Governance & leadership

Our Leadership

Volunteer governance you can trust

The Ethiopian Siltie Community ATL in Atlanta is governed by a volunteer leadership structure that ensures transparency, accountability, and effective management. Our Board of Directors provides strategic oversight; our Executive Team coordinates programs and community engagement all without salary or financial compensation.

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we maintain nonprofit compliance requirements, file annual tax returns, and ensure funds advance our charitable mission and community programs.

Board of Directors

Three volunteer board members

Our board sets policy, approves budgets, and upholds nonprofit compliance so donors and partners can trust how resources are stewarded.

Dr. Almaz Tadesse
Board Chairperson

Dr. Almaz Tadesse

Dr. Almaz Tadesse serves as Board Chairperson for the Ethiopian Siltie Community ATL in Atlanta, guiding strategic direction, nonprofit governance, and partnerships that connect diaspora resources with development priorities in Ethiopia. With extensive experience in community health and nonprofit leadership, she ensures the organization upholds its 501(c)(3) responsibilities and keeps beneficiaries at the center of every decision. She volunteers without compensation and champions transparent stewardship of all donations.

Samuel Bekele
Board Vice Chairperson

Samuel Bekele

Samuel Bekele supports the Chairperson in board leadership and oversees governance, compliance, and stakeholder engagement for our volunteer-led NGO nonprofit. A community advocate with expertise in organizational policy, he reviews budgets, bylaws, and partnership agreements to protect the organization's integrity. Samuel mentors emerging leaders within the Siltie diaspora and ensures inclusive, accountable decision-making across all programs.

Helen Girma
Board Treasurer

Helen Girma

Helen Girma serves as Board Treasurer, overseeing financial reporting, audits, and budget approval for the Ethiopian Siltie Community ATL in Atlanta. Her nonprofit finance experience ensures that member contributions are allocated responsibly toward education, clean water, infrastructure, healthcare, disaster relief, and cultural programs. Helen publishes clear financial summaries and works with volunteer program leads to maintain donor confidence and regulatory compliance.

Executive Team

Seven volunteer executive team members

Program leads, outreach coordinators, and operational volunteers manage day-to-day initiatives from education and water projects to cultural events in Atlanta.

Daniel Mekonnen
Executive Director

Daniel Mekonnen

Daniel Mekonnen coordinates day-to-day operations, volunteer engagement, and external relations for our Atlanta-based NGO nonprofit. He connects the Board of Directors with program leads, represents the organization to partners and community members, and ensures initiatives in Ethiopia and the diaspora align with our mission. Daniel serves entirely on a volunteer basis.

Meron Haile
Education Programs Lead

Meron Haile

Meron Haile leads education support initiatives including school partnerships, book drives, scholarship coordination, and learning resource delivery in Ethiopia. She works with teachers, parents, and diaspora donors to identify needs and track outcomes that demonstrate how education transforms Siltie communities.

Tewodros Alemu
Clean Water & Infrastructure Lead

Tewodros Alemu

Tewodros Alemu manages clean water and infrastructure projects from community needs assessments and fundraising to well construction and road improvement initiatives. He partners with local leaders in Ethiopia to deliver sustainable solutions that improve access to schools, healthcare facilities, and essential services.

Sara Worku
Healthcare Programs Lead

Sara Worku

Sara Worku directs healthcare support programs, including wellness awareness, assistance for vulnerable families, and collaboration with local health partners. She ensures health initiatives are culturally appropriate and aligned with the organization's commitment to dignified, equitable care.

Michael Assefa
Disaster Relief Coordinator

Michael Assefa

Michael Assefa coordinates disaster relief and emergency response, mobilizing diaspora resources when floods and other crises affect Siltie communities. His experience in humanitarian logistics helps the organization respond quickly with food, shelter support, and recovery assistance while maintaining accountability to donors.

Hanna Desta
Cultural Preservation Lead

Hanna Desta

Hanna Desta organizes cultural and educational events in Atlanta, teaches younger generations about Siltie language and traditions, and strengthens connections among diaspora families. She ensures cultural pride and heritage remain central to the organization's identity and community engagement.

Yonas Gebremichael
Community Outreach & Arts Lead

Yonas Gebremichael

Yonas Gebremichael leads community outreach, monthly giving coordination, and support for Siltie artists and cultural ambassadors. He helps members across the United States stay connected to the mission, participate in events, and celebrate heritage through music, art, and performance.

Organizational Structure

How our NGO nonprofit operates

Clear lines of responsibility connect volunteer governance to program delivery in Ethiopia and diaspora engagement in the United States.

Transparency & Accountability

Transparency and Accountability

  • Maintain nonprofit compliance requirements as a registered 501(c)(3) organization
  • File annual tax returns and operate with full financial transparency
  • Ensure every contribution advances our charitable mission and community programs
  • Publish how funds support education, water, infrastructure, healthcare, and relief