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.
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.
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.
More about Michal on LinkedIn.
Shanna Huber
Ms. Huber is the owner of a case management company, Ripple Life Care Planning. They help seniors and their families navigate the complex healthcare field in order to maximize independence, quality of life, and improve health while saving money by making cost of care transparent.
Shanna has been a Registered Nurse for over 20 years with a master’s degree in nursing, she is a certified case manager, and certified life care planner. She has a passion for helping empower women around the globe, and the work of CGWE.
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 costumers with superior customer service skill and a quality ride in a luxury vehicle from/to the Columbus Airport, Residence and Hotels. It also service central Ohio and Columbus surrounding communities.
He is a member of Oromo community in Columbus Ohio and has passion to help the 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.
Terri Kirk
Ms. Kirk is the Office Administrator/Bookkeeper for New Life Church in Gahanna, Ohio where she has worked for 17 years.
God and Family are important to her above all, and she has a heart for women and children in impoverished areas, and especially the Oromian people. She is passionate about seeing the Gospel spread throughout the world! She is co-founder of CGWE and active member.
Ms. Karen Shively
Ms. Shively is a graduate from UCLA and holds a Masters in Special Education. Before moving to Ohio, she was a Demonstration Teacher for the state of California running a model classroom and training school districts and teachers in instructional strategies for students meeting the challenges of their severe disabilities within their neighborhood schools. She was an advocate for these children outside of the classroom, speaking at conferences, and on their behalf at the state capitol in Sacramento.
Upon retirement from teaching, Ms. Shively remains deeply committed to the rights of all children to receive an appropriate education. She understand the importance of stability in the home to reach this end and found a connection with CGWE and the works they do through Dabaree and Reading Corner.
Brenda Reed
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.
