Our Ethiopian Staff

Country Director

Sosena Shiferaw believes life is a precious gift from God, entrusted with a purpose to shine hope and encouragement on those around us. Growing up amid poverty, she developed a deep understanding of the struggles faced by millions in her country, Ethiopia.

Her empathy, coupled with a strong academic background, fuels a passionate dedication to empowering communities. For nearly two decades, Sosena has devoted her career to development work, gaining valuable experience in tackling urban poverty and creating effective empowerment strategies. Her journey led her to serve as Country Director for Hope for Korah, where she finds fulfillment in her calling to transform lives.

Sosena is married with four children and holds Master's degrees in Holistic Child Development and Adult Education, along with undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Social Anthropology.

Jake is a dedicated advocate and leader with a deep passion for serving the Ethiopian community. Born and raised in North Eastern Pennsylvania, Jake’s journey into missions began during his senior year of High School in 2011, when he traveled to Ethiopia for his first missions trip. This experience ignited a lifelong love for Ethiopia and a commitment to serving the poor.

Over the years, Jake made many trips to Ethiopia, eventually forming a close partnership with the founders of Hope for Korah, Eve and Dave Pohl. His dedication led him to serve on the Hope for Korah board and later to move full-time to Addis Ababa as a volunteer. In 2020, he was appointed Deputy Country Director, where he has played a vital role in community development, youth mentorship, fundraising, establishing entrepreneurial initiatives like the Hope for Korah basket weaving cooperative, and fostering relationships with the diplomatic community.

Proficient in Amharic and deeply knowledgeable about urban poverty and development, Jake’s eight years living full-time in Ethiopia have profoundly shaped his understanding of and dedication of the community of Korah. He holds a certificate in Christian Ministries from Liberty University and is currently pursuing a degree in psychology through the same institution.

Jake enjoys spending time at his family’s farm in Pennsylvania and cherishing moments with his nieces and nephews.

Finance Officer

Kalkidan serves in the Finance and Administration department at Hope for Korah, where she combines her passion for service with a solid academic foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Finance and brings both skill and dedication to her work managing financial records, supporting operational efficiency, and contributing to the overall health of the organization.

Kalkidan was drawn to Hope for Korah because of its deep commitment to supporting and empowering women—an area of ministry that strongly resonated with her values and desire to be part of something transformative. She finds purpose in knowing her work helps sustain programs that bring lasting change to individuals and families in the community.

One of the aspects she enjoys most about her role is the daily connection with people. Whether it’s through team collaboration, coordinating administrative tasks, or engaging with the community, Kalkidan thrives on meaningful communication and relationships.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Kalkidan is an avid reader who enjoys spending quiet moments with a good book. She also finds joy in personal growth, and she’s especially inspired by the opportunities her role provides for hands-on leadership and management training.

Socio-Economic Empowerment Officer

Shemsel has been part of the Hope for Korah team since its beginning, bringing with her a deep commitment to community development and social impact.  She transitioned into her current position as Socio-Economic Officer in 2021.

Shemsel holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees—one in English Language and another in Sociology and Social Work—reflecting her passion for communication, cultural understanding, and service to others.

Growing up as the youngest of seven children in a loving and values-driven family, Shemsel developed an early curiosity about people, cultures, and the inner workings of communities. This curiosity naturally evolved into a vocation in social work, where she finds fulfillment in hearing people’s life stories and walking alongside them in their journey toward transformation.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones and listening to others’ lived experiences. She is inspired daily by the meaningful impact HFK has on the lives of those it serves, and she values the strong leadership and unity of the team she works with.

Education & Youth Empowerment Officer

Dawit is a passionate advocate for children and youth, committed to transforming lives through faith, education, and empowerment. Born and raised in Holeta, Ethiopia, Dawit experienced the realities of poverty firsthand. His life took a transformative turn when he became a Compassion-sponsored child—an opportunity that opened the door to education and ignited a lifelong calling to serve vulnerable children.

With a background in Economics and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, Dawit has built a career rooted in child development, training, and research. He currently serves as the Education and Youth Empowerment Program Officer at Hope for Korah, where he has been instrumental in restoring dignity and hope to children living in extreme poverty.

Dawit is driven by a clear vision: to see the next generation rise above their challenges and live out their God-given potential and purpose.

Health Services Officer

Sarah is the Health Services Officer at Hope for Korah, where she brings a strong background in nursing and public health, along with over a year of dedicated service. She holds a Senior Nurse Diploma, a BA in Public Health, and numerous health-related certifications earned through many years of hands-on experience.

Her role includes planning and leading health programs, coordinating the health team, conducting home visits, following up with chronic patients, and managing nutrition support for children, pregnant and lactating women, and those with acute or chronic illnesses. She also leads community trainings and oversees programs like the Berta Breakfast initiative.

Drawn to HFK by its commitment to the vulnerable and belief in empowerment, she finds deep purpose in serving others. Her work is rooted in faith and inspired by Jesus’ words: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

She is known for her dedication, optimism, and compassionate presence—and enjoys traveling, storytelling, reading, and family life.

Daycare Coordinator

Tsega is a dedicated early childhood educator with over ten years of experience in teaching and curriculum development. She is certified in kindergarten education, trained in the International Preschool Curriculum (IPC), and holds diplomas in Accounting and Human Resource Management. Her professional background also includes specialized training in leadership, communication, and team building.

As Daycare Coordinator at HFK, Tsega develops and adapts lesson plans, designs learning environments, and creates systems to track children's growth. She also trains and mentors staff, modeling effective teaching practices to ensure quality care and education.

Since joining HFK, Tsega has embraced its mission of supporting the mothers and children of Korah—a vision that aligns closely with her faith and passion for servant leadership. She is committed to uplifting both the families she serves and her fellow team members.

In her free time, Tsega enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, and experimenting with her own recipes—always finding joy in creativity, whether in the kitchen or the classroom.