Co-Founder, Board Member and President

Maebel is an American-Tigrayan mother of three who has dedicated her life to advocating for human rights, justice, and gender equality. She co-founded and leads United Women of the Horn (UWH), an organization that unites women from diverse ethnic, economic, and religious backgrounds to advance sustainable peace, democracy, transitional justice, and equal rights.

She also co-founded the Tigray Action Committee, a nonprofit committed to ending mass violence and genocide in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, while supporting besieged communities and women surviving Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.

Her advocacy has earned her recognition in Forbes, The New York Times, The Cut, BBC, PBS, NPR, Arab News, France 24, and The Globe & Mail. She has also appeared on news stations worldwide, using her platform to fight for women’s and children’s rights both in the U.S. and globally.

Co-Founder and Board Member

Hafsa Mohamed is an American-Somali women’s rights advocate and civic engagement specialist dedicated to advancing gender equity and political participation. With an educational background in sociology, women’s studies, and international development, she focuses on empowering marginalized communities, particularly Black and African women, to influence decision-making and advocate for systemic change. Her work in California and across the Horn of Africa bridges grassroots organizing with policy advocacy, ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard at all levels of government.

Committed to strengthening civic engagement, Hafsa has worked with local leaders, policymakers, and international organizations to address gender-based violence, displacement, and political disenfranchisement. Through public education, leadership development, and strategic advocacy, she continues to fight for justice and representation, ensuring that everyone has the tools and platforms to lead in their communities.

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.

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.