Hamdi co-founded ACHD in 2018 as a community solution to institutional barriers facing the African immigrant and refugee community. She is a prominent leader in the Puget Sound region and has over 20 years of experience advocating for the African Diaspora community. Hamdi holds degrees from Lafoole University and George Mason University and was an accomplished teacher in her home country of Somalia. She is a member of the Community Café Collaborative, the Communities of Concern Commission, the WA Dept. of Commerce Rental Assistance & Homeless System Performance Measures Steering Committee, and the King County Parks Healthy Communities & Parks Fund Commission. Hamdi is the proud recipient of numerous accolades celebrating her commitment to community advocacy, including King County Council’s MLK Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service and Congressman Adam Smith’s Champion of Justice award. She was also presented with the South King County Council Human Services Equity and Social Justice award for exemplary community leadership, and King County’s Larry Gossett Service Award for her contributions to racial equity. Hamdi is polylingual (English, Somali, Arabic, and Italian) and spends her time away from work writing Somali-language poetry and playing chess with her grandchildren.  

Bilan co-founded ACHD with Hamdi and advances our mission through dynamic projects that prioritize the next generation of the African Diaspora community. She is fluent in English and Somali and utilizes her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Seattle University and her master’s in education from the University of Washington, IslandWood, to develop programs deeply rooted in culture. Bilan believes in continuous education and holds Family Engagement and Nonprofit Financial Stewardship Program certifications from Harvard University and a P-3 Executive Leadership certificate from UW. She serves on the People’s Economy Lab Steering Committee, the City of Seattle’s Sweetened Beverage Tax Community Advisory Board, the Communities of Opportunity Governance Group, the inaugural Black Homeownership Legacy Fund Committee, and the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission. Outside work, she keeps busy exploring the PNW environment with her husband and daughter. 

Abel came to the United States in 2013 and currently calls Seattle home. He brings a background in information technology to the case management team. Abel is one of the first faces participants see at ACHD and ensures they feel welcome in our space. He finds fulfillment in helping others and watching them succeed holistically – being safely housed, employed, and educated. Abel believes in fostering equal opportunities for all. When away from the office, Abel enjoys watching soccer and playing music. 

Asad has grown up with ACHD as a fixture in his life. As a child, he participated in afterschool programs led by our team and has embraced our mission from day one. Now, with a business degree from South Seattle College, he works with others to ensure their families have the same opportunities he did. Asad has the unique ability to connect with our community elders, easily bypassing generational barriers to ensure our seniors are cared for holistically. He has served on King County’s Community Investment Budget Committee and looks forward to more opportunities to be involved as a community advocate. In his free time, Asad enjoys playing video games and spending time with his wife and new baby. 

Mustafe currently calls the Seattle area home and, at work, supports families in finding their place to call home. He primarily works with unhoused youth and families and cultivates a safe space for them to succeed. Mustafe’s calm demeanor and ability to tackle complex problems make him an asset for these at-risk populations. He has experience supporting people holistically with housing, social services, employment, and more. Mustafe’s priority is ensuring people have security and find joy when he can put a smile on their faces. Outside of work, you can find Mustafe on the basketball court or reading a new book.  

Shirwa brings over 10 years of social service and advocacy experience to his work at ACHD. He is dedicated to providing a high-quality experience for our program participants. In his work at ACHD, Shirwa collaborates with individuals and families to find them a place to call home that is both safe and affordable. At his Des Moines home, Shirwa embraces time with his children and fulfills his passion for live theater by composing music, writing scripts, and producing/directing performances.  

Ethiopia combines her experiential knowledge with a bachelor’s in human services and management to lead our housing, social services, & economic development teams. She is a well-known leader throughout the King County Ethiopian community. Her ability to serve as a liaison between the African Diaspora community and people in positions of power makes her an influential trailblazer. She is an incredible asset to our team and brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. Before joining ACHD, Ethiopia served as the Executive Director for Ethiopia Community in Seattle and was a founder of Ethiopian Village. She also served as a liaison for the City of Seattle and King County – connecting these government officials directly with their African constituents. She identifies community service as her life mission, serving the community as a leader who can fill institutional gaps and help the African Diaspora immigrant and refugee community. Outside of the office, Ethiopia spends quality time with her husband and two children.  

Yusuf helped lay the foundation that became ACHD and is an incredible resource for the African Diaspora community. He is an unlimited fount of knowledge and looks at problems through the lens of empathy and compassion. Yusuf is highly connected within the Washington social services network and utilizes this web to provide holistic services for our participants. He brings over a decade of service experience to his work at ACHD and prioritizes the well-being and dignity of all we serve. In his free time, Yusuf enjoys reading, learning, and revisiting the farm life he loved in Somalia.

Betselot (Betsy) is a community advocate with a deep-seated passion for social justice and a genuine desire to address disparities in marginalized communities. She has a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Washington and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Community Health and Social Justice. Outside of work, Betsy enjoys exploring new things and spending time with loved ones. She looks forward to learning and growing with ACHD!

Zzaj brings over 15 years of marketing and communications experience, spanning nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She's dedicated to crafting brand experiences and narratives that uphold the dignity, respect, and representation of communities of color. Central to her work is a commitment to excellence and compassion. Outside the office, she enjoys engaging in community work alongside her husband and four children.

Joanna currently serves as our Small Business Coordinator, where she's excited to support and work with businesses in King County. Growing up in Washington, she developed a deep appreciation for our diverse communities and believes in the importance of uplifting and supporting one another. Joanna enjoys showing her support by exploring local restaurants and trying diverse foods. Joanna holds a degree in Business Marketing from the University of Washington, and she's eager to bring my background to this role while continuing to learn and grow.

Mohamed brings a breadth of knowledge and experience in computer network architecture to ACHD’s data team. He works directly with case managers to ensure our participant data is both accurate and secure. Mohamed is an expert at making complex solutions understandable for all levels of technical understanding. In the human services sector, our data has to encompass many aspects of both qualitative and quantitative data, and Mohamed is well-versed in making sure our database gives an accurate view of the entire individual and the experiences that brought them to ACHD. Outside of ACHD, he enjoys hiking with friends and family and playing soccer. 

Ifrah was a part of the community group that helped establish ACHD. She has spent many years dedicated to building and serving the African immigrant and refugee community in King County.  In her current work, she works directly with families to keep them informed on ACHD's current education programs. Ifrah is an expert connector and a trusted leader in the local African Diaspora community. Outside of work, Ifrah spends quality time with family and dedicates time to reading the Quran.

Amen, an Ethiopian immigrant, is passionate about helping newcomers navigate systems and resources. Trilingual in English and two Ethiopian languages, she holds a bachelor's in counseling psychology, a master's in international community development, and is currently pursuing a PhD in education. With extensive experience in customer service, social work, and healthcare through nonprofits, she looks forward to applying her skills at ACHD and collaborating with the team. In her free time, Amen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, also loves hiking, and creating DIY event decorations.

Gael Gallegos is the Multimedia Designer at ACHD, with over 10 years of experience in multimedia, primarily within the non-profit sector. He is committed to using creative design to uplift community initiatives, developing impactful branding and visual storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences. Outside of work, Gael is passionate about music and performance, especially within Latine spaces, where he aims to foster cultural pride and provide an expressive outlet for young people.

Daniel loves food in all its forms – from seed to table and all the steps in between. Born and raised in the Seattle area, he studied Sustainable Practices at Cascadia College and has worked on farms and eateries across the country as a farmer, educator, and manager. Daniel strives to create deep, lasting connections around what and how we choose to eat. He leads ACHD’s farmers markets, food access, and health and wellness initiatives by prioritizing the accessibility of affordable and culturally relevant health to the community. If he’s not playing in the garden, Daniel can usually be found riding a bike, strumming a guitar, or cooking up a storm. 

Aden supported Hamdi and Bilan in ACHD’s establishment and is a deeply respected community leader within the African Diaspora immigrant and refugee community. He has over 20 years of human service experience, creating an intricate network of relationships with other nonprofits, government officials, and local landlords. He has housed thousands of individuals and families across Washington state and is widely considered an expert in housing large families (7+) experiencing homelessness. Aden currently supervises ACHD’s intake team. He is versed in handling complicated multicultural and multilingual cases, regularly providing interpretation and coordination across agencies on complex cases involving multiple parties and attorneys. Aden is deeply connected and experienced in outreach and family engagement, lending his skills to ACHD’s efforts. 

Abokor provides capacity building and technical assistance for King County’s African Diaspora small business owners. He enjoys working one-on-one with business entrepreneurs to identify local and state grants, loans, and capital. Abokor also provides educational workshops that encompass the entire business development process. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and volunteering at the Delridge Farmers Market. 

Habtamu was born and raised in Ethiopia and moved to the United States in 2014. He graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in geography - data science. He is married and has two daughters. Habtamu loves to travel and pursue causes that are important to him. He is passionate about community development, equity, and technology. Habtamu believes in building authentic relationships built on common ground and shared values.

Etaferahu is originally from Ethiopia and moved to the USA in 2006. She has a bachelor’s degree in Arts and an AAS degree in Mathematics. Etaferahu has been working in accounting for 13 years at various organizations. She also worked for 10 years in the teaching field. She is an expert at organizing ACHD's finances and expenses. When away from work, Etaferahu likes to spend time with friends, watch movies, and hike.

David is a licensed architect and real estate developer in Seattle. He is dedicated to enhancing the city through the development of mixed-use affordable housing and sustainable design. David believes that high-quality buildings and engaged, inclusive communities are necessities for Seattle's growth. 

Originally hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, he holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Vermont and a Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon. Before joining ACHD, David is the co-founder of a real estate development firm and architecture studio. His prior experiences extend to serving as a project architect for large and complex projects in Seattle and around the world. David also does pro-bono work developing housing solutions for ALS patients. 

At ACHD, he enthusiastically leads real-estate development projects, from townhouses to mixed-use apartment buildings - furthering the mission of the company to provide stable, affordable housing for African Diaspora immigrant and refugee communities. As a dedicated leader and community member, David is committed to shaping Seattle's future with a focus on community well-being.

In his personal time, David likes to relax with his wife, daughter, dog, and friends. He is passionate about amateur photography and backcountry snowboarding.

Samater was born and raised in Seattle, WA, and is excited to help his community with his role at ACHD. In the Rapid Rehousing program, Sam is responsible for finding homes for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. He is a voice connecting community with resources and is an expert at navigating complex housing systems. During his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and watching the Mariners.

Amal is a seasoned professional with more than seven years of dedicated service in the diverse communities of South King County. Her professional commitment is underscored by a passion for delivering mindful and equitable social services. In her current role, Amal is fervently dedicated to spearheading ACHD’s initiatives aimed at fostering economic and housing stability for the African Diaspora communities in King County. Amal has a unique way of connecting with our participants, nurturing a bond of trust from their first interaction. Participants know that whether they need support landing a career or are stuck with a flat tire on the highway, Amal is a friend they can call. 

Julia grew up in Washington state and spent her summers enjoying the Seattle Public Library and beautiful WA weather. She loves to learn! Julia enjoys spending time outside and creating beautiful things. She runs her own florist business, Fleur Fresca, and creates stunning arrangements. On a long weekend you can find her designing, hitting the dunes, or daydreaming about her future farm. She can’t wait to grow with ACHD. For Julia, success is helping our community.

Betty is a native of Nairobi, Kenya. She brings a wealth of experience in office management and executive support. She holds a Bachelor's in Theology and an Associate's in Chemical Engineering. Betty spent nearly ten years as an Administrative Assistant to the director of a midsize non-profit organization in Kenya, where she developed a strong passion for administrative roles. For three years, she further honed her skills by serving at a Montessori school in Burien, WA. Betty excels in managing inventories, scheduling, and travel coordination. Her proactive and self-motivated approach allows her to handle complex tasks with ease. Outside work, she enjoys nature, reading, and spending time with family and friends. 

Annie is originally from Guyana, South America and moved to Washington in March 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and has over 20 years’ experience in accounting. Annie has gained valuable experience working with International Funding Agencies with a focus on contract management, budgeting, and financial statements. In her free time, Annie enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and reading.

Teri joined ACHD in October of 2020 to build the agency's capacity to manage its finances as it grows in size and complexity. Teri brings with her thirty years of nonprofit experience; she has extensive knowledge in nonprofit leadership, business finance, budgeting, and project management. Teri is excited to provide support and leadership to the amazing team at ACHD as they impact the community in so many ways. Outside of work, Teri enjoys spending time with her beautiful daughters.

Bio coming soon! Welcome Bill!

Laurie grew up in Arizona, exploring the beauty of the southwest. As a child, she spent time hiking, swimming in creeks, and climbing mountains. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education, with a minor in STEAM and environmental education. Laurie also has a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Arizona State University. She has spent over a decade working with learners of all ages, teaching STEAM, environmental education, and social-emotional learning. Laurie believes connection is vital for individual and community success and has spent her career building on that belief. Laurie moved to Washington in 2018 and loves the nature of the PNW. On her off time, you can find Laurie out exploring or spending time with her family and friends. She is always learning something new and loves to try new things. 

Ebneazer was born and raised in Ethiopia before coming to the United States in 2013. Since then, he has graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in information systems and started a dynamic career. He has previously worked as a communications designer and project manager. Ebneazer loves the design of all things and is an expert at combining creativity with structure. As ACHD’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Ebneazer works directly with our community to determine what needs exist and how ACHD can support them. Outside of work, he leads his church's young adult ministry. He is passionate about continued education and takes the time to learn new things while spending time with his growing family and friends in our Pacific Northwest environment.  

A Seattle native, Mohamed is dedicated to furthering the development and supporting his community. Mohamed works across many programs in ACHD, supporting our work with those at the highest risk of experiencing homelessness. His work provides stability and holistic support as individuals and families navigate complicated systems, including the judicial system. Mohamed is motivated by ACHD's progress and looks forward to contributing his expertise as we make more advancements in the service of the African Diaspora community. 

Bio coming soon.

Marta Deneke is dedicated to empowering her community through meaningful support and advocacy. In her previous role in Seattle, she co-organized events aimed at inspiring young girls interested in tech, showcasing her ability to manage programs that connect people with opportunities and resources. Marta holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management Information Systems from Western Washington University, blending her technical background with strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Fluent in Amharic and English, she engages with diverse communities in a culturally responsive manner. Marta is excited to contribute to ACHD’s mission, helping individuals and families achieve stability and growth.