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. 

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. 

Messeret Yilma

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.