Bypassing Politics? A Meeting with Ethiopia’s President

Mr. Samuel M. Gebru, CEO of the Ethiopian Global
Initiative and H.E. Girma Woldegiorgis, President of the
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. (Photo: Grand Palace)

Samuel M. Gebru (@SMGebru)

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

July 29, 2012

It was an honor to be invited to the Grand Palace on Friday, July 20 to meet with the President of Ethiopia.

Girma Woldegiorgis, born in 1925, is currently 88-years-old and despite his age and health issues, his passion and service for Ethiopia is as young as my college-aged heart.

When I was told that I had an opportunity to meet with Ethiopia’s Head of State, I readily took the opportunity. While most discount the President of Ethiopia as a mere figurehead resembling Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, I would argue that—just like the Queen—the President is what should hold the national fabric together as head of the Ethiopian state.

In 2010, I mistakenly argued that the government should do away with the Presidency because I thought it had no clear purpose. I have come to learn that it is the President who should inspire a new generation of public servants through his/her own merits. And who better than Girma Woldegiorgis for this role?

Sure, he has had his fair share of health issues and at one point was rumored to have died (although I can assure you that he’s alive and kicking!), Girma Woldegiorgis has the resume fit for the Ethiopian Presidency. Beyond his ability to speak seven languages, of which three are Ethiopian (Oromiffia, Amharic and Tigrinya), the President has been a lifetime public servant since his youth.

As I walked into the Grand Palace, built for Ethiopia’s last monarch, I was stunned by the magnificent Judeo-Christian motifs. From the rugs to the ceilings to the President’s desk, formerly the Emperor’s, the Grand Palace was a magnificent display of the ancient ties Ethiopia has to Christianity, Judaism and Israel.

Already briefed on me, the President expressed happiness to receive someone my age. I told him that it was hard for many like me to be taken seriously because of our age and that one needs old age and a title before receiving respect in Ethiopian society. He interrupted me and disagreed. He reminded me that he was 36 when he became Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of Ethiopia’s Imperial Parliament in 1961 and that he was my age when he was called to national service in the Imperial Air Force, earning the rank of Lieutenant. 

In our meeting, I briefed President Girma on the Ethiopian Global Initiative’s vision for Ethiopia. He was very happy to learn that the organization’s core is built of students and professionals ranging from 18 to 35-years-old. I informed him how the Initiative aims to increase its presence in Ethiopia and undertake more programs and projects in healthcare, education, civic engagement and economic development. 

President Girma Woldegiorgis shows CEO Samuel Gebru
his Lem Ethiopia membership card. (Photo: Grand Palace)

President Girma is a noted environmentalist. As Speaker of Parliament, he designed the first environmental legislation in Ethiopia—perhaps one of the first in Africa. In March 1992, he founded Lem Ethiopia (The Environment and Development Society of Ethiopia), Ethiopia’s premiere civil society organization responsible for the protection of the environment. 

What impresses me the most about President Girma is his ability to bypass Ethiopia’s unpredictable political system and work with all governments. His transcendence of the Governments of Haile Selassie, Mengistu Hailemariam and Meles Zenawi is truly remarkable—and that he has earned everyone’s respect in the process. 

At the end, I asked President Girma what was the best advice he could give me. He said, “Continue what you are doing in meeting people from all sectors and backgrounds and learn more from them. It is only then can you become an effective public servant.”

I look forward to many more encounters with the President and wish him and the First Lady my warmest regards.

Samuel M. Gebru is 20-years-old and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ethiopian Global Initiative.

Celebrating African Innovation in Washington, D.C.

By: Emily Weinstein (@emyli_rose)

From L to R: Evan Anderson, Senior Associate to the President,
Samuel Gebru, CEO, Emily Weinstein, Project Manager. Credit:
Marie Claire Andrea.

July 20, 2012

The past weekend was productive and gratifying for the Ethiopian Global Initiative (EGI). Following the success of our traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at the Harvard Yard Starbucks in Cambridge, MA, EGI was honored to host a private reception at former Ambassador to Ethiopia The Honorable David Shinn's residence in Washington, DC. This was a truly great event, and I was thrilled as always to see my friends and EGI colleagues Samuel Gebru and Evan Anderson, President and Senior Associate to the President. I was honored to meet and mingle with prominent American government employees, two generations of Ethiopian ambassadors, as well as representatives from the Ethiopian Crown Council. I recall current Ambassador of Ethiopia Ato Tesfaye Yilma noting "EGI is a pioneer project," aligning our work to the theme of the weekend, which was to celebrate the pioneers of innovative business in Ethiopia. In a later discussion with Evan, I discovered we both shared a sense of pride at the Ambassador's supportive sentiments, as well as Samuel's description of EGI's projects which had inspired them.

Ato Thomas Debass, Director for Global Partnerships at the Department of State, also made an appearance with his wife Gelila Teshome, Senior Contracting Officer at the Executive Office of the President. The two were glad to share stories of their family, and I was eager to listen as they described the joys of raising their children in America, while striving to maintain a strong Ethiopian influence in their lifestyle. Thomas was honored as a keynote speaker the following evening at the 2012 Pioneer Ethiopian Diaspora Business Person of the Year Awards Dinner, where I and Dr. Lemma W. Senbet (who was sitting next to me, I caught him scribbling this quote onto the back of a business card just as I tweeted it!) made note of this profound highlight from his speech: "Africa cannot just be a destination for innovation, but also a source of innovation."

Honored at the 2012 Awards Dinner were Ato Tadiwos G. Belete and Ato Zemedeneh Negatu. The two men were awarded for their contributions to the growing economy of Ethiopia; these ambitious men took major financial risks because they believed Ethiopia was worth their investment. Tadiwos, CEO and founder of Boston Partners PLC has opened many resorts and day spas throughout Ethiopia, providing jobs for locals and attracting tourists. Zemedeneh is an industrious promoter of investment into Africa, as well as an active participant in initiatives showcasing Africa as an attractive investment destination. Both men were accompanied by an entourage of family, including Zemedeneh's young son Michael, who was more than happy to accept his father's award and participate in an EBS interview! In my opinion, young Michael's presence was a fervent reminder of the importance of youth in development, and I couldn't agree more with the notion illuminated by his father:  it is our responsibility to set a stable groundwork for the next generation.

Earlier in the day, both Tadiwos and Zemedeneh were featured panelists at the Ethiopian American 7th Annual Diaspora Business Forum, speaking of their success and the many reasons to invest in the rapidly growing yet largely untapped economy of Ethiopia. Beside them, other panelists included Dr. Lemma W. Senbet, The William E. Mayer Chair Professor of Finance and Director of the Center for Financial Policy at the University of Maryland – among a much longer list of credentials – and Matthew Davis, founder and CEO of Renew, an innovative investment company that "works with development organizations, development finance institutions, NGOs, governments and private investors to facilitate investments into promising businesses in developing countries." Conference attendees ranged from the areas of business, social science, academia, arts and entertainment. I was especially taken by the panel on tourism featuring archaeologist and anthropologist Dr. Yohannes Zeleke, President of the African Travel Association, and photographer and Ethiopian at heart Matt Andrea. An anthropology and photography major myself, I was captivated by the beautiful photographs of Ethiopian people, culture and the country's fascinating landscape. The information in this panel was presented with such passion, it solidified my desire to study abroad in Ethiopia; after all, where better to study anthropology than the birthplace of humanity and religion?

Following a day full of networking and inspiring presentations, Samuel and I joined Marie Claire Andrea and a few friends to relax with some traditional and modern Habesha dancing at a local Ethiopian restaurant. Overall, a fantastic weekend to be a staff member/supporter of EGI!

Congratulations to Ato Tadiwos and Ato Zemedeneh, proof that hard work, determination and faith do not go unrewarded. Special thanks to Ato Yohannes Assefa, who exerted much time and effort organizing the 7th Annual Diaspora Business Forum, as well as Dr. Liesl Riddle of George Washington University, gracious host of the conference.

For more information regarding the mission and projects of the Ethiopian Global Initiative, visit our website. 

Emily Weinstein is the Event Manager for Ethiopian Global Initiative. She is also double majoring in Anthropology and Photography and minoring in International Humanitarian Affairs at Fordham University.

Education is the Sustainable Solution to Improving Maternal Health

By: Abel Tadesse, MHS (@Abel_says)

May 7, 2012

This coming Mother’s Day, most of us in developed countries will recognize the mothers we know in our lives. We will dedicate some time to order chocolate, flowers, or buy lotions filled with wonderful aroma. On the other hand, there are hundreds of thousands of mothers mainly in developing countries that go through many challenges in their path to become a mother. According to The New York Times article U.S. Lags in Global Measure of Premature Births, the premature birth rate shows a significant increase and it continues to grow. The article also references a collaborated report published by the World Health Organization (WHO), Save the Children and March of Dimes that highlights the staggering number of premature birth rates where more than 60% of preterm births occur in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

The number is frightening but it is crucial to realize the important elements needed to address this issue: expanded effort on awareness and education.  The rising number of 15 million preterm births leading to more than 1 million deaths worldwide needs special attention. This does not include preterm births in areas where there is no defined tracking process or those deaths in rural areas of developing countries. Global organizations such as World Health Organization agree that the 75% of the deaths can be prevented with cost-effective care. 

This may be one element to address this issue; however I strongly believe the problem can be more effectively solved, such as implementing access to educational programs such as Ethiopian Global Initiative (EGI)’s Midwives Scholarship Fund. The organization is aiming to increase the number of midwives by working with the Hamlin College of Midwives (HCM) in Ethiopia. HCM focuses on selecting students from rural Ethiopia to complete a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery. Upon completion and proper licensure through the Ministry of Health, the midwives are placed back to their communities to care and educate mothers, children and their families providing holistic pregnancy care.

This is the sustainable kind of effort that we in the developing world need to focus on as it is long-term solution that improves maternal-child healthcare, including preterm birth complications and death.

Support the Midwives Scholarship Fund us by making a donation today.

Abel Tadesse, MHS, is the Director of Project Development at the Ethiopian Global Initiative.  

Bridging the Gap: EGI Working to Reverse the Brain Drain

By: Rose Goldich (@rosie_hg)

March 11, 2012

Ethiopia lost 75% of its skilled workforce between 1980 and 1991.

The phrase “brain drain” is nowhere near new to Africa. Over the past 30 years, many African countries have lost their trained and skilled professionals. Many people leave the continent to receive higher education and better jobs in other areas of the world. This creates the deficit of educated professionals, such as physicians and scientists, in areas of the world that need them the most.

There is more than just the physical loss of people leaving Africa. The loss of professionals is greatly affecting the health and economic development of countries in Africa. For example, because many Africans are going abroad to become doctors, 38 out of the 47 African countries are falling short of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) regulation to have 20 doctors per 100,000 civilians. This creates a severe shortage in the amount of people able to get medical attention. Also, Africa’s scientific output has slightly decreased. There are more African scientists and engineers in the United States than on the whole continent. 

With the Ethiopian Global Initiative’s U.S. College Students for Ethiopia (USCSE) program, every summer chosen applicants are sent to Ethiopia to serve as interns with local, Ethiopian-led organizations, ranging from community health organizations to micro financing institutions. Essentially, USCSE aims to reverse the brain drain by bringing talented and skilled students back to Ethiopia, in order to get Ethiopians and non-Ethiopians alike interested in increasing Ethiopia’s opportunity for success. The program aims to “tackle the shortage of a skilled and educated workforce in Ethiopia” by bridging the “access gap”, “creating an “environment for volunteerism and community engagement”, and raise the “consciousness of service to Ethiopia”. 

EGI encourages new professionals to go to Africa as well as those who have earned their degrees abroad to return and help people understand the necessity of skilled professionals.  As much as new ideas are helpful, those who have seen and experienced the needs of a country can also bring interesting solutions to the table. The brain drain is a multi-faceted problem that cannot be solved overnight. USCSE is making college students—future professionals and leaders—aware of the changes that need to be made in order for countries like Ethiopia to become successful.  

Rose Goldich is studying International Relations and Economics at Clark University and is the Social Media Intern at Ethiopian Global Initiative. 

Reducing Maternal Health Disparities

By: Bethel Tsehai, M.P.H. (@bethel_tsehai)
January 2, 2012

The most basic of human rights, the right to health and life, are greatly disproportionate in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Particularly in the area of maternal health, the number of preventable maternal deaths, stillbirths, newborn deaths, and birth related injuries are astounding. To put things into perspective, it is estimated that more than 500,000 Ethiopian women and girls will suffer from injuries caused by complications during pregnancy and childbirth each year.

The issue of maternal health is so great that improving maternal health is one of the Millennium Development Goals for 2015. In order to address many of the preventable birth and pregnancy related injuries and deaths, the World Health Organization recommends that countries work towards the goal of having skilled birth attendants, such as midwifes, who have received formal education in the area of pregnancy and childbirth be present at every birth.

The Hamlin College of Midwives in Ethiopia has taken this recommendation to heart and developed a program in midwifery. Unlike students attending vocational schools, the students of Hamlin College of Midwives will be given a formal education and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Midwifery. With a population of nearly 80 million in Ethiopia, there are only 1,000 qualified midwives. Despite this daunting challenge, the College is committed to educating midwives and equipping them with the tools needed to care for and educate women in the area of maternal health. 

The Midwives Scholarship Fund (MSF) project under EGI is working towards raising funds to support the education of at least eight midwives attending the Hamlin College of Midwives. Through supporting the education of midwives, MSF is taking part in becoming a part of the solution in maternal health.

In light of the holiday season, I encourage you to support our efforts by donating or raising funds to educate midwives. Well trained and skilled midwives are the key to reducing the disparities facing women in Ethiopia today.

Bethel Tsehai, M.P.H. is the Project Manager of the Midwives Scholarship Fund at the Ethiopian Global Initiative. 

Hakuna Sundays: Boston Area Networking Mixer

Click on the photo to enlarge

Sunday, January 8, 2012 from 6:00pm until 9:00pm

Harvard Yard Starbucks

1380 Massachusetts Ave.

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

Come attend the first Hakuna Sundays networking mixer of 2012 co-hosted by Africans in Boston (AiB) and the Ethiopian Global Initiative (EGI). Hakuna Sundays is an AiB bi-weekly networking mixer open for all students and professionals in the Boston area. Mingle with new and familiar faces while sipping on complementary Ethiopian coffee provided by Harvard Yard Starbucks.

More information and RSVP: action@ethgi.org or 1-617-528-9434

Summer 2012 Ethiopia Internship: U.S. College Students for Ethiopia

2011 U.S. College Students for Ethiopia participants

Are you a college student in the United States interested spending your summer in Ethiopia in an exciting internship program with a community service component? The Ethiopian Global Initiative's Summer 2012 applications for U.S. College Students for Ethiopia are now available. 

Entering its second year, the EGI project aims to bridge the communication and access gap between U.S. college students and Ethiopian organizations, create a thriving environment for volunteerism and community engagement and raise the consciousness of service to Ethiopia.

Learn more and apply here! Summer 2012 applications due November 28, 2011.

EGI Joins HSBA

Left to Right: EGI Vice President for Operations Leul Yohannes, EGI Director of Marketing Ryan Olivieri, HSBA
Executive Director Denise Jillson, EGI President Samuel M. Gebru, EGI Event Manager Emily Weinstein. (Photo: EGI)

The Ethiopian Global Initiative (EGI) formally joined the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) on Friday, October 21, 2011, in a meeting in Cambridge, MA, United States. Joining HSBA will bring EGI into a 101-year-old network of over 400 local and international organizations, universities, businesses and much more. EGI looks forward to developing relationships with members of HSBA and thanks HSBA's leadership for a warm welcome.

2011 BuildEthiopia Conference Successfully Held

Photo: Dawn Colquitt-Anderson Photography/EGI

Cambridge, Mass., United States, October 23, 2011 – The Ethiopian Global Initiative’s (EGI) 2011 BuildEthiopia Conference convened yesterday at Harvard University. BuildEthiopia brought a significant amount of students, educators, professionals, community organizers and policy makers together to seek solutions for the challenges Ethiopia faces.

BuildEthiopia began with an address from The Honorable David P. Maher, Mayor of the City of Cambridge, who welcomed attendees and expressed his enthusiasm in the relationship between the City of Cambridge and EGI. Mr. Kagnew F. Asfaw, the North America Regional Director of Ethiopian Airlines, followed Mayor Maher’s remarks by delivering the keynote address, which focused on the success of Ethiopian Airlines as an example of how Ethiopian-led businesses can thrive in Ethiopia using their intellectual capital.  

EGI’s President, Mr. Samuel M Gebru, also addressed attendees during the opening session. Mr. Gebru encouraged BuildEthiopia attendees to be thoughtful and active participants.  He stressed the importance of the six pillars of the BuildEthiopia Conference, and advised participants to network, collaborate, and motivate each other to create solutions during and after the event.

Read more here.

Update on Keynote Address by Ethiopian Airlines CEO

EGI regrets to inform participants of the upcoming 2011 BuildEthiopia Conference that Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, will not be able to deliver the keynote address.

Attributing his absence to urgent issues, the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines expressed his regrets. "I feel very disappointed to miss the opportunity," said Mr. Gebremariam, adding, "It would have been a special privilege and honor for me to address such worthwhile event."

Mr. Kagnew F. Asfaw, North America Regional Director of Ethiopian Airlines, will deliver the keynote address on behalf of Ethiopia's national flag carrier. Online registration deadline is October 19 at 11:59pm EST. Read more here.

BuildEthiopia Conference Webpage Launches

Interested in learning more about the 2011 BuildEthiopia Conference at Harvard University on October 21-22, 2011? Click here and visit the conference webpage and register today!

EGI Luncheon at Merkamo Ethiopian Bistro

Come learn about the Ethiopian Global Initiative's Midwives Scholarship Fund and a portion of your bill will fund the education of students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery at the Hamlin College of Midwives in Ethiopia.

Where: Merkamo Ethiopian Bistro, 7020 Commerce Street, Springfield, VA 22150

When: Sunday, August 21, 2011 at 1:00pm to 4:00pm

RSVP: msf@ethgi.org

Information: www.ethgi.org or +1-617-528-9434

Click here for facebook event page.

Celebrating the Midwives that make Healthy Mothers

An Ethiopian midwife visits a pregnant
patient at home. Ethiopia. (Source)

By: Abel Tadesse

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The Ethiopian Global Initiative (EGI) continues its efforts in meeting the objectives outlined in the Midwives Scholarship Fund (MSF). On this day May 5, 2011 the MSF team echoes its support for the celebration of International Day of the Midwife, recognizing all midwives throughout the globe.

Midwives play critical role during and after pregnancy to the mother as well as to the newborn and family. They are key to reaching out to the communities especially in developing countries where there is limited access to health care professionals.

As we celebrate the International Day of the Midwife, we need to make a note that there is a momentous amount of work that needs to be done surrounding access to education to midwives and other healthcare professionals.

The World Health Organization Assistant Director, Dr. Flavia Bustreo, released a statement today addressing the importance of strengthening the midwives workforce throughout the world. Dr. Bustreo further explained that it is no question that we need to accelerate our focus to reinforce the need to meet the Millennium Development Goals Four and Five as the statistics show a high prevalence of maternal and child mortality rate; 350,000 women and 3.6 million newborns die each year globally.

EGI is working to support MDGs Four and Five through the Midwives Scholarship Fund. Through this project, we plan to provide full scholarships to students at the Hamlin College of Midwives in Ethiopia, where students will complete a four-year program to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery.

There is no doubt that this project will increase education access to midwives, mothers, families and communities throughout Ethiopia and in result a decrease in maternal and child deaths.

Abel Tadesse holds a Master of Health Sciences from George Mason University. He is Project Manager of the EGI Midwives Scholarship Fund.

EGI New York Fundraiser

The Ethiopian Global Initiative is hosting a fundraiser and networking mixer on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 6:00pm in New York City. You're invited to enjoy dinner at Awash Ethiopian Restaurant and a portion of your bill will be given to EGI! 

Support an international organization of students and professionals dedicated to launching and supporting innovative social programs in Ethiopia. Learn more by visiting www.ethgi.org and joining us on facebook at www.facebook.com/ethgi.

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant

947 Amsterdam Ave

(between 106th St & 107th St)

New York, NY 10025

Manhattan Valley

Nearest Transit: 103rd Street (1), Cathedral Parkway (B, C)

Questions? Call EGI at 617-528-9434 or email action@ethgi.org.

City Councillor Nate Holden supports the Ethiopian Global Initiative

See related press release here. Check out photos from the EGI Los Angeles Networking Mixer here.

EGI's President works with Maryland Ethiopians

Meeting with some members of the Montgomery County
Ethiopian Sister City Committee at Abyssinian
Ethiopian Restaurant. Photo Source: click here.

This past weekend, our President was in Washington, D.C. One of the things he did was meet with representatives of the Montgomery County Ethiopian Sister City Committee. The meeting took place at Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant in Silver Spring, Maryland. Check out Samuel's thoughts on the meeting here.

Summer 2011: Apply to Intern and Volunteer in Ethiopia

Be among the first to take part in the Ethiopian Global Initiative’s newest project, U.S. College Students for Ethiopia!

Join a cohort of 12-15 highly-motivated, passionate undergraduate and graduate students as an intern in your field of interest: the arts, banking and microfinance, education, the media, government, NGOs, or trade and sales.

Experience life in the vibrant, multicultural city of Addis Ababa and participate in weekend excursions throughout the entire country. 

To apply, click here. The application deadline is March 15, 2011. 

For more information, contact uscse@ethgi.org

Ethiopian Global Initiative Successfully Hosts Los Angeles Networking Mixer

EGI President Samuel Gebru discusses with retired
Los Angeles City Councillor Nate Holden on EGI's
work for 2011 and how he could get involved.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, Calif., USA, February 26, 2011 – The Ethiopian Global Initiative (EGI), an international nonprofit organization that operates in several countries, successfully hosted its first U.S. West Coast event in the Little Ethiopia district of Los Angeles yesterday, February 25.

“The EGI Los Angeles Networking Mixer was our first outreach event in the West Coast and despite the weather it went very well,” said EGI President Samuel Gebru.

Berhanu and Getahun Asfaw, brothers and co-owners of Messob Restaurant, agreed. Encouraged by EGI’s vision, they welcomed the organization to host the networking mixer at their restaurant.

Berhanu Asfaw, who serves as President of the Little Ethiopia Business Association, welcomed EGI to Los Angeles for future events pledging to assist the organization. “You are doing great work and we will help connect you with the community here so that EGI’s mission expands to all people,” said Berhanu.

Prominent community members attended the networking mixer, including the leading filmmaker in Ethiopia, Theodros Teshome, who recently directed the movie Abay vs. Vegas that aired in the 19th Annual Pan African Film Festival.

The event featured retired Los Angeles City Council Member and the father of Little Ethiopia, the Honorable Nate Holden. Councillor Holden praised EGI’s vision and expressed his deepest appreciation for the work it aims to achieve.

When learning more about EGI’s beginnings, Holden jokingly said, “Samuel, I was about 9-years-old when I became active in my community, so you’re late to have started at 13.”

Holden endorsed EGI, agreeing that U.S. College Students for Ethiopia, its project designed to send college students to Ethiopia on intern and volunteer opportunities, is a great way to begin reversing the brain drain that damaged Ethiopia particularly between 1980 and 1991.

“EGI is doing a great working in terms of recruiting young people…to participate in supporting social programs not only for just EGI but also for Ethiopia.” He underscored his desire to help, declaring, “In fact, I plan to join them!”

The President of the Ethiopian American Chamber of Commerce, Negest Legesse, shared her willingness to work with EGI, particularly on its project the Ethiopian American Census. “We have done a lot of work in the 2010 U.S. Census and to count all Ethiopians in the United States is our goal. I am happy to share what we have done with EGI so that we can begin the steps to form a nationwide partnership,” she said.

Representatives from other nonprofits and businesses were also in attendance. They thanked EGI for the networking mixer and said that it was a prime opportunity to begin discussions on how to collaborate with others.

EGI plans to continue hosting networking mixers with partner organizations and its friends, working to expand its global reach. The events will revive existing connections and build new ones that will enrich the work of EGI.

About the Ethiopian Global Initiative

The Ethiopian Global Initiative is an international nonprofit organization that combines and captures the social and intellectual capital of students and professionals for the transformation of Ethiopia through a new generation of socially responsible leaders. Working throughout the world, the Initiative serves as a catalyst for community-based projects to promote civic engagement and economic prosperity.

Media Contact

action@ethgi.org

+1-617-528-9434

###

Ethiopian Global Initiative to Host Los Angeles Networking Mixer in Little Ethiopia

Click to enlarge.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, Calif., USA, February 24, 2011 – The Ethiopian Global Initiative (EGI), an international nonprofit organization that operates in several countries, will host a networking mixer in the Little Ethiopia district of Los Angeles, California on Friday, February 25 at 6:00pm. 

The event will feature EGI President Samuel Gebru, who will be joined by some of the leading members of the Los Angeles Ethiopian community as well as several business, cultural and academic community members. 

Samuel underscored the importance of the networking mixer. “EGI aims to attract driven people to this networking mixer who are willing and can contribute their skills to the growth of EGI and Ethiopia,” adding that, “this event is purposefully open to people young and old, Ethiopian and not, so we can spread awareness about EGI’s work for 2011.”

The President of the Little Ethiopia Business Association, Berhanu Asfaw, congratulated EGI, saying that it was high time for the community to utilize their skills for Ethiopia. “Messob is very happy to host the Ethiopian Global Initiative in Little Ethiopia tomorrow.”

EGI plans to continue hosting networking mixers with partner organizations and its friends, working to expand its global reach. The events will revive existing connections and build new ones that will enrich the work of EGI.

The networking mixer will be held on Friday, February 25 at 6:00pm at Little Ethiopia’s Messob Restaurant on 1041 South Fairfax Avenue. Visit www.ethgi.org for more information.

About the Ethiopian Global Initiative

The Ethiopian Global Initiative is an international nonprofit organization that combines and captures the social and intellectual capital of students and professionals for the transformation of Ethiopia through a new generation of socially responsible leaders. Working throughout the world, the Initiative serves as a catalyst for community-based projects to promote civic engagement and economic prosperity.

Media Contact

action@ethgi.org 

+1-617-528-9434

###

Celebrating 2010 and moving ahead at the Ethiopian Global Initiative

2011 has officially begun and we at the Ethiopian Global Initiative family would like to celebrate our achievements from 2010 before we move ahead with our goals for 2011.

2010 Achievements

Open Meetings

EGI held open meetings in Washington, D.C. and Boston in January designed to build public awareness of our projects and goals for 2010.

2010 EAYI Conference

We began planning efforts for our June conference in March. Known as the Ethiopian American Youth Initiative at the time, our goal was to change names to the Ethiopian Global Initiative, gain international exposure and networks.

Canada Outreach

In May EGI started to discuss with friends in Canada about building networks in Canada to attract new members, donors and friends. Soon, a Regional Director was appointed to help in these efforts.

Research Associate Opportunity

This past summer EGI brought on college students and graduates to serve as Research Associates in the Cambridge Office. They helped plan projects and build contacts that have continued to work with EGI.

Read more on EGI's official website by clicking here.