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Mission Statement


The Ethiopian Community Los Angeles, ECLA, is an inclusive, nonpolitical, and nonreligious civic organization aiming to address the social, economic, and educational needs of Ethiopian immigrants, and others in similar situations, residing in the Greater Los Angeles area of Southern California. ECLA is committed to promote the history and the cultural heritage of Ethiopia at large.


BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 Yonas Assefa,  Board member

I work as an Agent Account Analyst for a logistic company.

I joined ECLA because of my desire to learn something new about people, about cooperation, about compassion, and about myself. I believe in being there for others, I am reminded that we are all in this together. When I look beyond myself, I see that life has so much to offer. 

My vision is clear, ECLA is the community hub that we all benefit from. 

Hezkeal Ayele, Board Treasurer

I have over 10 years of Accounting, Auditing and Financial monitoring experience in both government and private institutions. I hold a degree in Business Administration/Accounting, and I am a Certified Fraud Examiner CFE) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIF). I plan on creating a solid and reliable financial management system, accountability responsibility and strong internal control, consequently enabling ECLA to accomplish its service mission and earn members’, donor’s and grantor’s trust and confidence.

Jhaila Brown, Board member

I am an attorney that practices in the areas of real estate, affordable housing, land use, and municipal law. I joined ECLA because I wanted to give back to my Ethiopian community. My vision for ECLA is for it to serve as the epicenter of the Ethiopian community, with its own community center and stabilized funding.   Additionally, I envision ECLA providing a myriad of robust services and activities positively impacting and improving the health, safety, welfare, education and social/cultural elements of our vibrant and proud community members.

Positron Kebebew, Board Vice Chair

I am a former primary care physician currently in a leadership role at a Health Plan. My professional journey was long, and I learned to lean and ‘get’ from others – I want to play it forward in my community. To me ECLA translates to ‘We rise by lifting others.’


Fassika Kebede, Board member

I am a Title Manager responsible for the creation and distribution of digital streaming files as well as physical, DVD/Blu-ray/Ultra High Definition (UHD) Discs, for both TV series and feature films for Sony Pictures Entertainment. I joined ECLA because the need for an organized and dedicated group to serve the Ethiopian community is critical and I answered the call to serve and lead a better community and build ECLA’s vision and fulfil its mission. I envision ECLA as an outstanding and successful organization helping the Ethiopian community for generations to come.

Mesfin Kinfu, Board member

I am a social worker with Los Angeles County. I joined ECLA to serve my community in addressing various cultural, social, and economic challenges. My vision is to see that ECLA becomes a successful community organization that addresses the challenges of our community, and eventually creates an empowered and integrated community.

Samson Mulugeta, Board Secretary

I am employed as Director of Client Employment Services at the Exceptional Children’s Foundation. I joined ECLA because I place the highest value on people, integrity. and inclusion. As a board member, I want to inspire, educate and rally our members, donors, volunteers and partners towards helping build the ECLA ecosystem that we all desire.  

Daniel Seyoum, Board member

I have been working in different capacities as an IT professional. I work with people from different walks of life, within the same team or across different teams with ease.

I pride myself in having great interpersonal skills. I would like to see ECLA be a ‘one stop’ shop so any member of the community can come and get served or get guidance, from simple counseling to life touching matters, like health, education, or social services that the government offers.

Martha Tadesse, Board Chair

My name is Martha Tadesse RN MSN/MPH CNS. 

Having witnessed many failed attempts at opening a Community Center in Los Angeles; I decided to join one last time to assist and hopefully achieve this outcome/ goal.

My vision is for a healthy community where Ethiopians and Ethio/Americans become equipped with tools and resources that will assist them in living progressively fulfilling lives. 

Yekuno Woldeyesus, Board member

I work in the Healthcare Industry. I do volunteer work and observed my own community lacked a viable community support. Hence, I pivoted to focus more on my own community. My vision is to bring the Ethiopian and Ethiopian origin community together, create an environment that benefits from all available resources through different governmental agencies and organizational sectors. To bring all talents and backgrounds together and build a stronger and united community that lasts for generations. Contribute to build a positive, inclusive, engaging, and strong community

Guenet Zelleke, Board member

I am Business Taxes Auditor for the State of California, conducting complex business tax audit of large and medium size companies. I joined ECLA because I do believe giving back and assisting others is the basis of community service.  My vision is for the community center to be successful in providing needed service to the community, and to be a place to connect us with the community at large.


Contact Us

Ethiopian Community Los Angeles

1439 N.Highland Avenue #203

Los Angeles, CA 90028

323-508-9960

info@ ecloangeles.org


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