Our Story
Sarit Melesse
37 years old, married and a mother of four, from Ashkelon.
A graduate of the 30+ preparatory program and set to begin a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources at Ashkelon Academic College in October 2022.
"My dream was to study Human Resources because I’ve always loved the world of management, especially working with and for people. For me, the Empowering Women organization is a support system that helps Ethiopian-Israeli women move forward. The organization assists in many ways. Personally, I received close guidance and help in obtaining a scholarship for my Bachelor's degree. Racheli Malachi, who leads the organization, supported me throughout the entire process and was always there to answer any question, at any time. I’m deeply grateful to the organization, and especially to Racheli, an incredible woman who gives so much to others without expecting anything in return. Thanks to you, I can now begin my studies with peace of mind."
September 2022
Smadar Ayano
31 years old from Ashkelon.
Criminology student at Ashkelon Academic College.
"My dream is to work in education and therapy, driven by a desire to understand people, their complexities, and what motivates or holds us back. I entered this field with the intention of helping others, believing in my own strength and resilience. Along the way, I discovered that not only do I enjoy it, but I’m actually good at it. That’s what led me to dive deeper and turn it into a profession.
I reached out to Racheli from Empowering Women as a last resort, after a friend casually mentioned her. I had tried applying for scholarships through various channels and was close to giving up. Racheli connected me with the right people, and I received a scholarship far beyond what I expected. It all came with kindness, grace, and an incredible sense of support.
Today, I’m finishing my first year at Peres Academic Center in the Behavioral Sciences program. At the same time, I manage a youth center for teens in Ramla.
September 2022
China Melesse
31 years old from Ashkelon.Criminology student at Ashkelon Academic College.
"It was very important to me to earn an academic degree, and when I explored my options to check that box on my “small successes” list, criminology fit well in terms of class days, hours, and admission requirements.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover just how fascinating this field really is.
Like many students, my biggest concern was the financial aspect. How do you manage it? Thanks to “Empowering Women,” I was able to begin my studies with confidence, without the initial pressure and panic.
Last year, the amazing Racheli Malkai was chosen as the “Woman of the Year” by Mifal HaPais, and as part of the honor, they selected five women who began academic studies in 5782 and awarded them scholarships on behalf of the Empowering Women Association. I was honored to be one of the women selected. It truly was not something to take for granted.
Today, I’m approaching my second year of studies. Alongside school, I also started working with at-risk youth, which is a whole world of its own.
And for me, the sky is the limit."
September 2022
Tekuye Melesse
Married with two children. Owner of "Tekuye", a skincare clinic in Rehovot specializing in facial treatments for all skin types, with a focus on darker skin tones. She manages a team of three employees.
Tekuye also offers nutritional supplements and cosmetics, and delivers lectures and workshops in both Hebrew and Amharic on nutrition and wellness.
"I always dreamed of being independent, without a boss over me, and building financial freedom. The community provided me with great exposure to new clients, recommendations, and a strong platform for advertising and marketing my business.
The start of my career was incredibly tough, to the point where it's hard to explain. I had no confidence, didn't know how to gain clients, and wasn't profitable, mostly just expenses. There were days when I felt like giving up, but my desire to succeed was stronger. I read books on success and had the support of a positive and educational environment that helped me grow mentally and emotionally.
During this journey, I found my true calling in skincare. I always enjoyed meeting people, and I loved giving facials. That led me to study and develop in the field. Now, I own a clinic in Rehovot with three employees, and I’m planning even more exciting updates and surprises."
September 2022
Tamar Elbon
36 years old, married with two children, from Ashkelon.
Owner of Enjera Bet, a business offering Ethiopian cooking workshops for a rich and unique cultural experience.
"After fulfilling a few childhood dreams, I felt a strong urge to reconnect with one of my deepest passions: home cooking, especially Ethiopian cuisine.
I started my business with the goal of sharing the powerful story of the Beta Israel community and its core values through Ethiopian food. These values are reflected in the way we prepare, present, and enjoy our meals.
Empowering Women offered a mentorship program that included English lessons with an American mentor. I applied, was accepted, and was paired with Laura, who turned out to be the perfect fit. I already spoke some English but needed more confidence to communicate freely. Our sessions focused on language skills and also explored my business and cooking workshops. It was a meaningful, uplifting, and enjoyable experience for both of us.
As a result, I led my first online cooking workshop in English, called "Injera in a Jiffy," for an American audience. It was a full one-hour session entirely in English. The experience gave me new inspiration and boosted my confidence. I even started listening to podcasts in English.
Today, I am continuing to grow both personally and professionally, with new projects on the way, some of which are in English."
September 2022
Dr. Eti Gomen
A second-year medical resident. Married and a mother of two.
"From a young age, I was drawn to the medical field and knew I wanted to pursue a therapeutic profession.
The Empowering Ethiopian Women organization supported me by funding my specialization studies in oral rehabilitation, which cost 25,000 shekels.
November 2022
