Officers
Dureti “Mimi” Tadesse, Founder and President
Ms. Tadesse was born and raised by a single mother and grandmother in Oromia, Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, she experienced discrimination and incarceration based on her ethnic background and Christian belief. Read more of her story.
In 2012, Mimi started the Christian based non-profit “C.G. Women’s Empowerment (CGWE)” whose mission is to empower women and transform communities in Oromia (Ethiopia) Africa. In March 2014, Mimi and co-founder, Terry Kirk, traveled to Oromia, Ethiopia and launched C.G. Women’s Empowerment (CGWE) programs.
Brenda Reed, Vice President
Brenda is a Purchasing Manager at EXPRESS. We are thrilled to have her as our Event Planner.
Brenda’s heart was touched by the story of a woman gathering firewood in the jungle and carrying it on her back for miles to support her family. Brenda will be making a difference in the lives of women and their families.
Eric Schoeff, Treasurer
Eric is retired from a 45-year career as a structural engineer, project manager and engineering manager for several private consulting firms in Columbus. He is a graduate of Kansas State University. He has served in leadership roles in Rotary and his church, and currently is a member of UALC’s National Missions Committee. Having spent many years as a home church leader, he enjoys being involved in organizations that teach, train and disciple.
Kristin Schoeff, Secretary
Kristin is married to Eric, and they have five sons and eleven grandchildren. She is a professional accompanist/pianist, retired from working at OSU’s School of Music as an
accompanist in the Voice Area. She volunteers at the James Cancer Hospital and the Ross Heart Hospital, playing live piano music. She also directs a cancer survivors’ choir sponsored by
the James.
Kristin has always had a heart for internationals and immigrants, leading to involvement with
international students at Ohio State through International Friendships (IFI), helping with ESOL classes and tutoring immigrants, and helping with resettlement efforts for refugee families.
She was drawn to the mission of CGWE immediately when she heard about it through Mimi’s presentation at the Clintonville Rotary Club and is honored to serve on the board.
Board Members
Liz Crawford
Ms. Crawford is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology with certification in Secondary Education. In 1994, while still students, she and her (future) husband Brent started a small rental property business which has grown into what is today the Dublin, Ohio based Crawford Hoying. Liz taught at the Middle school level for Worthington City Schools, and later at Village Academy in Powell, Ohio. She currently serves on the board of Welcome Warehouse in Dublin. She has a heart for people all over the world and developed a connection with Mimi from the moment they met.
Daniel Daffa
Mr. Daffa has been a transportation business owner for over 21 years. He got his Masters Degree in Conflict Analysis and Engagement from Antioch University Mid West. And also certified in Microsoft System Engineer (MCSE), presently he is owner of Danny’s Car service. Danny’s Car Service provides service to its customers with superior service, skill and a quality ride in a luxury vehicle from/to the Columbus Airport, Residence and Hotels. It also services central Ohio and Columbus surrounding communities.
He is a member of Oromo community in Columbus Ohio and has a passion to help oppressed people around the world. He has over 19 years nonprofit/volunteer work experience facilitating the assimilation of immigrants from Oromia region of Ethiopia into American workforce and culture. Currently, he is a board advisor for the Oromo community of Columbus Ohio.
Daniel was imprisoned for more than 10 years by the (Durge) Ethiopian Communist Regime in the 1980s and 1990s for opposing the heinous crimes committed by the government against his people. He was a fourth year political science student at Addis Ababa University Ethiopia when he went to prison. He is co-founder of CGWE and active member.
Brenda Floyd
Brenda Floyd, a Columbus, Ohio resident, holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Apparel and Textiles from Xavier University. Currently employed at LegalShield & ID Shield Business Solutions, she champions affordable legal and identity theft protection services. Committed to philanthropy, Brenda dedicates over two decades to New Life Church’s social services and extends her impact globally through missionary work. As a board member of CGWE, she drives initiatives to empower women in Oromia, Ethiopia, while locally supporting poverty alleviation efforts with Gahanna Residents in Need, ensuring access to essentials for her community.
Michal Hogan
Ms. Michal is the owner of Nutrition Results, LLC in Columbus, Ohio. Over the past 30 years, Michal has helped over 2500 patients with IBS, Fibromyalgia and Migraine. She functions as a LEAP Mentor to help nutrition practices get results for their patients.
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Stephanie J. Jursek
Stephanie Jursek has over 15 years of experience in healthcare and human services with a growing emphasis on program/project implementation. Within
that arena, she has successfully helped organizations gain visibility, educate stakeholders, and secure community support.
Stephanie received her B.A. Cum Laude from Duquesne University and her law degree from the University of Akron, School of Law. She was admitted to the
Ohio Bar in 1986 and the Pennsylvania Bar in 1987.
Jennifer Reep
Jennifer is a graduate of Cedarville University and currently works as a Registrar for Worthington Christian Schools. She has previous experience working as the director of a non-profit ministry while living in West Virginia. Jennifer was introduced to CGWE when she and her family met Mimi at Lilabela Ethiopian restaurant in 2018. Jennifer and her husband Andrew had recently returned to Columbus with their children whom they had adopted from Ethiopia in 2016. Jennifer and Andrew immediately felt a connection to CGWE and the work they are doing. Not only because Ethiopia is their children’s birth country, but they had first hand experience seeing the women carrying the firewood on their backs. CGWE is providing women, families, and communities with Hope and the means for a better future. Jennifer is excited to be a part of this important ministry.
Stoey Stout
Stoey has lived in Zanesville for nearly 30 years, where he developed a deep love for small business and community growth in Southeastern Ohio. Over three decades, he has helped add millions of dollars to the bottom lines of businesses and charitable causes. After leading the sale of Zandex Health Care Corp. in 2018, Stoey found a new path with ActionCOACH, combining his passion for entrepreneurship with his commitment to strengthening local communities.
A creative problem solver and culture-focused leader, Stoey is known for his infectious positivity and ability to help business owners see new possibilities. He holds an MBA from Brigham Young University, is a Certified Corporate Trainer for Crucial Conversations, earned a Bronze Star for service during Operation Desert Storm, and speaks English, German, French, and Arabic.
She was drawn to the mission of CGWE immediately when she heard about it through Mimi’s presentation at the Clintonville Rotary Club and is honored to serve on the board.
