#ECW 2026

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Tedros Mengiste leads the strategy and execution of all sales, after-sales, marketing, and growth strategies for Genesis in the United States and Canada. 

Mengiste joined Genesis Motor America in March 2020 as executive director of sales operations and was later promoted to vice president, sales operations in 2022. Under his leadership, Genesis sales have grown exponentially in the United States along with significant growth among the brand’s standalone retail facility network. 

Mengiste has 30 years of extensive automotive industry experience and prior to joining Genesis served as regional vice president of Infiniti and held various executive positions at Nissan Motor America and Ford Motor Company. Mengiste’s automotive background includes expertise in national and regional sales strategy, field operations, market representation, and product and consumer marketing. 

Mengiste holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and a bachelor of science in business marketing from Indiana University. 

About Genesis 

Genesis is a new global automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of design, safety, refined performance, and innovation while looking towards a more sustainable future. Drawing from its cultural heritage and distinctly Korean hospitality, Genesis crafts experiences focused on customers as “Son-nim”, or honored guests. 

Genesis Motor North America offers a growing range of award-winning SUV, sedan, and electric models through its network of more than 190 independent U.S. retailers, in addition to its more than 30 Canadian agency distributors. Genesis now counts more than 100 standalone retail facilities across the North American region, with dozens more in development. Consumers can discover the brand through its many retail points, at Genesis House, the brand’s flagship space in New York City, or online. 

Surafeal Asgedom is a healthcare and technology executive who serves as Chief Strategy Officer, advising Fortune 500 companies, digital health firms and federal contractors on strategy, transformation, and growth. He previously served as Chief Modernization Officer at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where he led enterprise-wide efforts to modernize major business systems and simplify operations during one of the most significant transformations in the agency’s history. 

Earlier, Surafeal was Corporate Vice President at New York City’s largest integrated health system, helping lead post-merger integration, operational improvement and technology-enabled transformation. Known for connecting the dots, simplifying complexity and turning strategy into action, he brings more than 20 years of experience leading change and building high-impact partnerships. Surafeal holds degrees from Columbia University and the University of California, San Diego.

Saba Abashawl recently retired after nearly 27 years with the City of Houston, where she served under five mayors as Chief External Affairs Officer and Deputy Director for Houston Airports. Throughout her career, she served as the City of Houston’s senior executive for international relations, strategic partnerships, and global business development, building partnerships with governments, businesses, and organizations worldwide to strengthen Houston’s global connectivity, economic growth, and international profile.

Saba is also the Founder and President of ABSAMglobal LLC, an international consulting firm specializing in strategic partnerships, international relations, business development, and stakeholder engagement. Born and raised in Ethiopia and a longtime Houston resident, she is recognized for connecting people, ideas, and opportunities across cultures and sectors. Saba is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and helping organizations build meaningful relationships that create lasting economic and community impact. 

Sosena Solomon is an award-winning Ethiopian-American social documentary filmmaker and multimedia visual artist whose work explores culture, identity, and communities in transition through immersive, cinematic storytelling. Her recent work includes the African Landmark Series, a permanent film installation for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Arts of Africa galleries, as well as Dreaming of Jerusalem and MERKATO. Her films have screened at Sundance, Tribeca, DOC NYC, Cinema Africa, and internationally at museums and festivals, and her work has been featured in The New Yorker, The Guardian, The Art Newspaper, Hyperallergic, Forbes Africa, and Artnet News.

Solomon is the recipient of the 2025 Pew Fellowship from the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage and is a National Geographic Expedition Explorer and Filmmaker. She serves on the 2026 Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Selection Committee for Film & Storytelling and is a lecturer in Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Ruhama Wolle is an author, editor, and brand strategist whose work sits at the
intersection of editorial, culture, and commercial storytelling. She is Vice President of Brand Partnerships, Strategy & Culture at the New York Post, where she helps shape how brands enter moments with purpose, taste, and a clear point of view.

Most recently, Wolle worked in Style Partnerships at The Cut, developing creative collaborations across fashion, beauty, entertainment, talent, social video, and branded content. Before that, she was Special Projects Editor at Glamour, where she helped lead marquee franchises including Women of the Year and College Women of the Year, and contributed to ASME-recognized work on paid leave and maternal health.

She is the author of I Hope You Elope, a sharp critique of modern wedding culture and friendship and is the creator of Meskel Flower, a visual project honoring Ethiopian womanhood, beauty, and cultural inheritance.

Koki Hurley is a strategic financial and operations leader with over 15 years of progressive experience managing complex financial systems, compliance frameworks, and resource allocation across global and nonprofit organizations. She currently serves as the Interim Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations and Executive Director of the Montgomery College Foundation, having joined the institution in 2025 as the Executive Director of Foundation Finance & Operations. Throughout her career, Hurley has directed massive funding and award portfolios, previously serving as the Senior Director of Grants Administration & Finance at United Way Worldwide and Director of Awards Management at TechnoServe, alongside key financial leadership roles at the Carnegie Institution for Science, the United Nations Foundation, and American University. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Marymount University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from The George Washington University, utilizing her expertise to build high-performing, cross-functional teams and align diverse stakeholder priorities to achieve organizational growth. 

Koki is currently serving as the Interim Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations
Executive Director of the MC Foundation at Montgomery College

Mintesnot Weldemariam serves as an enrollment services professional at Montgomery College, where he has supported over 5,000 students with admissions, financial aid, and registration since joining the institution in 2013. Having immigrated to the United States with limited English proficiency and initially working as a security officer while earning a degree in Accounting and Finance, Weldemariam overcame significant cultural and career barriers to build a successful career in higher education. Prior to his current role, he held key financial aid positions at several institutions, including Howard University. Deeply motivated by his personal journey, Weldemariam is dedicated to helping students—particularly immigrants and English language learners—navigate academic systems, overcome barriers, and achieve their graduation goals.

Minte is currently serving as a Community Engagement Specialist at Montgomery College

Tesfaye Lemma is an Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Computer Science at Montgomery College in Maryland, drawing on nearly two decades of prior industry experience supporting IT and cybersecurity systems across the federal, private, and nonprofit sectors. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science from The Catholic University of America and teaches core subjects ranging from digital forensics and ethical hacking to Python and secure software development. A dedicated educator, speaker, and mentor, Professor Lemma has guided his students to multiple regional and national cybersecurity championships since 2021, focusing his research and professional interests on artificial intelligence, cloud security, and preparing the next generation of cyber defense professionals.

Tesfaye is currently serving as an Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Computer Science at Montgomery College

Dillon Ficca is a dedicated community building and public service professional who currently serves as the Manager of Community Engagement at Montgomery College, where he fosters strategic partnerships to connect the college with Montgomery County, Maryland. Prior to this role, he spent nearly three years at Indeed Flex, starting as a Community Engagement Specialist and rising to Manager of Community Engagement, where he integrated pathways between private sector talent acquisition and public sector workforce development agencies. His extensive background in the nonprofit sector also includes serving as the Senior Manager of Community Engagement and Manager of Volunteer Programs & Community Engagement at Housing Up in Washington, D.C., working directly to support families overcoming homelessness. Earlier in his career, Dillon managed campus-based civic engagement activities as the Midwest Campus Manager for OneVoice, worked as a Deputy Campaign Manager in Chicago’s 12th Ward, served as a Development Director for Zimam in Ramallah, Palestine, and designed citizenship preparation programs as a USCIS Citizenship Instructor for Arab American Family Services.

Dillon is currently serving as a Manager of Community Engagement at Montgomery College

• Author of They Talk When They Feel Safe: A Conversational Guide for Habesha Parents of Preteens and Teens
• Speaker and parenting educator specializing in parenting, emotional wellness, trauma, and family relationships.

Mulualem Adgeh is a distinguished attorney with over ten years of legal experience nationally and internationally. His extensive background spans legal counseling, negotiation, trial experience, and advisory roles across various sectors and jurisdictions, including international trade law, immigration law, and corporate law. Mulualem holds a JD and an LL.M. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Foreign Affairs from Ethiopia.

He is an active member of the Minnesota State Bar Association and is licensed in the State of Minnesota and the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. His practice of immigration is in all 50 states.

Dr. Mehrit Tekeste is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of CenterPeace Psychological Assessment & Counseling Services, LLC. She works primarily with young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, life transitions, relationships, and challenges related to self-worth.

Dr. Tekeste earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University and has experience working in college counseling settings, community mental health clinics, and substance use treatment centers. Her approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive. She integrates evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, ACT, IFS, and family systems perspectives, while honoring each person’s unique experiences, values, culture, and background.

Dr. Tekeste is especially passionate about supporting individuals exploring identity, belonging, faith, and personal growth, including those navigating multicultural identities, first-generation experiences, and the complexities of balancing personal values with family and cultural expectations. She seeks to create a space where clients feel seen, understood, and supported as they develop greater self-awareness and self-compassion.

Lina B. Abrar, PMHNP-BC, is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 16 years of nursing experience, currently providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.

Lina is bilingual( Speaks Amharic) and committed to creating a culturally supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered. Her patient-centered approach combines expert medication management with personalized treatment plans designed to help individuals achieve lasting emotional wellness and improved quality of life.

Areas of Focus: Anxiety • Depression • ADHD • Bipolar Disorder • PTSD • Medication Management • Adult Mental Health.

Dr. Kalkidan is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides evidence-based psychiatric care to adolescents and adults. She has experience in both clinical practice and healthcare leadership and is passionate about promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and increasing understanding of mental health through education and open conversation.

Managing partner.  Dutchmill Catering LLC.
Corporate Catering and event planning. 

Partner Torn Apron foods
Manufacturing & wholesale Ready to Eat fresh food 

Partner  Amare Realty LLC
Real estate holding firm
Commercial, industrial and residential properties

Ms. Jawauna M. Greene is an Assistant Secretary of Transportation for the Maryland Department of Transportation. With a transportation career that spans more than 30 years, Ms. Greene has distinguished herself in the industry as a leading communications and marketing professional. She previously served as an executive for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, one of our nation’s largest transportation and infrastructure organizations. Ms. Greene has spent most of her professional career working in the national capital area’s regional transportation agencies such as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the Maryland Port Administration and the Maryland Transit Administration. She began her career working in the Maryland General Assembly and then went on to work for the late Congressman Elijah E. Cummings. Ms. Greene has managed high-profile crisis communications efforts and community engagement initiatives. Ms. Greene holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Hood College and a Master’s in Business from University of Maryland.

Rebkha Atnafou-Boyer, MPH is the Founder and CEO of RnD Associates, Inc. and RnD Enterprise, organizations that strengthen nonprofit organizations, businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and community-based organizations through training, technical assistance, research, strategic planning, workforce development, mentoring, community organizing, and program evaluation. She is also a Research Associate at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where she leads community-engaged research on cancer prevention, cancer screening, and health equity. Since joining Johns Hopkins in 2011, she has served in several leadership roles, including Director of Community Engagement at the Urban Health Institute and Director of the nationally recognized Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program (BNLP), coaching and mentoring many emerging community leaders. Rebkha currently serves as Faculty Adviser to the Africa Business Club at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, founded Zeni’s Gift to support the academic and professional development of students and young professionals, and serves as Vice Chair of the Ethio-American Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Baltimore Ending the HIV Epidemic Commission, and on the boards of GapBusters, Inc. (Maryland and Ghana), Seeka University (Côte d’Ivoire), and the Advisory Council of GreenLight Fund Baltimore. With more than two decades of experience in public health, leadership development, community engagement, workforce development, and health equity, she is recognized for building cross-sector partnerships that translate research into sustainable community impact. Rebkha earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Binghamton University and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University. She is driven by passion, purpose, and service, and is dedicated to transforming community wellness and wealth so that individuals, families, and communities can thrive for generations to come.

Yared Tsegaye is Vice President of Cloud Modernization and AI Solutions at Applied Information Sciences (AIS), where he leads strategy, delivery, and innovation across AI, data, cloud, and application modernization. He works with organizations in healthcare, financial services, the commercial sector, and government to adopt AI responsibly and turn emerging technology into measurable business results.

With more than two decades of technology leadership experience, Yared has guided enterprises through every major wave of disruption, cloud, data, and now AI, modernizing legacy systems and building high-performing teams equipped for the future of work. He advises executives on AI strategy, workforce transformation, and where the technology is actually headed, drawing on what he sees every day while delivering AI solutions within large organizations.

Yared is passionate about developing the next generation of technology leaders and helping professionals at every career stage, from those just entering the field to seasoned executives, stay competitive and seize the opportunities the AI era is creating.

Fitsum Andargue is a management consulting professional with more than 25 years of leadership experience leading large-scale federal transformation initiatives that improve operations, execution, and results.

His expertise includes organizational change management, IT strategy and deployment, digital transformation, program and project management, and business process reengineering. His experience spans government, healthcare, supply chain, retail, and financial services.

Before consulting, Fitsum held leadership roles at General Electric, progressing from GE’s leadership development program into senior operations roles managing large-scale business and IT transformations.

Fitsum completed the Change Management Advanced Practitioner (CMAP) program with Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and holds an MS in Business and Information Technology Management from George Washington University.

His professional certifications include CIO Certificate in Federal Executive Competency, Project Management Professional (PMP), ITIL v3 Foundations, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (MBB), Agile Certified Practitioner, Scrum Master, and AI Fundamentals. 

Abebe Feleke is a cross-disciplinary leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning cybersecurity strategy, governance, education, media, and cultural advocacy. He serves as a Senior associate in information security policy governance, where he oversees enterprise-wide security policies, regulatory compliance, audit readiness, standards management, and governance frameworks aligned with recognized industry and international standards. He also serves as a professor at Bay Atlantic University, teaching and engaging students in artificial intelligence governance, cyber law and policy, information systems, cybersecurity governance, and technology management. 

Previously, Abebe worked as a Senior Information Security Analyst, supporting cybersecurity initiatives for U.S. government agencies. He also served as Information Security Officer and Manager, developing policies and procedures and establishing the organization’s first managed service offering. Earlier, he supported customer service, data privacy, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance. His career began in journalism as a senior editor at Ethiopian National Radio and a founding contributor to FM Addis 97.1, Ethiopia’s first FM station. He continues to serve as a U.S.-based news analyst and foreign correspondent for Deutsche Welle, covering global affairs, cybersecurity, geopolitics, technology, and public policy. He is also widely known as an EBS television host, having anchored Enkokilish, Sunday on EBS, and Fire Neger, starred in the television drama Senselet, and directed the acclaimed stage production Cain, which ran for more than three years at the Ethiopian National Theatre.

His scholarship and training in AI governance, cyber risk, and cybersecurity policy inform his writing, teaching, and public commentary on emerging technologies, compliance, responsible AI, innovation, and digital resilience. He holds the CISSP certification, a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy, an MBA, and a BA in Theatre Arts and Communication, along with credentials in videography and editing and training in mindful leadership, behavioral assessment, and catalytic coaching. Beyond his professional work, he volunteers and serves on nonprofit boards supporting children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, women and children affected by cancer in Ethiopia, and students lacking access to educational resources. Based in Virginia, he also helps organize international cultural events and trade fairs showcasing Ethiopian heritage while preparing the next generation of professionals for a responsible, resilient, and AI-driven future.

Merry Nebiyu is the Director of Community at Glimpse—an Andreessen Horowitz-backed AI tech company automating the back office of consumer goods brands —where she has built one of the most active community-led marketing programs in the consumer goods industry. Before Glimpse, she led social media and creative work at Januarie 1st Inc, a creative production studio, with earlier digital roles at NBCUniversal, Michelle Obama’s Civic Nation, and the House Judiciary Committee. A Boston University graduate with a degree in political science, Merry has built her career at the intersection of media and community-led growth — often as the youngest person in the room. She’s based in New York City.

Seble Yigletu is an epidemiologist with a passion for advancing health equity. Her experience spans academia and industry, with expertise in clinical development, clinical trial diversity, and public health. She is currently an Associate Clinical Operations Manager at Merck, where she contributes to the operational and regulatory execution of late-stage clinical trials across a range of therapeutic areas. In addition, she serves on Merck’s U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee, where she helps drive initiatives that foster equity, inclusion, and belonging across the organization. Seble earned a Master of Science in Epidemiology from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in Community Health from Tufts University. Her academic research focused on reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric epidemiology in Ethiopia, with an emphasis on culturally responsive research approaches.

Eden Getahun is a first-generation Ethiopian American poet, writer, and collage artist from Sacramento, California. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard University’s Class of 2025, where she studied Social Studies with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy, focusing on Racial Justice, Healing, and Social Change. Her work explores how art can be used as a tool to help people imagine the future and heal from race-related trauma by creating community with one another. 

Eden currently works at Kinfolk Tech, a nonprofit that uses immersive technology, public art, and community-centered design to preserve histories that have often been overlooked or erased, especially in Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Through augmented reality monuments, cultural archives, and digital tools, Kinfolk is building a new commemorative model where communities shape what is remembered and public space becomes a canvas for truth, imagination, and belonging.

Emnet Yebeltal is an AI engineer and entrepreneur building at the intersection of enterprise automation and applied AI. He’s the founder of SmartFlow, where he designs and deploys agentic AI systems for medium-to-enterprise companies — helping organizations move from experimentation to production-grade automation, with governance and auditability built in from the start. Alongside SmartFlow, He works as a AI Engineer building agentic AI systems for federal agencies, giving him a front-row view into how AI gets deployed in some of the most regulated, high-stakes environments in the country.