About Us
ECAC is a valuable resource for refugees and immigrants in the Chicago area. The organization provides a wide range of services that can help people rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient. If you are a refugee or immigrant in need of help, please contact us.
Mission Statement
The Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago (herein after referred to as ECAC) is a not-for-profit, non-political, tax-exempt organization committed to serving the educational, cultural, psychological, and socio-economic needs of Ethiopians in Chicago land and the surrounding areas. ECAC also responds to the needs of other similarly situated groups who might seek its services. ECAC endeavors to facilitate the overall adjustment, stability, growth and development of its constituency. ECAC’s mission is charitable and educational.
History
The Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago (ECAC) was founded in 1984 by a group of Ethiopian immigrants who wanted to create a community organization that would help other Ethiopians adjust to life in Chicago. The organization has since grown to serve a wider range of refugees and immigrants from all over Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East.
Our People
Get to know the passionate individuals behind the scenes at the Ethiopian Cultural Association of Chicago. Our diverse team is dedicated to celebrating and fostering community connections, and we’re excited to share our stories with you.
Board Officers
Yittayih Zelalem
President
Samson Mamo
Assistant Secretary
Samson Abebe
Social Development Committee Chairperson
Michael Beyene
Vice President
Felasfaw Woldegebriel,
Treasurer
Melkie Tega
Secretary
Abigail Getachew Yimer
Membership & Board Development Committee Chairperson
Alem Taye
Finance Subcommittee Chairperson
Directors
Aye Mengistu
Tibebu Senbeta
Ephrem Gebremedhin
Fikru Kidanie
Advisory Board
Lucy B. Ascoli
Lohengrin Foundation
Kinfe Gebeyehu, M.D.
Dept. of Pediatrics, Cook County
Aberra Zewdie, Ph.D.
ECAC Founding Member &Former VP of program operation at Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc.
Getachew Begashaw, Ph.D.
Professor and Chairperson, Economics Department, Harper College
Ermias Tilahun, MD, FACP
Advocate IMMC, Swedish Hospital, Condell, &Tilahun Med Group
Carol Deely
Ethio-American Kids Community (EAKC)
Erku Yimer, Ph.D.
ECAC Founding Member & Former Executive Director
Staff
Aklilu Adeye
Executive Director
Almaz Seyoume
Director of Operations/OM
Hannah Werner
Program Director
Anchimariam Tessema
Finance Coordinator
Ashley Wethem
Preferred Communities and Matching Grant Program Manager
Derrese S. Bezzawork
Illinois Welcoming Center Program Manager
Bashir Naizi
Reception & Placement Program Manager
Mohammad Asif Sherzai
Refugee Support Services Manager
Tatek Wubshet
Employment Manage
Kendra Thomas
Health Services Manager
Nathaniel Van Wienen
Adult Education Manager
Message from our President & Executive Director
We extend our sincere thanks for 40 years of unwavering support! The Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago is immensely grateful for your continued dedication. Together, we have empowered and uplifted our community, preserving our cultural heritage. Your contributions have made a lasting impact, and we look forward to a future filled with growth and unity. Thank you for being part of our journey!