Our Board

Yene Wolteji

Founder and CEO

Yene Wolteji is a passionate advocate for social justice and the founder and CEO of Bridging Initiatives International (BII), a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting the homeless in Sacramento and supporting the needy in Africa. With extensive experience in leadership, teaching, and community development, Yene has devoted her life to service through BII.

Her professional journey began in Ethiopia as a social worker, eventually becoming a college dean, and later serving as a training and programs director in Nairobi, Kenya. Upon moving to the United States, Yene continued her mission, focusing on homelessness and domestic violence, and leveraging her skills in crisis counseling, advocacy, online teaching, trauma-informed art, parenting education, and children's programs.

Yene holds a doctoral degree in ministry and leadership, an MA and PGD in social development, and a certificate in pastoral studies. Guided by love and acceptance, Yene is committed to addressing the diverse needs of Sacramento's homeless population, ensuring they feel valued and supported.

Edossa Geleta

Co-Founder and The Chairperson of the Board

Edossa Geleta is a co-founder and the chairperson of the board of directors at Bridging Initiatives International, an organization he has led and helped grow since its inception. He brings his leadership skills and passion to the organization, providing profound support. Beyond his role at Bridging Initiatives International, Edossa is an engineering specialist at Bocsh, where he leverages his extensive skills and experience gained from various companies. Edossa is deeply committed to supporting Bridging Initiatives International's cause and continues to provide leadership to advance the organization's objectives. Family is at the core of his values; he is dedicated to raising his three children with his wife and is keen on helping families and individuals who are struggling, particularly those with children.

Karri Eggers

Treasurer, Project Management and Leadership Professional

Karri Eggers is a seasoned project management and leadership professional with over 30 years of experience. Formerly the Vice President of PMO at Dignity Health Medical Foundation and PRO Global Solutions, she has a rich history of leading global teams. In November 2021, Karri joined Adventist Health, where she applies her expertise in program and project management, process improvement, and strategic planning to IT Operations and the Project Management Office. Holding dual MBAs in Finance from CSU Sacramento and Leadership from William Jessup University, Karri is a dynamic leader, certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Six Sigma Black Belt. Known for her ability to 'manage the chaos' required to advance initiatives from concept to completion, Karri has a stellar track record in building exceptional teams and enhancing organizational standards and efficiencies. She also teaches project management courses at UC Davis and dedicates time to volunteer and serve in her community.

Bringing this wealth of experience and expertise to Bridging Initiatives International, Karri has been a transformative addition. Despite joining less than a year ago, her extraordinary knowledge and dedication are already making significant impacts. Shortly after joining the board of bridging Initiatives International, Karri was elected treasurer, providing critical financial leadership and helping to guide the organization's growth and development with her typical energy and commitment.

Tena Getahun

Registered Nurse and a Lactation Consultant

Tena Getahun is a registered nurse and lactation consultant at Kaiser Permanente Women’s and Children’s Hospital, with 17 years of experience assisting women and children through labor, delivery, and postpartum periods. Specializing in lactation consultation since 2017, Tena supports mothers in breastfeeding their newborns, effectively utilizing her Master’s degree in Maternal Child Nutrition from the University of California, Davis.

Known for her compassionate service and problem-solving skills, Tena has earned recognition from her peers, employer, and the families she serves. Her passion for helping newborns feed optimally and bringing joy to mothers motivates her daily. Outside the hospital, Tena enjoys gardening, walking, decorating her home, cooking, and supporting women in difficult circumstances. She brings her unique skills to Bridging Initiatives International, aiding women and children affected by homelessness due to domestic violence, thereby enriching the organization's mission and enhancing its services.

Laurel Glaze

Department of Healthcare Services

Laurel Glaze was born in Hollywood and grew up in Sacramento, where she was active on a competitive dance team. She lived in San Diego during college and the early years of her working career before moving back to Sacramento 16 years ago. She graduated from California State University, San Diego with a degree in Public Relations/Communications. She currently works at the CA Department of Healthcare Services as a lien analyst in their personal injury department. Previously, she worked at AT&T and Verizon in marketing and advertising. Some of her hobbies include camping, dancing, traveling, and writing. She has a 14-year-old son. She has been involved with Bridging Initiatives International for over three years. She had a period of experiencing homelessness but is now in recovery and has a passion for helping others who struggle with addiction and homelessness. With her lived experience, she brings best practices and views those who are struggling with passion and understanding.

Ayneabeba Kebede

Medical Assistant at Kaiser Permanente

Ayneabeba Kebede has devoted over 25 years to serving as a Medical Assistant at Kaiser Permanente, nurturing a deep passion for assisting those in need. Her commitment shines not only through her career but also through her faith-based outreach efforts. These experiences have profoundly shaped her character and her relentless drive to support individuals in any situation. Bringing this passion to Bridging initiatives International, she is dedicated to aiding women and children affected by homelessness due to circumstances beyond their control. As a Bridging Initiatives international board member for nearly a year, she has made significant contributions to the organization's mission.

Rosa Domenico

Board Member

Rosa Domenico has been a steadfast presence at Bridging Initiatives International since its inception, witnessing and navigating the organization's many challenges. She is deeply committed to the cause, dedicating all her resources and compassion to assisting those in need. Rosa has actively engaged with Bridging Initiatives’ outreach services, providing long-term support to families and individuals facing homelessness. She remains a pivotal anchor and faithful supporter of Bridging Initiatives International's mission.

Pastor Vinnie Atkins

Chaplin/Counselor/Discipler

He serves as a dedicated chaplain for Chick-fil-A, providing spiritual care, counseling, mentorship, and discipleship support to both team members and leadership. With a shepherd’s heart and a deep passion for helping others grow in their faith, he walks alongside individuals through everyday challenges and moments of spiritual formation. In the workplace, he offers encouragement and mentorship, guiding others through times of reflection and prayer, and consistently pointing hearts back to their faith. His commitment is rooted in his personal walk with Christ and ministry involvement, driven by a desire to help people remain grounded in God’s love and truth in every setting. His ministry reflects a core belief: that every environment—from the sanctuary to the workplace—can be a space for transformation, healing, and discipleship. He brings this same passion and commitment to Bridging Initiatives International, serving families and individuals affected by homelessness through counseling, encouragement, and mentorship—helping each person rediscover their dignity and sense of purpose.