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15 Year Anniversary · YEP Network · 2026

15 Year
Anniversary
Gala

📍3149 Glen Carlyn Rd, Falls Church, VA 22041
📅Saturday, April 25, 2026
⏰6:00 PM — 11:00 PM
👔Black Tie
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YEP 15 Year Anniversary Gala Flyer
About the Event

The Power of Us — A Night to Celebrate 15 Years

Join Your Ethiopian Professionals Network for an unforgettable evening celebrating 15 years of community, impact, and excellence. The 15 Year Anniversary Gala brings together 350+ Ethiopian professionals for a black-tie celebration featuring a keynote address, excellence awards, live music, and an elegant dinner.

This milestone event honors the individuals and organizations who have helped shape YEP into a thriving network of over 5,000 members — and looks boldly ahead to the next 15 years.

📅Saturday, April 25, 2026
⏰6:00 PM — 11:00 PM
📍3149 Glen Carlyn Rd, Falls Church, VA 22041
👔Black Tie · 350+ Attendees
Keynote Speaker

An Evening of Inspiration

Dr. Gebisa Ejeta
Dr. Gebisa Ejeta Keynote Speaker · World Food Prize Laureate

World Food Prize Laureate and Purdue University Distinguished Professor, Dr. Gebisa Ejeta has dedicated his career to fighting hunger and transforming agriculture across Africa. His groundbreaking work on sorghum has saved millions of lives and stands as a testament to what one Ethiopian can accomplish on the world stage.

Excellence Awards

Celebrating Achievement

Honoring four extraordinary individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on our community and the world.

Dinaw Mengestu
Dinaw Mengestu Industry Excellence & Intellectual Leadership Award

Award-winning novelist and MacArthur Fellow celebrated for his literary voice and powerful storytelling of the Ethiopian diaspora experience.

Dr. Enawgaw Mehari
Dr. Enawgaw Mehari Community Impact Award

Pioneering neurologist and community leader recognized for outstanding contributions to medicine and the Ethiopian diaspora.

Prof. Loza Fekadu Tadesse
Prof. Loza Fekadu Tadesse Innovator Award

Innovator and leader at the forefront of technology and systems thinking, driving meaningful change across sectors.

Biniam Bizuneh
Biniam Bizuneh Rising Star Award

Acclaimed comedian and entertainer bringing joy and cultural pride to Ethiopian communities across America.

Dr. Ebba T
Master of Ceremonies Dr. Ebba T Physician · Entrepreneur · Community Leader

A dynamic physician, entrepreneur, and community leader, Dr. Ebba T brings energy, wit, and warmth to every stage he steps on. He will guide us through an unforgettable evening celebrating 15 years of YEP.

The Experience

An Unforgettable Evening

🎵 Live Music A curated live music experience blending Ethiopian traditions with contemporary sounds to set the perfect gala atmosphere.
🍽️ Black Tie Dinner An elegant seated dinner featuring an exquisite menu crafted to delight and impress our distinguished guests.
Our Partners

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Our Gala would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

Join Us — The Power of Us

Saturday, April 25, 2026 · 6:00 PM · Falls Church, VA · Black Tie

Get Your Tickets Contact Us