Our Team
Dr. Azeb Bhutia
Executive Director
She is an educator and licensed clinical psychologist, works as director of Clinical and Training at the Los Angeles Harbor College and a psychologist for the Special Resources Center at El Camino College, and maintains a private practice.
Dr. Azeb was a researcher; her work included the effects of HIV on Neurocognitive functioning among the elderly population and Depression Among Elderly adults with HIV/AIDS. She has also conducted and presented several types of research on Mental health-related issues and Psychotherapy, including Person-Centered Therapy, Buddhism, and Brief Psychotherapy at the International Conference on Social Sciences and the Society for Psychotherapy Research Conference.
Non-profit work was not something Dr. Azeb discovered her passion for at once; instead, it was gradual and indirect. She has a boundless curiosity for life and a zest to enjoy it. You can find her engaged in activities to inspire, support, or coach others toward a self-actualizing lifestyle, doing her part to empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Senaite Ayalew DeShields, M.A.
Secretary
Senaite Ayalew Deshields, originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, overcame a tumultuous youth during a military regime. Forced into volunteerism, she later migrated to the United States, pursued education, and graduated in MIS from California University Northridge. After working as a System Analyst, Senaite embraced volunteerism, supported her daughter's education, and secured her a full college scholarship to UC Berkeley. Now, she's accepted into medical schools, continuing her remarkable journey. Despite personal trials, Senaite finds gratification in giving back, inspired by those who helped her during challenging times.
Ted Kioski
Public Relations and Marketing (USA)
Ted Koloski, a Boston native, graduated from Northeastern University with a Marketing/Sales degree and minor in Communication. He then thrived in LA's hospitality at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel. As Business Development Manager for MAPFRE Insurance in Southern California, Ted boasts 25 years of sales experience, specializing in relationship management. Respected and charismatic, he's known for his empathy, instilled by his loving grandmother. Ted's passion for life stems from seeing the goodness in people and believes success is a collective effort, defined by contributions to life and lasting memories.
Anthene Dejene, CP
Trustee, USA
Anteneh Dejene's career in the tax and accounting world kicked off in 1998. He started as a humble BOE intern, climbing the ladder to become a Sales Tax Auditor. This experience gave him a solid foundation in tax matters and paved the way for him to start his very own tax business. Anteneh didn't stop there; in 2010, he transformed his flourishing business into an H&R Block Franchise. Over the years, he and his team proudly served over 3,500 clients.
In 2017, Anteneh decided to spread his wings even further. He ventured into business brokerage and became the proud owner of a Transworld Business Advisor franchise. Anteneh's business acquisitions didn't stop there; he purchased D.A. Rogers & Associates, Inc. in 2019, Judge & Judge, CPA in 2020 and JNS CPAs, LLP in 2021. These companies have since been rebranded and brought under the umbrella of Dejene & Associates, Inc.
With a bachelor's degree in accounting and standing as an IRS Enrolled Agent, Anteneh is a whizz at providing top-notch tax support. His clients trust him to guide them through the tax maze and help them achieve their financial goals. Anteneh is all about dedication, professionalism and putting his clients first. He's not just a tax advisor, but a trusted guide in the world of tax and accounting.
Indira Trejo
Board Member
Currently, Indira works at UFCW Local 3000 as the Campaigns Director for Internal Growth.
She pursued and completed her Bachelor's degree in Politics, Economics & Philosophy at the University of Washington from 2011 to 2013.
Indira began her career as an Insurance Agent at Allstate and later worked as a Secretary of the Treasury and Archives at Pierce College District 11, developing programming and community outreach initiatives. She also served as the Regional Director and later became the Global Impact Coordinator for United Farm Workers, empowering farmworkers and addressing labor trafficking issues. She then joined United Food and Commercial Workers 21 as a Lead Organizer, overseeing organizing efforts.
Mona Shahab, PHD
Board Advisor
Mona moved to Massachusetts, USA to pursue her under graduate education while working at the Children’s Hospital in Boston. She completed her PhD in clinical psychology in the Netherlands and worked with refugees with complex trauma.
While committed to her studies, charity work and mountaineering ambitions, she has become , one of Saudi Arabia’ most famous explorers, has conquered some of the world’s loftiest mountain peaks including Mount Kilimanjaro By 2011, perhaps the most famous of them all –Mount Everest in 2019.
Along the way, she has been raising funds for a plethora of good causes (including cancer patients and Syrian refugees) while also raising awareness about causes close to her heart (breast cancer and mental illness).
Kidest Bekele
Trustee, USA
Co-founder & Director of the Mekdela Alemakef Foundation
Kidest was born and raised in Addis Ababa. She received her primary and secondary education from St. Mary Catholic School. She managed a family transportation business at a young age, married, and raised a beautiful daughter. She entered the hospitality industry and owned and operated a few restaurants for over twenty-five years, offering Ethiopian fusion dining and takeout.
She has received recognition for creating a dome-like restaurant with a blend of classical and modern atmospheres, offering her clients a dining experience in a relaxed waterfall and garden environment. Similarly, she had a modern interpretation of Ethiopian classic dishes using high-quality fresh ingredients and integration of Italian cuisine to appeal to broad consumers, known for excellent service and friendly staff.
Kidest has been working in construction development and property management for the past ten years. Throughout her life, she has also devoted her time and resources to social service: serving the churches and those in need. Hence, she is a Co-founder and president of the Mekdela Alemakef Foundation, a local chapter of the Mekdela Global Outreach Nonprofit Organization in the USA.
Sharifa Al-Turki
Social Media & Marketing Strategist
Sharifa Al-Turki is a Saudi-American who was raised in the United Kingdom, where she resided until moving to Los Angeles to attend Pepperdine University. Sharifa graduated from Pepperdine in 2020 with a B.S. in Business Administration, and she specializes in strategic consulting and marketing content creation. Since graduating, she has obtained three years of experience working with non-profits and purpose-first organizations, and has founded her own marketing company, Sunset Collaborative Marketing.
Sharifa is passionate about serving underprivileged communities, protecting the environment, and advocating for human rights, and is very excited to join the team at Mekdela Global Outreach Organization.
Aleme Abebe
USA Outreach Support
Ms. Alem Abebe is a native of Wollow, Ethiopia. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Wheaton College in Massachusetts. After working in the industry for several years, she followed her calling: share Ethiopian's cultural riches with the world.
Her professional work as a chemist, strong work ethic, and the unique experience of raising and mentoring a successful son has contributed to rewarding experiences and the person she has become: optimistic, empathic, caring, and supportive of those in need.
Ms. Alem is an entrepreneur who incorporates curiosity and openness for knowledge, is committed to engaging and building friendships and running a successful business in the multicultural city of the great Los Angeles, Little Ethiopia district for over 25 years. She uses her passion and tireless energy to help her community in Los Angeles and back home in Ethiopia and serve as a Treasurer to the Little Ethiopia Association.
Bethel Melktu
International Outreach Support Team, Ethiopia
Bethel was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; she graduated from Lycee G/Mariam High School and studied at the University of the School of Commerce, where she graduated in marketing management in 2021.
After graduating from the university, she completed her internship as a translator for the Economy Commission for Africa. She also worked as a personal assistant for a private company in commercial Real estate development. Currently, she works at the Bank of Abyssinia as a digital marketer, where she is responsible for developing and executing digital marketing campaigns for the bank and managing influencers to promote the bank.
In her spare time, she likes reading, traveling, and being open to learning new things and partaking in volunteer social work.
Zoma Desta
Chief Financial Officer of the Mekdela Alemakef Foundation
Zoma was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She obtained a bachelors degree in Sociology and a diploma in Secretarial Sciences. Her linguistic skill in English and French has a role in becoming a Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea after graduating from college.
Her strength in organization, leadership, commitment, and interpersonal and administrative skills have resulted in her current position as the Secretary and Administrative in charge of Finance and Visa at the Embassy of DR Congo for the past thirteen years.
Zoma is open, curious, and empathic, transcending beyond age, gender, cultural, and language limitations and crossing miles to forge a bridge to support those seeking a helping hand. Hence, she responded cheerfully when asked to join the Mekdela Alemakef Foundation in an administrative role.
Jerusalem Bekele Biru
Outreach For Local Chapter (MAF)
Jerusalem Bekele Biru is a mother of a daughter and two sons. She was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After successfully completing her formal Education, she joined Ethiopian Airlines as a Trainee flight attendant in 2006. Then she started her professional flight attendant job as a Junior Cabin Crew in domestic and international flights. She has served the Airline in different capacities as a Cabin Crew, including Team Leader Cabin Services.
Jerusalem is under a special assignment as a Senior Cabin Crew Instructor. Among the many exciting things in her career path, she participates in the recruitment process of joining Cabin Crews and loves coaching and mentoring them.
She is known for her best-in-class customer service, exceptional interpersonal skills, and friendliness. She is dedicated to offering excellent customer service and is proficient in responding to emergency situations calmly.
Yoseph Asrat Neway
Project Director & Board
Yoseph graduated in Accounting (Diploma ) Commercial College in Addis Ababa and went on to study in Canada at southern Alberta institute of technology, courses offered by the society of management accountants. (CMA).
Yoseph owned , operated and transferred several convenience stores under the name of Getway newsstands in the city of Toronto Ontario Canada before he moved back to Ethiopia and started a construction Equipment rental company under the brand name of Ethio Canadian Business Group.
(ECBG).
His company employs 280 permanent employees and is a parent company to; ECBG , construction (a GC1 contractor), Code express Transport and logistic provider, Nib ras hotel and real estate company currently building its own 4 star hotel in the heart of Piasa, including Pay it communication technology plc. .While all the above companies are active in giving back to the community Yoseph takes special pride in not only donating money but also his time to worthy causes.