Who We Are

Meet the Visionary Behind Our Organization

Tigist Ferede

Founder & Philanthropist

Creating a legacy for the next 100 years.

Tigist Ferede is an extraordinary philanthropist and businesswoman whose life is defined by compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting those in need. As the founder of a successful business in Hollywood, Tigist has built a career grounded in both professional achievement and community service. Her diverse experience spans fashion design, machine operation, and over ten years of childcare work, reflecting her versatility and dedication.

Overcome with compassion, young Tigist took it upon herself to rescue him. Despite the immense challenge, she physically supported Yeshwas and brought him to her family home, determined to nurse him back to health. However, her own mother had previously suffered from malaria, and the risk of contagion forced her mother to evacuate the house. Tigist and her father stepped in, taking sole responsibility for Yesheas's care. For months, they tended to him, providing shelter, food, and treatment until he fully recovered.

Once Yeshwas regained his strength, Tigist accompanied him to Tana Haike, ensuring he could secure transportation to return to his family. This experience left an indelible mark on Tigist, sparking a profound realization: if she could help save one person, she could make a broader impact by helping others in need.

In the years that followed, Tigist became deeply aware of the political persecution faced by students at Addis Ababa University. Moved by their plight, she expanded her efforts, helping other persecuted students escape to safety, often guiding them to the Kenyan border to evade capture. This early act of courage and compassion laid the foundation for her lifelong mission to support those facing hardship, a passion that grew stronger as she immigrated to the United States and continued her humanitarian work on an even larger scale.

In the U.S., Tigist expanded her humanitarian efforts, sponsoring over 30 Ethiopians, including individuals like Aga Tefera from Wolega. Her desire to support others has always been driven by her belief in humanity above all else. This belief has guided her through her own personal challenges, including near-homelessness and divorce, which taught her the importance of resilience and empathy. Tigist has faced adversity without bitterness, instead choosing to lift up others, including those who may have caused her harm, a trait that distinguishes her from many.

Tigist’s philanthropic work has extended far beyond her immediate circle. She has been involved in addressing some of the most pressing humanitarian issues, including hunger, poverty, and displacement. Her commitment to supporting orphaned, widowed, and internally displaced individuals is unwavering. Furthermore, she has played a crucial role in supporting those who are imprisoned, often going so far as to pay for their legal representation and attorneys. Her work in this area highlights her deep compassion and dedication to justice.

For her extraordinary contributions, Tigist has been recognized with a proclamation from the City of Hollywood, honoring her as a dedicated philanthropist and December 10 was name in her name – Tigist Humanitarian Day. This recognition reflects her tireless efforts to provide support to both individuals and organizations. She has been instrumental in supporting vulnerable individuals in Ethiopia, particularly women and girls, by offering medical and legal assistance. Tigist is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and human rights, believing in the intrinsic dignity and rights of all people.

Her dedication to improving the lives of others has had a profound impact on both the U.S. and Ethiopia. Tigist’s philanthropic efforts are not limited to providing immediate support; she is committed to addressing systemic issues such as educational inequity and gender-based violence. Her work reflects a deep-seated belief in the power of compassion, resilience, and community, and her contributions continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of those she touches.

Tigist’s journey, from her early days helping university students in Ethiopia to her current role as a respected philanthropist in Hollywood, is a testament to her belief in the power of kindness and generosity. Her legacy of compassion, advocacy, and support for vulnerable populations will undoubtedly continue to inspire those around her for years to come.

Why Now?

Tigist Ferede has recently taken a significant step in her humanitarian journey by launching the December 10 TG Humanitarian Aid. After many years of balancing a successful business with her philanthropic work, Tigist felt the time was right to dedicate herself fully to supporting the underserved. When asked, “Why now?” she reflected on her life's accomplishments, stating that she has fulfilled her responsibilities as a mother by raising her children, ensuring their education, and watching them establish their own successful businesses.

Having reached this point in her personal and professional life, Tigist decided to retire from running her business and shift her focus entirely to humanitarian work. Her community has long recognized her deep commitment to helping those in need, and now, with her family's stability, she feels ready to make an even greater impact. She expressed that this is the moment to take her humanitarian efforts to the next level by running a full-time foundation that can provide the support she has always been passionate about.

Now, Tigist’s next chapter unfolds as she devotes herself fully to running December 10 TG Humanitarian Aid, a platform to expand her humanitarian impact and build a better future for those in need in Ethiopia.

Contact Us

Phone

+1 (323) 632-5535

Email:

tghumanitarianaid.com

At December 10 TG Humanitarian Aid, we are driven by a singular purpose to address social inequalities and uplift the most vulnerable communities in Ethiopia.