Meet the Team

Yikealo Beyene, Program Manager
Yikealo has worked with refugee and immigrant communities for years in Israel and Seattle, WA in the areas of social justice, education and community development. He trained and mentored community leaders, and facilitated and coordinated meetings, partnerships and projects. His academic background is in Organizational Development and he is always passionate about creating positive change and impact in his community. Yikealo loves playing music and reading and writing poetry as well as learning in his free time.

Faiza Hamza, Social Services Specialist
Faiza Hamza was born in Adama, Ethiopia but immigrated to Seattle, WA when she was 14 years old. She then moved to Washington, DC where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education from University of the District of Columbia. She is fluent in Amharic, Oromiffa and English. Throughout her career, she has had over 6 years of experiences providing support to the East African community with interpretation services, health education and cultural awareness. Faiza also provided direct care service and guidance to adults with disabilities and older adults. She recently moved back to Seattle to continue to serve underrepresented communities.

I truly love helping people overcome language barriers and access to care. My hobbies include traveling, working out and community services.

Workneh Nerea, Program Coordinator
Workneh Nerea was born in Borona, Ethiopia. He attended high school back home. When the Civil War escalated, he and his wife travelled to Sudan and escaped the conflict as refugees. Since then, they have made America their home. Workneh has lived in Seattle, Washington for the last 30 years with his wife and three daughters. His first job in the United States was as a gas station clerk. He then worked as a baker for 10+ at Essential Baking Company then decided to open his own business. Workneh worked as a small business owner for 12+ years in Columbia City neighborhood. Most of his life work has been spent serving the local community. His favorite memories of having an ethnic grocery store that served the community was serving delicious bread (injera) for large community events and celebrations. Workneh has been working with East African Seniors over the last several months and is now serving in the role as the Program Coordinator. He speaks English, Amharic, Oromo and understands Tigrinya. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and volunteering in the community.

Azmera Gebre, Program Coordinator at Northgate Site

Azmera was born and raised in Tigray, a small town in Ethiopia before she finished school. She married and has five children. Azmera studied pharmacy in college and computer science. After working for the government for three years, she moved to the countryside and opened up her own clinic and began serving the local community. She also supported and helped children with HIV/AIDS. Azmera loves nature, taking pictures, and enjoys helping others. She moved to Seattle in 2019 and has been at Sound Generations for two years.

Michael Neguse, Consultant

Michael Neguse has been living in Seattle since 1984 and has been a community organizer and activist with in the larger East African communities. He started the East African Senior Meal Program (EASMP) 10 years ago and was fortunate to partner with Sound Generations in order to provide a community meal to East African seniors since January 2019.