Impact Award

The Impact Award is an annual event organized to showcase the extraordinary accomplishments and impacts of nominees who have committed themselves to serve their community here in the United States and their home continent of Africa. In particular, the ceremony recognizes the African diaspora’s positive contribution to their community. Every year, one personality from the areas of sport, arts, and job creation is selected, and their work is honored at the Impact award.

2023

Dibaba's Family

The Dibaba Sisters in recognition of their extraordinary athletic prowess, exemplified by numerous Olympic Gold medals, along with your unwavering commitment to elevating the running sport and serving as a global inspiration to aspiring young athletes.

Mr. Girma Wake

Mr. Girma Wake in tribute to his exceptional achievements and transformative influence in the African airline sector, and, notably, his enduring role as an inspirational figure for young Africans globally.

Sileshi Sihine

In acknowledgment of his unmatched athletic brilliance, marked by numerous Olympic distinctions, coupled with his relentless dedication to the advancement of sports and mentorship, serving as a guiding light to emerging talents worldwide.

Mr. Mulatu

Mr. Mulatu Astatke in acknowledgment of his trailblazing contributions to "Ethio-jazz," which have left an indelible imprint on both Ethiopian and global music landscapes.

2022

Kenenisa Bekele

Kenenisa Bekele in recognition of the global impact of his athletic accomplishments, as multiple Olympic Gold medalist, his continued involvement in sport and inspiration to young girls and boys around the world..

Eregnaye Drama

Members of “Eregnaye” TV Drama Series in recognition of their extraordinary accomplishments in producing a groundbreaking TV Drama Series and impact in bridging the diaspora to their country of origin.

Henok Tesfaye

Henok Tesfaye in recognition of his extraordinary accomplishments in business, his impact as a role model inspiring Ethiopians in diaspora, and, most importantly, his service to the Ethiopian community.

N'negest Likke

Nnegest Likké in recognition of the global impact of using films to promote culture and social issues. Her passion for telling thought-provoking stories that are socially and culturally impactful is inspiring.

2021

Tirunesh Dibaba

Athlete Tirunesh Dibaba (the six times and youngest Olympic medalist), in recognition of the global impact of her athletic accomplishments, as multiple Olympic Gold medalist, her continued involvement in sport and inspiration to young girls and boys around the world.

Akon

Singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur Akon (Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam), in recognition of the global impact of using music to promote peace, culture and development, and the commendable philanthropic work that serves as a positive role model for the global African youth.

Bereket Woldu

In recognition of his contribution to Ethiopians in United States of America through community services, job creation and being an inspiration to families in the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area.

2019

Derartu Tulu

Commander Derartu Tulu, in recognition of the global impact of her athletic accomplishments, as the first Black African Olympic Gold medalist, and her continued involvement in sport administration in Ethiopia.

Teddy Afro

Singer and song writer Teddy Afro (Tewodros Kassahun), in recognition of the global impact of introducing Ethiopian music, culture and history on the global stage, the commendable philanthropic work that serves as a positive role model for the youth.

Mark Gelfand

Mark Gelfand, founder of StemPower, in recognition of his effort in implementing many successful STEM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in Ethiopia and nearby countries, bridging gender gap, and fostering peace and development within and among nations.