Board Member's

Board of Directors

ECS is governed by a Board of Directors. These Board Members are volunteers who do not receive compensation for services rendered by ECS. They are experienced and respected community leaders from varied backgrounds.

PRESIDENT

Habtamu Kebede

Habtamu Kebede is a trained social work professional who is passionate about helping individuals, families, and communities improve their overall well-being and overcome obstacles. He firmly believes that with practical guidance and support, everyone has the potential to reach their full potential and thrive.

Habtamu has served on the Ethiopian Community Services Board of Directors for several years in various capacities. He has been re-elected and is eager to continue serving the community on the Board. Habtamu values the relationships he has with his family, friends, colleagues, and others in his social circle.

Manyaheleshal Tadgo

Manyaheleshal Tadgo has been an active member of the Ethiopian Community Services (ECS) for several years leading numerous community projects. Currently in her third year on the board, she has served as President and is now the Vice President.

Manyaheleshal is deeply committed to ECS’s mission, working closely with staff and volunteers to support the Ethiopian community in the Bay Area. Outside her role as a software developer, she enjoys walking, reading, and spending time at her local independent coffee shop. She is dedicated to ECS’s continued growth and impact.

Mengistu Mekuria

Girum Siraw , Ph.D.

Girum Siraw Awoke serves Ethiopian Community Services Inc. as a governing Board member and as a member of the Health and Education committee. Girum has nearly 20 years of professional experience in the Transportation, Public Works, and Engineering fields, working in both private and public sectors.

For the past 8 years, he has served in Executive Management roles, ranging from serving as the Chief of Construction in Montgomery County, a suburb of Washington, D.C., to the Public Works Director for the City of Gilroy, CA. He is passionate about leading and empowering teams to succeed and serving his community.
Girum holds a Ph.D. and MSc Degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a B.Sc. degree in Civil Engineering from Addis Ababa University. He is a graduate of the Local Governance Summer Institute at Stanford University and has certifications in project management, alternative project delivery, and leadership. Dr. Awoke serves as adjunct faculty at Santa Clara University and San Jose State University, and formerly at Montgomery College. He is a member of several professional associations and serves on committees at national, state, and local levels.
In his spare time, Girum enjoys the outdoors and sports. Girum lives in San Jose California with his wife and two children.

Menen Tesfahun

Menen Tesfahun is a payroll manager for Ardelyx. Menen studied finance and accounting at San Jose State University. Menen loves numbers and majored in accounting and earned her BA degree. Menen was born in Ethiopia and moved to the U.S. after finishing high school.

Besides her regular job, she volunteers within the community in organizing and helping the kids to the Maleda soccer team in San Jose for 11 years. In addition, every year for the past six years she got invited and attended African Cradle Camp for Ethiopian adopted children where she helped the kids and share Ethiopian culture.

Semret Haile

Ms. Semert Haile is a passionate social service professional with extensive experience in behavioral health and community service. Ms. Haile has worked for Santa Clara County’s Behavioral Health Service Department for more than a decade.

Mrs. Haile has trained in faith/critical thinking at Bethel Theological Seminary in San Diego, and in family/community development at Cornell University. Prior to that, she received a fashion design education at the Paris Academy of Art University. Mrs. Haile is widely recognized in the Ethiopian community in the Bay Area for her tireless community service volunteering. She has served as a volunteer for ECS for several years prior to joining the Board of Directors. Ms. Haile enjoys sports, community service, and learning new skills.

Alfiya Raboye

Alfiya holds an Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Science from San Jose City College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems from San Jose State University. With a deep passion for both technology and personal development, I am continually inspired by the ever-evolving tech landscape and the limitless opportunities it offers for learning and growth.

As a strong advocate for equity and inclusion, I am especially dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. Having personally experienced discrimination due to a disability while growing up in Ethiopia, I carry a vision of returning to contribute to improved access to education and employment for people with disabilities—ensuring their voices are heard and their talents recognized. Beyond my professional interests, I’m actively involved in community service. I’ve volunteered as an Islamic studies teacher for children—an experience that has been both meaningful and enlightening. My commitment to giving back is rooted in a sincere desire to uplift others and foster a sense of belonging.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, spending quality time with family, and seeking out new experiences. I believe deeply in lifelong learning and remain open to change, growth, and new opportunities.

Dr. Fitsum Feyissa

Dr. Fitsum is a dedicated community leader and volunteer with over seven years of experience in the San Jose Bay Area. As a Board Director of Ethiopian Community Service (ECS), he develops programs, recruits members, and organizes economic initiatives. He also volunteers at his children’s school in Santa Clara, performing his commitment to the growth of the local community.

His philanthropic work spans multiple countries. In Ethiopia, he mentored university students and served as a life member of the Red Cross. He supported the Ethiopian diaspora in India and taught African culture and engineering through ‘Helping Brians, ’engaging with local students. Professionally, Fitsum holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and actively participates in the Ethiopian (ESME), Indian (ISME), and American (ASME) Societies of Mechanical Engineers and the African Material Research Society (AMRS).

His expertise connects academia and industry, reinforcing his passion for innovation and mentorship.

In his personal time, he enjoys traveling, practicing martial arts, and engaging in community service. He resides in Santa Clara with his family and balances professional excellence with a strong commitment to uplifting others

Mulugeta Habtegabriel

Mulugeta Habtegabriel is a long-time resident of San Jose, California, deeply ingrained in the Ethiopian community. With a history of dedicated support, he has served as a webmaster and a vital resource.

Over the years, Mulugeta has forged connections through collaborations with numerous civic and governmental bodies in the city. These experiences have afforded him the privilege of engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling him to introduce and represent his community effectively. Leveraging these extensive networks, Mulugeta aims to foster greater understanding and collaboration between the Ethiopian community and the broader populace of the Bay Area.

About Us

We are dedicated to build meaningful connections that bring our community closer together. Through fostering support and empowerment, we strive to create an environment where individuals can thrive and make a positive impact.

Board Member's

Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

Habtamu Kebede

VICE PRESIDENT

Manyaheleshal Tadgo

TREASURER

Mengistu Mekuria

SECRETARY

Girum Siraw , Ph.D.

Board Member

Menen Tesfahun

BOARD MEMBER

Semret Haile

BOARD MEMBER

Alfiya Raboye

BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Fitsum Feyissa

Board Member

Mulugeta Habtegabriel

About Us

Quick Contacts

Newsletter