Abaynesh Jembere is an Ethiopian-American creative entrepreneur whose diverse work spans product development, design, event curation, and interior design. Immigrating to the United States at the age of two, she grew up in a culturally rich home that nurtured her deep appreciation for culture, creativity, and community. After earning her degree in Design and Merchandising from Drexel University, Abaynesh spent a decade building her career in the design industry in New York City. She then channeled her expertise into her own ventures, which ultimately paved her path into entrepreneurship. Motherhood deepened her sense of purpose, to further empower and uplift mothers and children across Africa. Through the Motherland Mothers Foundation, she merges her creative vision with her passion for service, partnering with organizations that align with the mission of further supporting mothers and children across Africa.
Abaynesh Jembere, Founder
MMF Board
Amal Alibair
Board, Treasurer
Amal Alibair is a Partner and North America Head of Client Business at the Carlyle Group, a private equity company with over 450 billion in assets under management. She is a member of the firms Executive Leadership team. Prior to her role at Carlyle, Amal was a Partner and the head of the U.S. Institutional Client Solutions business and Region Head for the Mid-Atlantic for Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management. In this role, she oversaw Goldman's efforts to deliver investment advice and services to ultra high net worth individuals, nonprofit organizations and other institutional clients. Amal holds an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Virginia.
Hellina Tadesse
Board, Director
Hellina Tadesse brings nearly 15 years of nonprofit experience spanning development and fundraising, partnerships, program development, organizational operations, and clinical support. She has supported and led teams at organizations including African Communities Together, Doctors Without Borders, Extension Foundation, and Seeds of Africa, with Board experience advancing mission-driven impact. Her work spans local and global nonprofits and foundations focused on community development, youth empowerment, economic opportunity, and healthcare. A dedicated community builder and founder of programs for university students, Hellina has contributed to organizational growth and relationship-building across the U.S. and the African diaspora. Hellina earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Drexel University and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership from Fordham University.
Uwi Basaninyenzi
Board, Secretary
Uwi Basaninyenzi is Advisor, External Affairs at the World Bank, leading the communication portfolios for Operational Policy and Fragility, Conflict and Violence. She joined the World Bank in 2008 and has held a range of leadership positions where she managed engagements with media, civil society, the private sector, donors, and governments. Prior to this, Uwi worked as a publicist and marketing specialist for various organizations, including the Brookings Institution, the National Environmental Policy Institute, Georgetown University Press, and as a UN Volunteer for the Rwanda Bureau of Information and Broadcasting (ORINFOR). Uwi holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa and a Master’s degree in Communication, Culture and Technology from Georgetown University.
MMF Advisors
Shawna Hamilton
Advisor
As a Senior Strategist with Family Advisory and Philanthropy Services, Shawna works with individuals and families to help them navigate the relationship between money, values, and philanthropy. The Family Advisory and Philanthropy Services team is a thought-partner to financial advisors and their clients on wealth transitions, family governance, maximizing philanthropic impact, and building legacy. Shawna has 20 years’ experience in professional philanthropy and family advisory. She joined UBS in 2021 from Pacific Foundation Services where she was an Executive Director and Senior Program Officer to multiple private foundations in Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Prior, Shawna was a fundraiser at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and led the Habitat for Humanity grant program for Cisco Systems Inc. worldwide employees. In New York, Shawna co-launched an Ethiopia-based education nonprofit while on the Global Affairs team of hedge fund, D.B. Zwirn. A native of Santa Barbara, California, she is based in Washington, D.C. with her husband and two children. If she is not with them, she’s on the tennis court, volunteering, and dreaming of travel.