It’s been a while since I’ve sat down to write a blog post. I’ve been really busy; working on multiple projects with various local nonprofit organizations and trying to re-envision the future of co-mads based on some opportunities that have come up. All great things! Growth is uncomfortable, and if it’s not, it’s probably not real growth.
Anyway, I’d love to tell you about an organization I’ve been involved with over the past couple of months. They deserve more awareness around their story and mission.
A couple months ago, Lisa Buoniconto reached out to me after hearing about co-mads through Startup Grind. We met a few times, and I started to learn more about her work and passions. I was taken aback by her story and selflessness.
She and her husband Todd Hayes founded a nonprofit called Empower Ethiopia. Since adopting two boys from Ethiopia, in 2007 and 2011, they have taken multiple trips back to the country to visit birth family and keep the boys in touch with their native culture. During one of the trips back, they were introduced to Let Us Change, an approved Ethiopian NGO that is responsible for the care of over 90 children who had been previously homeless.

Inspired, they decided to head back home to the Capital Region and form a partner organization, Empower Ethiopia, to ensure the children have access to adequate nutrition, schooling, health care, and a nurturing environment. Through their immense fundraising efforts, they have been able to do just that.
Lisa and Todd are incredible people who have given so much of their time, energy, effort, and skill to this selfless cause. The fact that they live in my hometown makes me extremely proud. People in my community are doing unbelievable things and I want to shout it from the rooftops! I feel like it is my duty to use this platform to highlight people like Lisa and Todd doing great work in our local communities and abroad, so I will continue to do so.
I invite you to learn more about Empower Ethiopia by visiting their website and coming out to support some of the fun events they have planned this summer, link here. You will most certainly see me there!
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to show your support and follow along with their important work!
FB: @EmpowerEthiopiaNOW, IG: @Empower_Ethiopia