Fessahaye Mebrahtu

**** *. **** **.

Brown Deer, WI 53209

E-mail: ac1646@r.postjobfree.com

Tel.: 414- 526-0385 (C) – 414-***-**** (H)

Objectives

To apply my leadership experience, public relations and management skills to effectively lead and manage projects in human resources, customer services or related position.

Employment

10/2006-03/2017: Executive Director at Pan-African Community Association, Milwaukee, WI. Under the direction of Board of Directors, develop organizational capacity, including trainings for the Board; supervise outreach and direct services staff in program implementation; supervise budget management and fiscal responsibility; identify opportunities for diversified fund development for organizational sustainability and expand services to targeted population; cultivate community partnership; plan organizational and community events; devise new programs that address African and other refugee and immigrant needs.

1997-2006: Christian Formation Director -All Saints Catholic Church, Milwaukee, WI – Plan, implement and supervise religious education, sacramental preparation, RCIA/RCIC, ministry of young adults, senior ministry programs. Also plan and direct adult retreats, teach adult classes, coordinate and conduct workshops, chair committees; developed community outreach for the children of the incarcerated and their families, initiate and implement short and long-term projects for the stated programs and projects.

1995-1997: Youth Minister – Central City Parishes (All Saint & St. Martin de Porres) - Milwaukee, WI. Program activities included teaching confirmation and religious education classes, planning youth retreats, participating in leadership training workshops for youth, taking youth to local and national conferences, etc.

1987-1995: Director of Pastoral Ministry - Eritrean and Ethiopian immigrant/refugee community at Kidane-Mehret Ge’ez Rite Catholic Church, Washington, DC. Plan and implement culturally appropriate programs for the immigrant and refugee communities, especially, youth and children programs. Worked as a bridge between Eritrean and Ethiopian, politically polarized refugee communities, by focusing on common ground and interests.

Education

2013-2014 took some graduate courses at UWM - Department of Africology;

2002-2008: Masters in Theology (M TH), Institute for Black Catholic Studies, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA.

1996-2002: College/graduate courses at St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), Cardinal Stritch University, in Milwaukee, WI.

1997: Masters of Arts from Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, IL.

1987: Master of Divinity (M. Div.), Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.

1981-1983: Teaching/school administration experience, Awasa (Sidamo) Ethiopia

1981 – Under-graduate Degree in Philosophy from St. Frumentius Institute of Philosophy and Theology, Asmara, Eritrea.

Skills & Trainings

2006-2014 - Member of the Leadership Circle – a support group for Executive Directors of non-profit agencies – that shares information, best practices facilitated by consultant;

1996-1997 Continued Education – Certificate in Non-profit Administration, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI;

Computer: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher), Ge’ez-Word; Languages: Tigriyna, Amharic, English, Italian (fair) and French (basic reading).

Recognitions

2015 – National Partnership Association – Regional Health Equity Council V – certificate of appreciation

2013 - Men Who Walk in the Spirit Award from Alpha-Kappa-Alpha Milwaukee Chapter Sorority;

2009 - Archdiocese of Milwaukee Vatican II Award Service in Society

Certificate of Achievement from Xavier University of Louisiana-New Orleans for maintaining and graduating with 4.0 GPA;

2007 & 1991 - US Conference of Catholic Bishops-Migrant and Refugee Services Certificate of recognition for working with refugees and immigrants

Board Membership/Volunteer Experience

2013–present, Amigos de Milwaukee Rotary Club

2012–present: Institutional Review Board –UWM;

2011–present: Regional Health Equity Council for Region V (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin);

2010–present, Board member, Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, Hales Corner, WI;

2006–present, member of Refugee Advisory Committee – DCF Refugee Services

2003–present, National Advisor to USCCB-Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees Travelers;

2009–present, board member of the National Association of African Catholics in the US (NAACUS).

2002–2007: founding member and former president of Eritrean Catholics of Ge’ez Rite in North America (ECGRNA); coordinated 11 successful national conferences for the Eritrean Catholic communities in 8 different US cities;

2001–present member of Advisory Commission for Black Catholic Ministry – Archdiocese of Milwaukee;

2002–2006: member of Advisory Committee for Limited English Proficiency at Private Industry Council;

2000–2012, member of Peace and International Issues Committee at the Interfaith Coalition of Greater Milwaukee, WI;

Reference

Available upon request.