Dr, Kidi Assegued
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Dr. Kidi is an internal medicine physician, Program Director of the Wegene Youth Club, and a dedicated Wegene Ethiopian Foundation (WEF) volunteer for over 20 years. She is also the Founder & CEO of What Healing Knows, where she shares insights on wellness and healing as a blogger and podcaster.
Caleb Samborac
ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Caleb Samborac, Assistant Program Director of WYC, holds a BA in Sociology from Oberlin College. He is deeply committed to advancing WEF’s mission and supports the program director in carrying out the organization’s initiatives. His professional experience includes roles at SunTrust Bank and DC Renaissance Equity Partners. In addition, he has volunteered with several organizations, including the Latino Student Fund and St. Anthony Catholic School.
Naomi Kassaye
Co-president
Naomi Kassaye, a senior at Potomac High School, currently serves as co-president of the Wegene Youth Club. Formerly as a Communications Board Leader, she facilitated a collaboration with E-Temari and fundraised for the Grand African Run. Naomi also presides over her school’s Ethiopian Student Alliance and Yoga and Wellness Club, cultivating cultural awareness and holistic well-being. Wegene has strengthened Naomi’s connection to her heritage and inspired deeper engagement with her local and global community.
Adonna Solomon
CO-PRESIDENT
Adonna Solomon, a rising senior, proudly serves as Co-President of WYC. She is Vice President of EESA, a BSU board member, and actively involved in NHS, DECA, and several honor societies. A 2024 African Impact Award recipient and former Director of Communications, Adonna is deeply inspired by WYC’s commitment to uplifting Ethiopian families. Grounded by strong family values, she finds joy in spending quality time with her cousins and close friends.
Annabelle Abraham
VICE PRESIDENT
Annabelle is a rising senior school student with a strong passion for leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact. As a member of the Wegene Youth Club, she is excited to help create opportunities for youth and support meaningful initiatives. Outside of school, she enjoys developing business skills, playing soccer, and exploring creative ways to make a difference in her community.
Adam Birye
TREASURER
Adam Birye is a Lake Braddock Secondary School senior and WYC’s treasurer. He loves coding and technology. He’s worked at Fidel Factory LLC, helping with website support and marketing. He participates in clubs like the
Ethiopian Eritrean Student Association and Junior Investors Club. His
social skills help him connect with people and work well in groups.
Noah Abraham
SECRETARY
Noah Abraham is a senior at The Potomac School in McLean, VA, balancing rigorous academics with diverse extracurriculars. He is currently serving as the Secretary of WYC. Noah is known for his strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. He is the Co-Founder and President of EESA at his school, and his leadership skills are shaped through debate, mentoring, and tutoring. Noah is deeply committed to creating meaningful change through WYC.
Rahel Kidane
SECRETARY
Rahel Kidane, A Sophomore at Mclean High School, she’s a leader and perseveres through difficult situations and welcomes anyone and everyone with open arms. She’s passionate about swimming, family, and friendship but most of all her deep admiration for her culture. And to take her next step of life with Wegene
Eleham Salo
FUNDRAISING TEAM
Eleham Salo is a rising senior at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and president of her school’s Ethiopian & Eritrean Club. Passionate about giving back, she has helped organize successful fundraisers supporting community initiatives and events. As the developer of Ambibu, an app designed to increase Amharic literacy, she hopes to be a resource for youth everywhere. She’s excited to bring creativity and care to her role as Director of Fundraising.
Emmanuel Beakal
FUNDRAISING TEAM
Emmanuel Beakal, a freshman at McLean High School, is passionate about service and community impact. He serves as Assistant Director of Fundraising at WYC, supporting donor engagement, events, and strategic planning. Previously, he was Vice President of NJHS, Secretary of Student Council, and a Student Ambassador. Outside of academics and leadership, he enjoys competitive swimming and basketball.
Laila Tofik
FUNDRAISING TEAM
Youth Club. She enjoys contributing creative ideas, helping organize initiatives, and working with others to support the club’s mission. Outside of WYC, Laila runs her own in-home cupcake business, plays piano, and is involved in Model UN. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and spending time with loved ones.
Robel Lemma
FUNDRAISING TEAM
Robel Lemma, a rising sophomore at Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland, serves as Assistant Director of Fundraising for Wegene Youth Club. He builds relationships with donors, organizes fundraising donations, invents new fundraising ideas, and manages events. Robel is a tennis player, and is involved in extracurriculars such as founding an Aceing Autism club at his school. Robel is also involved in his community with hours of community service under his belt.
Isaac Abraham
FUNDRAISING TEAM
Isaac Abraham is a sophomore at The Potomac School in McLean, VA. He plays on the junior varsity basketball team and participates in robotics, programming, and debate. Isaac proudly serves as the Assistant Director of Fundraising at WYC. He successfully raised 86% of his fundraising goal for the Grand African Run by leveraging effective communication and persuasive outreach skills. Passionate about giving back, Isaac is committed to supporting underprivileged kids and families in Ethiopia through WYC.
Samaria Kasahun
EDUCATION TEAM
Samaria Kasahun, a West Springfield senior, serves as Wegene’s Director of Education. In this position, she is responsible for achieving WYC’s education goals and collaborating with other leadership teams. Her focus is elevating the club and aiding Ethiopian children in need, driven by her love for Ethiopian culture and a desire to connect with new people on this journey.
Olivia Kassaye
EDUCATION TEAM
Olivia Kassaye, Assistant Director of Education at Wegene Youth Club, is passionate about empowering youth through leadership and academic support. She strives to give opportunities to others through education and hopes to have a positive impact on them. Outside of Wegene, she enjoys hiking, shopping, hanging out with friends, and watching movies. Olivia brings her compassion into every space she’s in, helping others grow into inspired leaders.
Soliana Daniel
EDUCATION TEAM
Soliana Daniel, a rising senior at Hayfield Secondary School, is highly committed to her role as Assistant Director of Education. In this position, she is responsible for managing educational resources, collaborating with other teams, and planning events. Outside of her WYC role, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with her family and friends. Ultimately, Soliana is excited to improve the lives of others through her role.
Nathaniel
EDUCATION TEAM
Nathaniel is a rising senior at Forest Park High school. He is an Assistant Director of Education and is committed to helping in any way possible. He is also involved in many clubs outside of this organization and his goal is to raise the club and kids in need. This is fueled by his dedication and commitment to help for the Ethiopian culture he loves.
Lieul Belay
EDUCATION TEAM
Lieul Belay is a rising senior at Stone Bridge High School. He is interested in Engineering and Medicine. He plays for his school’s football team as a Kicker & Punter. He is ready to serve his role in the Wegene Youth Club as an Assistant Director of Education. He is part of his school’s leading Student Equity Ambassador and has served in the EEAE Foundation for the past year, serving as an overall mentor for middle school students. Lieul is a friendly, kind, and communicative person ready to prioritize his part in the WYC’s organization.
Sina Endale
COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM
Sina Endale is a rising senior at West Springfield High School and is dedicated to community service. She serves as the Director of Community Outreach for Wegene Youth Club, where she is committed to engaging with and uplifting underserved communities in Ethiopia by supporting families and children. Outside of school, she volunteers extensively with the Red Cross and Kaiser, and runs a no-cost local STEM camp for elementary students.
Neamen Emun
COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM
Neamen Emun is a rising senior at Oakton High School with a deep passion for computer science and community service. He is also a leader in his school community, he is actively involved in National Honor Society and is the president of his school’s EESA. Outside of academics, Neamen enjoys playing basketball and spending time with his family.
Hiyall Fitsum
COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM
Hiyall Fitsum is rising senior at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, where he’s part of the Information Technology/Intermedia Production magnet program. He’s passionate about computer science, helping others, and finding creative ways to solve problems. Over the years he’s worked on bioinformatics research, and taken on leadership roles as President of his school’s Coding Club and Director of Communications of Baltimore County Student Councils.
Yedina Bereket
COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM
Yedina Bereket, a rising junior at Rockville High School, serves as the Assistant Director of Community Outreach. She is passionate about upholding Wegene’s mission to support Ethiopian families through education and housing. She hopes to use the skills she developed through leadership positions at her school and in her community to facilitate long-lasting change. In her free time, she plays tennis, reads non-fiction and fantasy books, and explores biology.
Leah Sennay
COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM
Leah Sennay is a senior at Briar Woods High School. She serves as the Assistant Director of Community Outreach for WYC. In her free time, she likes to listen to music, play the piano, and spend time with family and friends. She is an active member in her school’s Minority Student Council and Technology Student Association. She is proud of her Ethiopian heritage and has a deep connection to her culture. Leah is dedicated to being a part of Wegene Youth Club’s mission and having a positive impact on other children’s lives.
Korra Alemayehu
COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM
Korra Alemayehu is a dedicated Junior from Lake Braddock secondary school who is passionate about making a difference in the community. As the Assistant Community Outreach leader for Wegene Youth Club, he is excited to help connect people with meaningful opportunities to give back. With a strong commitment to service and a drive to inspire others, Korra is ready to support and uplift those in need.
Leyu Yonathan
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
Leyu Yonathan, a rising junior at South County High School, serves as the Director of Communications. Dedicated to amplifying voice and building community, she will utilize communication as a bridge and voice for advocacy. In her free time, Leyu plays soccer and tennis, mentors younger students, and contributes to South County’s Ethiopian and Eritrean Association. Leyu is eager to move forward in strengthening WYC’s influence through focused and inspiring outreach.
Yohanna Kinfe
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
Yohanna Kinfe is a junior at Washington-Liberty High School with a strong interest in communication and community service. She is an active member of the Black Student Union, the Debate and Communication Club, the DASH Charity Club, and the track and field team. In the summer of 2024, Yohanna also volunteered with United Way. She is excited to support the mission of the Wegene Youth Club and remain actively involved in its community efforts.
Nadia Hassen
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
Nadia Hassen is a Senior at Washington Liberty High School and is the Assistant Director of Communications for WYC. She is involved in and outside of school as she serves as Debate captain and president of Future Lawyer Society. She also enjoys working with kids and volunteering, while also spending quality time with her friends and family. She is enthusiastic about contributing to Wegene’s mission while also giving back to her community in Ethiopia.
Mariam Nega
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
Mariam Nega is a rising junior at Washington-Liberty High School and serves as Assistant Director of Communications for Wegene Youth Club. She leads the WYC newsletter and blog. In her free time, she enjoys volleyball, Bible study at SPOT Church, and spending time with loved ones. Mariam is involved in Key Club, Black Student Union, and serves as an Event Coordinator for a charity club. She hopes to join an EESA club soon.
Rakeb Gelagay
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
Rakeb Gelagay is a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School and serves as the Assistant Director of Communications at Wegene Youth Club. Outside of WYC, she participates in STEM-related clubs, is a member of the National Art Honor Society, and works at Kumon. She also has served as a tutor and peer mentor for EEAE. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, drawing, and reading.
Jonathan Dawit
MEDIA & MARKETING TEAM
Jonathan Dawit is an upcoming sophomore at Forest Park High School and the Director of Media and Marketing for WYC. He is actively involved in several student organizations, including the Ethiopian and Eritrean Student
Association (EESA), African Student Association, Black Student Union, and the Multicultural Night Committee, while also competing on three varsity sports teams. A competitive swimmer since the age of 7 and a runner since 13, Jonathan is passionate about athletics. In his free time, he enjoys relaxing, spending time with friends and family, and listening to music. He is excited to continue his role with WYC and looks forward to promoting awareness and supporting the organization’s goals through creative and impactful marketing efforts.
Hanna Berhe
MEDIA & MARKETING TEAM
Hanna Berhe is a senior at Lake Braddock Secondary School and serves as Wegene’s Assistant Director of Media and Marketing. She is passionate about using the media to give back to the community and aid disadvantaged children and families. Outside of WYC, Hanna actively participates in school clubs such as Women in STEM and Girls Who Code. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball and listening to music.
Nathnael Mogus
MEDIA & MARKETING TEAM
Nathnael Mogus is in 11th grade. Outside of school, he loves to go to the gym and runs a business specializing in sales, branding, and website design. As a deacon at his church, he is passionate about service and community. He is proud to use his skills to help those in need.
Leeyu Assefa
MEDIA & MARKETING TEAM
Leeyu Assefa is a rising junior from Rock Ridge High School and the Academies of Science. As vice president of her school’s African Student Association and co-president of the Environmental/Science Club, she brings leadership and creativity to every role. Her frequent trips to Ethiopia have instilled in her a deep desire to give back and help further stimulate growth and opportunity within her cultural community.
Layla Kassaye
MEDIA & MARKETING TEAM
Layla Kassaye is a Senior at Mclean High School and serves as the Assistant Director of Media and Marketing for Wegene Youth Club. In this role, she enhances WYC’s outreach with engaging media and marketing strategies. Outside of WYC, Layla is an upcoming officer in her school’s Best Buddies club, a manager of the girls varsity lacrosse team, and a long-time member in chorus. She is also a strong advocate for mental health and is launching a Minds Matter club at her school to create a supportive space for students. Layla’s goal is to make a difference in the world through communication, advocacy, leadership, and using creativity to inspire others.