| 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. |
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Meet our Board
| Hirout Dagnew Executive Director Hirout Dagnew is a retired national board certified public school teacher who has spent thirty years teaching children and training teachers in a local public school district in Los Angeles. She is committed to strengthening ECLA's mission of supporting immigrant communities through advocacy, education, and direct services. She hopes to amplify immigrant voices, ensuring that policies and programs reflect the dignity and contributions of those that are served. Hirout hopes to expand access to critical resources—legal assistance, workforce development, language programs, and social services—so that every individual and family can thrive. By deepening partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and policymakers, she hopes to build stronger networks of support. Her goal is to foster inclusive communities that recognize and celebrate the cultural richness that immigrants bring. Hirout has served on many school councils, advisory boards, and currently continues to serve on two other nonprofit boards. |
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 Messeret Yilma Board Chair My vision for ECLA is to continue and expand outreach to the community, especially youth, regarding educational needs and opportunities. In addition to being acurrent ECLA Board Member, I currently work as a managerat a large corporation in the Los Angeles area. As a manager, I strive to communicate clearly, motivate and develop employees as well as set goals and deadlines. I intend to use these skills to help the community and to achieve the stated goals of ECLA. |
Denkinesh Argaw Secretary Over the last decade, I've organized community-driven events like panels, mixers, various workshops, fundraisers and musical and cultural performances specifically within the Ethiopian and Eritrean community in LA. I bring extensive experience from running the 2591Worldwide platform, co-founding Motherland Sounds, leading KITFO TV and the KITFO Film Festival. My vision for the ECLA is to focus on arts-driven programming for the youth and increase the involvement of young adults by encouraging them to actively participate and take ownership of community initiatives. |
Sine Yohannes Treasurer As treasurer for a grassroots nonprofit immigrant community organization like ECLA, I will leverage over 20 years of public sector experience to ensure sound financial management, budgeting, and accounting. My financial management experience and strong communication skills will enhance accurate reporting and effective collaboration. I bring exceptional organizational and record keeping abilities, delivering my duties with utmost integrity, transparency, and dedication to the community’s mission. We must strive to build a strong, united community where every member can thrive. |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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. |  Mekonnen Garedew Board Member I am a management consultant based in Los Angeles bringing forth an entrepreneurial perspective informed by years of private and public sector leadership experience, an eagerness to understand others, and a desire to serve the community. As a former higher education professional, I continue to advise Ethiopian families on matters related to post-secondary education. I envision ECLA being a highly resourced institution empowering Ethiopians here and abroad to ensure the continuity of Ethiopian life. |
Mahelet Gezachew Board Member I am an Ethiopian-American Executive and Producer based in Los Angeles, holding a diverse background in Film and TV Development Activism and Marketing Partnerships. An unwavering passion for story telling is at the heart of my work. Social justice and crafting purposeful narratives. I am dedicated to fostering creative infrastructure in Ethiopia and Africa. I aim to cultivate strong interconnected community where artistic expression and cultural heritage are celebrated and elevated. |
Libona Kebede Board Member I offer over 35 years of experience in business development and go-to-market strategy, currently serving as a Partner Development Manager at Google Cloud. My prior leadership roles at Amazon Web Services and IBM have equipped me with extensive expertise in consultative sales and forging complex partnerships with external organizations, consistently resulting in exceeding revenue and key objectives. My vision for ECLA is to establish a welcoming environment where all members of the Habesha community feel safe to learn, grow, and become empowered through the organization's services and support. My desire is to leverage my skills and experience to support a positive social and economic impact within our community. I am passionate about serving with the utmost integrity to further ECLA's mission. |
David Mesfin Board Member As a creative thinker, I bring innovative solutions and a fresh perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing the Ethiopian Community in Los Angeles (ECLA). My collaborative nature ensures that I work well with others, fostering teamwork and collective problem-solving. My passion for Ethiopia and the local community fuels my dedication and commitment to making a positive impact. Over the years, I have played key roles in fundraising and supporting communication efforts for various initiatives. These experiences have honed my skills in organizing events, mobilizing resources, and effectively communicating our mission and goals to a broader audience. My background in these areas will be instrumental in advancing ECLA's objectives and enhancing our community's cohesion and strength. |
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