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About Our Organization

ABOUT US & OUR FOUNDERS

The Ethiopian Community Empowerment Center (ECEC) was founded to address the growing needs of the Ethiopian, Eritrean, and broader African diaspora in Howard County and surrounding areas. We are a nonprofit, non-religious, and non-political organization working to create opportunities, preserve culture, and strengthen community connections.

  • Our work is inspired by a simple belief : A United and Empowered community can overcome any challenge.

Empowering the Ethiopian Diaspora,
One Step at a Time

EthioCEC (Ethiopian Community Empowerment Center) is a nonprofit organization founded to support the Ethiopian and African diaspora through education, cultural celebration, and essential community services. Based in the U.S., we work to uplift individuals and families by removing barriers, creating opportunities, and strengthening identity.

The idea for ECEC was born in October 2022, originally envisioned as an Ethiopian Language School and Cultural Center. Recognizing deeper community needs, the vision expanded into building a comprehensive empowerment center focused on education, economic opportunity, cultural preservation, and social support.

Key Milestones

  • 5/26/23 : Established the organization Ethiopian Community Empowerment Center.

  • 5/1/24 : Obtained tax exempt status ((501(c)(3)) from the IRS.

  • 2/10/24 : Conducted free community eye screening program in The Johns Hopkins  Vision Screening in Our Neighborhoods (ViSION) Program at Woodlawn Library in Baltimore County.

  • 9/21/24 : Inaugural Event  to Introduce ECEC to the Community.

  • 11/24 : Joined the Association of Community Services of Howard County.

  • 12/24 : Awarded Community Foundation of Howard County Grant for Empowering Immigrant Youth Program.
  • 2/25 : Launched Ethiopian Language program with pilot classes to develop a formal curriculum, including training of teacher’s sessions.
  • 3/1/25 : Know Your Rights Session on immigrant rights with Luminus Network for New Americans.
  • 5/25 : Awarded Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) 2025 Big Give-Spirit Award Winner.
  • 9/25 : Launched Ethiopian Language and Cultural Program and Youth Tutoring Program in Howard County at Dunloggin Middle School.

Our Story

OUR MISSION, VISION
& CORE VALUES

At the heart of  ECEC is a deep commitment to uplifting the Ethiopian and African diaspora through meaningful action and lasting impact. Our mission drives what we do, our vision shapes where we’re going, and our core values guide how we serve. Together, they define who we are and what we stand for as a community-focused nonprofit organization.

Our Vision

Ethiopian Community Empowerment Center (ECEC) is a nonprofit organization that operates exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. ECEC was established in 2023 in the state of Maryland to create a center where individuals of Ethiopian descent, other Africans, and partners of the community can gather to share information, resources, ideas, and provide services to community members.
ECEC aims to promote the well-being, empowerment, self-sufficiency, and social interaction of community members while fostering cultural understanding, appreciation of Ethiopian culture, language, and history, and respect for cultural diversity.

Our Mission

Our commitment at ECEC is to serve individuals of Ethiopian descent, other fellow Africans, and community members and facilitate access to resources and services that promote their wellbeing so that they can achieve their full potential as active and engaged members of society. This includes providing educational programs, assistance for immigrants and asylum seekers, linguistic services, and facilitating access to healthcare. At the heart of ECEC’s mission is the commitment to provide a wide range of services aimed at helping individuals in building their lives and fostering self-sufficiency.
We aim to achieve this by establishing a platform that facilitates meaningful social interaction, recognizing the transformative power of community engagement. Together, we strive to build a brighter future for all, anchored in the rich tapestry of Ethiopian culture and the collective strength of our diverse community.

Our Core values

Our core values are the foundation of everything we do at ECEC. They are more than just guiding principles—they reflect our identity, our culture, and our commitment to the community we serve.
These values influence every program we create, every partnership we build, and every life we touch. Rooted in compassion, equity, and cultural pride, our values ensure that we remain accountable, inclusive, and impactful in all areas of our work.

Core Values

Our work is guided by these principles:

  • Community First : Strengthening our community through unity and shared responsibility.

  • Education as Power : Empowering individuals through learning and skills.

  • Cultural Pride : Preserving Ethiopian heritage and celebrating diversity.

  • Inclusion : Welcoming everyone, regardless of background or beliefs.

  • Collaboration : Building partnerships for greater impact.

ECEC

Accomplishments

  • Achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in May 2024.

  • Developed a website and social media presence to connect with the community.

  • Health & Wellness Impact:

    • Partnered with Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute for a free eye screening event (Feb 2024).

    • 57 patients screened, 25 referred for follow-up, glasses provided free.

    • Supported cataract surgery for an uninsured patient under Angel Grant.

  • Assisted with affordable housing applications and transportation for medical appointments.

  • Helped newly arrived immigrants enroll in health insurance programs.

  • Linked youth to mentorship and internship opportunities.

Make a Difference in Someone’s Life

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Meet Our
Team Members

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