McAlister, known by his nickname "Ace," is the founder and executive director of Bridge H2OPE. Concurrently, he holds the position of director of community conservation at Potomac Conservancy, showcasing his commitment to community and clean water advocacy. Graduating with distinction from Trinity College with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a minor in music production, McAlister's academic journey has equipped him with a profound understanding of the delicate balance between environmental stewardship, community leadership, and water conservation.
Born and raised in southern Ethiopia, McAlister's relocation to the United States at the age of 13 sparked a passion for community engagement and environmental awareness. Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds joy in sports, particularly soccer and running, as well as cherishing moments with family and friends.
While at Trinity College McAlister founded H2OPE TC, a student club on campus recognized by the Student Government Association. This visionary project has grown to become one of the active chapters of Bridge H2OPE, underscoring McAlister's commitment to raising funds and awareness to bring clean drinking water to Ethiopian rural communities.
Ash Francis, our communications Director is originally from Ethiopia, and has always been passionate about giving back to his community. He brings a wealth of experience in communication and organizational support, making him a valuable asset to our team.
Currently completing his master’s degree at Loyola University, Ash holds degrees in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, and Philosophy from the same institution. His diverse academic background equips him with unique perspectives and skills, enhancing his effectiveness in his role.
As Communications Director, Ash is responsible for managing our communication strategies, ensuring timely updates and news from our project sites, and highlighting our accomplishments. His dedication to our mission and expertise in the field enable us to strengthen our outreach and engage more effectively with our supporters. We are grateful for his commitment and contributions to Bridge H2OPE.
Mekdes, our lead fundraising team member, brings her passion and commitment to providing clean water to those in need. Her journey began in high school with Hope for Haiti, where she played an instrumental role in fundraising and building partnerships with local organizations to fund the construction of a cistern. Mekdes firmly believes that access to clean drinking water is a human right and should not be lacking in a country abundant in natural water resources.
As the leader of our fundraising team, Mekdes is dedicated to bringing clean water to the people of Ethiopia. She is proud to be part of this essential work, contributing to the well-being and health of her community. Mekdes’ dedication and experience make her a valuable asset to our team as we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
Will is our dedicated Tech Supporter who currently works as a software engineer for Fairmarkit in Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from Trinity College in 2021 with a major in Computer Science and a minor in English Literature. During his time at Trinity College (Home to H2OPE TC, Bridge H2OPE student chapter), Will was actively involved in extracurricular activities, running cross country and track & field, and serving as the president of the Computer Science Club in his senior year.
Outside of work, Will enjoys running, traveling, and playing bar trivia with his friends. His technical expertise and enthusiasm for problem-solving make him an invaluable asset to our team. Will’s commitment to using technology to support our mission is essential in helping us achieve our goals and make a positive impact in the communities we serve.
Bemnet is our Tech Supporter while working as a software engineer at Google. He graduated from Trinity College in 2019 with a major in Computer Science. Originally from Ethiopia, Bemnet has a passion for playing music, soccer, and reading in his free time.
During his time at Trinity, Bemnet was instrumental in establishing H2OPE TC, serving as the main technological resource for the branch. His technical expertise and commitment to our mission make him an invaluable asset to our team. Bemnet’s dedication to leveraging technology to support our initiatives helps us make a significant impact in the communities we serve.
Rose is a current George Mason NOVA student studying Visual Art and Technology and plans to minor in Marketing. She is passionate about helping those in need, so working with Bridge H2OPE is an honor for Rose. She wanted to work with Bridge H2OPE because she came from an area of Ethiopia where water, especially clean water, was scarce. She greatly admires Bridge H2OPE for providing a sustainable water supply to those communities, as water is a vital for human survival.
Mebrate has always longed to give back to her community and is grateful for the opportunity to work with Bridge to Hope. She is thrilled to be a member of the finance and fundraising committee team. Understanding that clean water is an essential part of daily life, Mebrate is happy to contribute to Bridge to Hope's efforts to provide clean water across Ethiopia.
Assy Barry, originally from Senegal, West Africa, grew up in Brooklyn. A graduate of Trinity College in 2021, she now works as a French teacher at a Bilingual School. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and writing. Assy's interest in H2OPE dates back to her time at Trinity, drawn to its mission of providing clean drinking water in needy communities. Currently responsible for the monthly newsletters of H2OPE, she joined the organization driven by her Muslim faith, which encourages giving back and being a hope for others. Her aspiration is to contribute to her home continent. Assy envisions a future where H2OPE expands beyond Ethiopia, evolving into an organization that offers resources to countries worldwide, with a focus on Africa.
Sosina serves as a Branch Manager for Bridge H2ope. She’s an alumni of Tufts University and currently based in the DMV. She joined us in 2023, bringing her experience in research and passion and dedication to being a part of our mission of improved quality of life and access to clean water for all. She’s excited and honored to be a part of our work!
Mary Abebe, born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Mayer, AZ in 2017 during high school upon getting a scholarship to study abroad. She later graduated from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ, earning a B.S. in Public Health with a minor in Business Management. Mary has always been passionate about improving public health and making a meaningful impact on society. This passion led her to join Bridge H2ope, where she channels her commitment to helping underserved communities in developing countries. As the Programs and Operations Manager, she leverages her academic background and experience to drive impactful initiatives that provide clean water and improve the quality of life for rural Ethiopian communities. Mary is excited to be part of a team dedicated to creating lasting change.
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