meaningful and positive change.