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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

Yekuno Woldeyesus, Board Chair

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

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.

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.

 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. 

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.

Messeret Yilma, Board Member

I am currently working as a manager for a large corporation in the Los Angeles area. I joined ECLA because I believe in volunteer work and is committed to helping ECLA achieve its stated goals.  i have a strong desire to make a difference in our community, and I am committed to working hard to achieve this goal. I have over 15 years of experience in management, and I am confident that my skills and expertise will be an asset in bringing outreach to the community and addressing the challenges our community is facing.