WASHINGTON (CNN) — A woman saluted as a CNN Hero was among a group of creative philanthropists honored Tuesday by President Obama.
Watch Obama call attention to Demmellash’s program »
The White House event highlighted nonprofit programs that are making a difference. Alfa Demmellash was invited after White House staffers saw her being profiled on CNN.
Demmellash runs Rising Tide Capital, a company in New Jersey that helps low-income entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses.
Her organization “helps struggling mom-and-pop entrepreneurs get loans, run their businesses and improve their profit margins,” Obama told the gathering at the East Room of the White House.
“Seventy percent of their clients are single moms. All of them rely on their businesses to support their families. And so far, Rising Tide has helped 250 business owners in the state of New Jersey.
“Imagine if they could help 500 or 1,000 or more … all across America. If we empower organizations like these, think about the number of young people … whose lives we can change, the number of families whose livelihoods we can boost.”
Obama pointed out Demmelash to the crowd with his trademark self-deprecating humor: “We’ve got Alfa Demmellash from Rising Tide Capital … where’s Alfa … right over there. Did I pronounce your name right? Good. When your name’s Barack Obama, you’re sensitive to these things.”
Demmellash, who was born in Ethiopia, started Rising Tide in 2004 with Harvard University classmate Alex Forrester — now her husband — to help those who had ideas and abilities but needed the education and support to launch or grow their businesses.
The group runs the Community Business Academy, an intensive training session coupled with year-round coaching and mentorship to help individuals “really work on the hands-on management side of their business,” Demmellash said.
The organization supports underserved populations, including women, the formerly incarcerated, minorities, the unemployed and working poor, and immigrants and refugees.
Rising Tide Capital raises money from corporations and works with local governments for funding in order to provide classes and support its participants at affordable costs.
Participants pay a small materials and registration fee based on their income range: either $100 or $225 for the course that Demmellash says would cost thousands of dollars otherwise.
The organization has also built partnerships with micro-lenders, so when students are ready, the lenders provide financing.
Many of the students use the increased earnings from their new businesses to supplement their wages, allowing them to better provide for their families and transform the face of their communities, according to Demmellash.
“I am personally blown away that our work as a small grass-roots organization made it onto [the president’s] radar,” Demmellash wrote in an e-mail after the White House event. “But the validation and meaning his recognition gives to the efforts of the many struggling entrepreneurs in this country working to achieve self sufficiency and create jobs as well as those hundreds in this field working to support them is immeasurable.
Watch Demmellash react to being invited to the White House »
“I am grateful for his support and for CNN Heroes for bringing our story of economic hope, perseverance and self-reliance that is central to the American dream to the ears of our president.”
Want to get involved? Check out Rising Tide Capital’s Web site and see how to help.
10 thoughts on “President Obama recognizes CNN Hero from Ethiopia”
we don’t care about this obama news when obama still continues to finance the woyane regime
down with obama and TPLF!!
It is like different name with the same game…..Unless Obama make a real change what is the point praising our people in the diaspora….As America has seen the change so does Ethiopia deserve a better change…..so Mr obama plez stop playing a mind game on our neglected peopel in the East of Africa..May God bless America but don’t forget Ethiopia..One Love
Too soon to say down with Obama. Remember he was not elected to run your shabby home. He was elected not by gun but democratically this beautiful land called the USA. I don’t think he knows or cares about your existence. He is just another smart ass politician. Beggars bags are bottomless. Keep begging but u will never be satisfied.
Alfa Demmellash i admire you! You Mr Tesema What is wrong with you? you allready think President Obama at fault for our 3000 years mess?
It was with great pride I watched Alfa being recognized by the president. She is our hero, an Ethiopian hero in America. Congratulation to you, Alfa. I hope our children will follow your path.
1.before you say some stupid things about it do something significant like here and make a difference in PPL life.
2. your comment has nothing to do with here recognition by the president .it’s two different issues who needs two different approaches .
3.about staying in power (weyane ) don’t blame obama, you better blame your self don’t do nothing and criticized that makes weyane strong .
4.GIVE A CREDIT FOR A GOOD THINGS AND KEEP FIGHTING UNTIL WRONGE THINGS GET BETTER!!!!
i second united ppl’s comment. Only us Ethiopians could be the solution to our problem. We only have ourselves to blame for not being united in our commonalities to move forward. Obama have a lot on his plates. Considering the current world situation, don’t expect him to have the same stance he have toward iran and N korea for Ethiopia.Atleast not right now.
Congratulation for your effort and hard working Alfa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alpha’s a role model for many young Ethiopians who want to do business.Private or corporate business at this critical period of economic recession play a pivotal role in reversing the tide.
I’ll pass on the website to my daughter who studies business administration.I thank President Obama,congratulate Alpha Demmelash for the sucess story that she made at this youthful age.
It is nice to be recognized for the job that you done. I saw you in CNN with Anderson. You are one of the smart people. Keep up the good job. May god blesse you and your families.
My presidant Mr. barrack Hussiane Obama, he is the greatest leader that this nation have. Not only for USA Also for the whole world. He is one of a kind. Live my presidant alone.
oops about woyane, you as a people need to fight for your own freedom. Go fight and make adifferance. Look the people or Iran they ask where their vote is? they say it isnot election it is selection. shout loud! one day the world is going to hear you. dont stop to fight for your right. Fight them you might going to pass but your voice is going to be heared.
Thank You
D.W