OUR AMAZING TEAM
We are A-players. Our skill sets include emerging markets, finance, marketing, mobile, and web development.
Tia Ayele
Co-Founder
A skilled professional in the development field, her portfolio includes federal legislative work, economic development research, and global trade and security analysis.
Mitu Yilma
Co-Founder
A graduate from Duke University, where she earned a B.A. in both Public Policy and Sociology, she has an extensive background in marketing, campaigning and communications.
Dennis Shah
Technical Co-Founder
A self-styled "renaissance man" with two engineering degrees from Old Dominion University, he brings many years of experience in telecommunications, nonprofit management, and technical consulting.
Our Fellows perform a critical role in raising awareness about Addis Ideas.
Rabiya Asad
Marketing Fellow
She recently graduated with a Masters in
Public and International Affairs
from the University of Ottawa.
Chanty Gbaye
Marketing Fellow
Originally from Liberia, he is a political science major,
with a minor in communications and a
concentration in public administration.
Our board has a rich, diverse background in African development, ranging from finance
to funding early-stage companies.
Simba Marekera
Co-Founder, Ignition Investments Management
He is the co-founder of
Ignition Investments Management
and the Seeds of Africa Fund.
Olivier Alais
Co-Founder, Soukeina
He is the co-founder of Soukeina,
a consulting firm with offices in Paris,
France and Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso.
Ermias Sehai
African Regional Managing Director, CIMAC, Inc.
Ermias Sehai is a management consultant professional,
with a proven track record in IT systems strategy
development and operational execution.
Alpha Kiflu
CFO, ALLE Bejimla
He is the Chief Financial Officer and Deputy General Manager
at ALLE Bejimla, Ethiopia’s first modern
cash and carry wholesaler of FMCGs.