Dr. Erku brings extensive community organizing experience that began in Ethiopia and has continued throughout his career in the United States. He has provided effective leadership in numerous initiatives that raised significant public awareness about the plight of African refugees and famine victims.

In recognition of his dedication, Erku has received multiple awards, including the Education and Human Rights Award from the Chicago Commission on Human Relations and Heartland Alliance; Champion of Refugee Rights from the Illinois Coalition of Immigrants and Refugees; and awards for Outstanding Community Service from both Ethiopians Established in the Diaspora (SEED) and the Ethiopian Community Development Council in Arlington, Virginia.

Erku pursued graduate studies at the University of Chicago and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned a Ph.D. in Adult and Continuing Education. He remains deeply engaged in civic initiatives and currently serves as Chairperson of Ethiopiwinnet: Council for the Defense of Citizen Rights, a civic organization dedicated to promoting Ethiopiwinnet values and fostering unity among Ethiopia’s diverse communities.

More Stories

Sheriff Mohamed

Sheriff Mohamed

Sheriff was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the eldest son of Fatuma Rahmeto and Mohammed Hassen Worqicho. From an early age, he was shaped by his father’s example of hard work and entrepreneurship and his mother’s generosity and compassion. He began his education at...

read more
Menkeli Kanna

Menkeli Kanna

Menkeli was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In 1972, she traveled to the United States to pursue her college education, fully intending to return home after graduation. However, the outbreak of the Ethiopian Revolution in 1974 dramatically altered her plans....

read more

0 Comments

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *