About me
I was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (East Africa) in a middle class family. I was very fortunate to grow up in loving and caring home. I grew up with four sisters, three brothers and other extended family in the same household, which is a typical way of African family living.

After I graduated from high school, I came to the United States for college and fell in love with this great Nation that offers freedom, opportunity, and diversity. I have been living in the Washington metropolitan area since I moved to the USA.

Work
Currently I am the Executive Director for Bread and Water for Africa®. Previously, I served as a Controller of CRSC Residential, Inc., an affiliate of Christian Relief Services Charities (CRSC) which manages 10 properties (1200 multi-family units) across the country including in Arizona, Kansas, and Northern Virginia.

Before I joined Christian Relief Services Charities in 2001, I worked as an accountant in various companies including a commercial real estate management company, at a CPA firm and in the hospitality industry for over 10 years.

Education
I graduated from University of Maryland College Park with a BA in accounting. I am also a member of National Institution of Accountants and the Institution of Internal Auditors.

Church
I am a member of the Amenual Ethiopian Evangelical Church in Arlington, VA. I have been serving as a volunteer accountant for my church for the last six years. I also serve as a Bible study leader in a small group that I host at my apartment every week.

Hobbies
I love reading the Bible and other Christian books. I also enjoy watching documentaries, visiting museums, and helping people in any way I can. I have had the privilege to travel to many countries around the world including Italy, Germany, France, England, Greece, Canada, Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, and Mozambique. And I look forward to traveling more in Africa, Middle East and Russia.

What I love to do
I love the Lord with all my heart and I would love to serve Him in the way I live every day, with hard work, respect and kindness for others and a heartfelt devotion to Him.

I adore Africa. Bread and Water for Africa’s mission is very personal to me. It is my story and it is who I am!

Grateful to be serving others,

Bethelhem Tessema