My name is Kalkidan Abebe, and I am honored to serve as the Chairman of the Board. In this role, I oversee all board and member meetings, ensuring smooth governance and effective decision-making. I bring a wealth of experience to this position, having previously served as a lawyer and judge in Ethiopia, as well as the Chairman of the Board for St. Teklehaimanot Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Ottawa. These roles have equipped me with a diverse skill set, enabling me to address the needs of our cherished community with dedication and expertise.
Kalkidan Abebe
Chairman of the Board
My name is Abenet Bezuneh, and I am one of the founders of the Etio-Canadian Azawent Association. I hold an educational background in accounting and economics and bring extensive experience in the banking and finance sector. I am deeply passionate about leveraging my skills and expertise to contribute meaningfully to the association's mission and to collaborate with a dedicated team committed to driving positive change. I began my journey with the association in October 2018 as a board member, taking on the specialized role of program coordinator and communications lead. Currently, I serve as the vice chairperson, managing a range of responsibilities, including overseeing international communications, assisting with project finances, and administering the association's social media platforms. I strongly believe in the transformative power of volunteerism. Volunteering is not just about giving to others but also about gaining valuable experiences, building connections, and fostering a stronger, more resilient community. It is a privilege to contribute to meaningful initiatives that create lasting impacts.
Abenet Bezuneh
Vice-Chair of the Board
Hi, my name is Yodit Tessema, and I am privileged to serve as the Treasurer and Project Manager for the Etio-Canadian Azawent Association. In this capacity, I ensure that our financial resources are utilized effectively, maximizing the organization’s capacity to serve the community. My responsibilities include preparing project budgets, managing funds, and overseeing full-cycle accounting. Additionally, I lead strategic planning initiatives, collaborate with Board members and project sponsors, and handle human resources tasks such as recruiting, hiring, and training staff.
My passion for helping others drives my commitment to this role. Serving as part of the ECAA allows me to fulfill my lifelong dream of giving back to the community that raised me and shaped who I am today. It is truly an honor to contribute to the well-being and empowerment of our beloved community.
Yodit Tessema
Treasurer of the Board & Project manager
My name is Semaneh Jemere, and I am proud to serve as the Secretary of the Etio-Canadian Azawent Association. Under the authority of the President, I am responsible for recording minutes of meeting proceedings and issuing notices and agendas to members, directors, the Public Accountant, and other committee members. As Secretary, I also ensure the efficient organization and safekeeping of all books, papers, records, documents, and other instruments belonging to the community.
Serving with the ECAA brings me immense joy and personal fulfillment. I bring extensive experience from my work with international and national NGOs in Ethiopia, which has greatly supported my role here. Additionally, I have served as a UN Humanitarian Officer in countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Indonesia, and Namibia. These diverse experiences have equipped me with the skills and dedication to excel not only as Secretary but also as an active and engaged member of the organization.
My interests include serving local communities, staying informed on current affairs, and managing community projects. It is an honor to contribute my expertise to the continued growth and success of the Etio-Canadian Azawent Association.
Semaneh Jemere
Secretary of the Board
As the Director of the Etio-Canadian Azawent Association, I am privileged to lead efforts to support and empower vulnerable seniors within our community. This role has deepened my appreciation for the wisdom and stories of our seniors, reinforcing the importance of preserving their cultural legacy. I am committed to understanding their unique needs and delivering impactful support that enhances their quality of life.
In addition to my director responsibilities, I take a hands-on approach by personally engaging with seniors through home visits, group outings, and assistance with shopping for personal needs. These interactions allow me to build meaningful relationships and ensure that the association’s initiatives address their concerns effectively.
My personal interests include spending quality time with family and friends, which further inspires my dedication to fostering a close-knit and supportive community through the work of the ECAA.
Fatima Mulaw
Board Member
Ainalem is a distinguished Addis Ababa University graduate with an MA in Journalism from Carleton University. She has also received professional training from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. With a background in journalism, Ainalem focuses her writing on issues related to gender and migration. A dedicated member of ECAA, she actively contributes as a project advisor to the organization’s Board of Directors.
Ainalem Tebeje
Project Advisor