Lalibela Project Team

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Tom has over 10 years experience in the financial industry and extensive connections both in Ethiopia and internationally. He first traveled to Ethiopia in 1999 and he has been supporting people there ever since. Tom, the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, created the vision for the Project to be able to reach out to more children. He also serves as a board member for Team Techies Inc. a company committed to providing technology solutions for other non-for-profit organizations worldwide.

Yvette is the communication brain of the organization. With over 15 years of experience in public relations, she manages the marketing, advertising and fundraising efforts of the Lalibela Project. Yvette is the founder and president of Lotus Promotions, an art consulting firm. (www.lotuspromotions.com)

Esther is the great granddaughter of Emperor Haile-Sellassie I., the last emperor of Ethiopia.

Esther is very active in the Ethiopian community in the US and worldwide as she strives to bring awareness of contemporary issues facing the continent of Africa. She is one of the founding members of a family project that aims to establish a center for religious studies in Addis- Ababa, Ethiopia. This project which is in the formation stage plans to go public in the very near future. With Esther's help and extensive connections the Lalibela Project envisions to become a driving force in uniting organizations interested in supporting Ethiopia and together deliver more effective and tangible improvements for generations to come.

Let us join this celebration by making sure that young Ethiopians will realize their dreams, what better way can we insure a better, and brighter future for Ethiopia. It is with great expectation and admiration that Esther full heartedly joins our group in the service of Ethiopians and fellow human beings.

Tewodros met Tom in Ethiopia in 1999. Their relationship has become stronger and stronger over the years. Tewodros was born and raised in Lalibela, Ethiopia. He had a dream and a strong commitment to becoming a business owner in Ethiopia. Despite his poor family situation and losing a brother in the war, Tewodros held onto his dream, and was able start his own tourism business in Addis Ababa. He, however, remains committed to his community in Lalibela where he has good relations with the local authorities. Tewodros is in charges of managing the Project's field operations in Ethiopia.

Solomon is the Vice Chairman of the Love & Hope 2000 Center. He was born and raised in Lalibela. Solomon moved to Addis in 1995 and earned his Bachelor's degree in foreign language, literature and history from Addis Ababa University. Here is what he says about his mission:

"I am well aware of my area; there are complicated social problems within the community here, particularly children are in the main affected section. Nothing has been done so far to support this vulnerable part of the society. I have had ambition for years to contribute my part to my community and I believe I can play a role in supporting the children."

All members serve on a voluntary basis allowing more resources to reach the children and to create dreams.