Kalkidan Abebe is honored to serve as Chairman of the Board, where he oversees board and member meetings, ensuring smooth governance and effective decision-making.  He brings a wealth of experience to the role, have previously served as a lawyer and judge in Ethiopia, as well as Chairman of the Board for St. Teklehaimanot Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Ottawa.

These leadership positions have equipped Mr. Abebe with a diverse and valuable skill set, enabling him to address the needs of the community with dedication, integrity, and expertise.
 

Yodit Tessema serves as the Treasurer and Project Manager for the Etio-Canadian Azawent Association. She oversees financial planning, full-cycle accounting, and project budgeting to ensure resources are used effectively and responsibly. In addition to managing funds, Yodit leads strategic planning initiatives, collaborates with Board members and project sponsors, and oversees HR functions, including staff recruitment, hiring, and training.

Driven by a deep passion for community service, Yodit is committed to giving back to the community that helped shape her. Her leadership plays a vital role in advancing the mission of ECAA and empowering those the organization serves.

Semaneh Jemere serves as the Secretary of the Etio-Canadian Azawent Association, where he plays a key role in maintaining the organization’s records and communications. Under the direction of the President, Semaneh is responsible for recording meeting minutes, managing official correspondence, and organizing agendas and notices for members, directors, and stakeholders. He also oversees the safekeeping of the Association’s records and official documents.

Semaneh brings a wealth of experience from his work with national and international NGOs in Ethiopia and his tenure as a UN Humanitarian Officer in countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Indonesia, and Namibia. His global perspective and strong organizational skills are invaluable to the ECAA.

Passionate about community service, Semaneh is deeply committed to supporting local initiatives, staying engaged with current affairs, and helping manage impactful community projects. His dedication and expertise continue to strengthen the mission and operations of the Association.

As Co-Founder and Board Member of the Etio-Canadian Azawent Association, Fatuma Mulaw plays a leading role in supporting and empowering vulnerable seniors in the community. With a deep appreciation for the wisdom and stories of older generations, she is dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and improving the quality of life for seniors.

In addition to Board responsibilities, Fatuma takes an active, hands-on approach—visiting seniors at home, organizing group outings, and assisting with personal needs like shopping. These meaningful interactions help ensure the Association’s programs are both compassionate and effective.

Outside of ECAA, she values spending time with family and friends, a personal passion that reflects her commitment to building a strong, connected community.

Mr. Zemene has shown a strong commitment to community service.  With such dedicated commitment, he has contributed to numerous initiatives that support the mission of Etio-Canadian Azawent Association.