Leadership
Maebel Gebremedhin
Co-Founder, Board Member and President
Maebel is a Tigrayan-American, New York based mother of 3. A refugee who immigrated to the US at the age of 5, Maebel cofounded Tigray Action Committee, a non-profit committed to helping end the mass violence and genocide in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and to support besieged communities and women surviving Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. She also co-founded and leads United Women of the Horn (UWH) bringing together African women from different ethnic and religious backgrounds for causes advancing sustainable peace, democracy, transitional justice and equal rights. Maebel has extensive expertise in community mobilizing, human rights, advocacy and manages a team of all-women aid workers in remote parts of the Tigray Region, Ethiopia providing life-saving support to families in dire need. The young women’s rights activist, throughout her life, has always remained committed and passionate about community empowerment, racial and gender equality, children’s rights in the United States and all over Africa. Maebel has been featured in publications such as; Forbes, New York Times, The Cut, BBC, PBS, NPR, Arab News, France 24, The Globe & Mail etc. Maebel has appeared on news stations throughout the world advocating for women’s and children’s rights.
Hafsa Mohamed
Co-Founder and Board Member
Hafsa Mohamed, a Somali-American, has an educational background in sociology, women’s studies and international development. She is a women’s rights and disability rights activist, civic engagement specialist, development and humanitarian figure in Southern California. Hafsa Mohamed is a consultant for humanitarian and international governmental agencies.
Hawzien Gebremedhin
Co-Founder and Board Member
Hawzien Gebremedhin, a Tigrayan-American, leads Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Plante Moran, a global accounting firm with offices across the USA, Asia and Mexico. Through her work she develops and guides the firm’s various DEI strategies affecting the talent, clients, and the communities the firm serves. Prior to Plante Moran, Hawzien worked in the Banking industry for 12 years, most recently as a VP at FirstBank. In addition to her professional experience, Hawzien has worked extensively in supporting non-profits. She’s had years of serving on nonprofit boards, and over the past three years, she’s co-founded two nonprofits: Tigray Action Committee and United Women of the Horn.
Seenaa Jimjimo
Co-Founder and Board Member
Seenaa Jimjimo is the Executive Director of the Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy Association (OLLAA), an entity focusing on Human Rights, Women’s rights, and Indigenous Rights by empowering and collaborating with dozens of Oromo communities throughout the world and frequently working in coalition with other advocacy organizations that represent various communities across Ethiopia. Seenaa serves on the Illinois Advisory Committee for U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.
Courtney Hamilton
Board Member
Courtney is a professional political operative with over a decade of experience working for campaigns, candidates and causes she believes in. She has a Bachelors degree in Political Science and a Masters degree in Political Psychology. She lives in California with her dogs and books.
Gabby Mendez
Board Member and Community Outreach Coordinator
Gabby Mendez is a dedicated environmentalist and community advocate based in Moreno Valley. She serves as an alternate member on the City’s Planning Commission. Gabby is passionate about amplifying community voices, particularly concerning housing, environmental quality, and inclusive urban planning. Her ongoing civic involvement reflects a commitment to ensuring Moreno Valley and throughout Southern California develops in an environmentally responsible and community-focused way.