Feven Tsehaye
Founder, Chief Executive Office
Feven is the visionary Founder and CEO of Chakka Origins, where she brings together her passion for the natural world, her profound appreciation for Ethiopia's indigenous plants, and her commitment to a sustainable plant-based lifestyle. Feven thrives in dynamic settings and excels at transforming innovative ideas into reality through adept problem-solving and meticulous organization. Her inspiration to start Chakka Origins is rooted in wanting to solve for inefficient and opaque supply chains on the one hand, and a deep curiosity about the magic of forest plants. With a background in social impact investments, Feven worked extensively in agriculture and healthcare investments in China and Africa with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and previously on operations management consulting with the U.S. government. She excels in strategy development, investment planning, business development, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders. Feven holds an MPA in International Development from Tsinghua University and earned her BA in International Development from American University.
Habtamu Kifle
Senior Technical Advisor
As Chakka Origins' esteemed Senior Technical Advisor, Habtamu is an expert in Medicinal and Aromatic plants. His wealth of experience encompasses laboratory testing, research, and the development of innovative products. Habtamu specializes in quality control, from soil analysis to essential oils and herbal teas extraction testing, isolation, and analyses. He completed the prestigious CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology Institute's program on Analytical Techniques for the Determination of Essential Oils and Bioactive Constituents in India. Habtamu holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Addis Ababa University and is currently pursuing his Masters of Science in Pharmacognosy.
Mihiretab Yoseph
Sales & Partnership Associate
Mihiretab assumes a pivotal role as a Sales and Partnership Associate at Chakka Origins, closely collaborating with the CEO to lead impactful sales strategies that align with the company's vision. Her expertise extends to forging robust partnerships, co-managing exports, and intricate marketing projects with unwavering dedication. With a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Mihiretab's passion for sustainability propelled her to join Chakka Origins. Her responsibilities encompass nurturing supplier relationships, conducting comprehensive market research, and bolstering the company's position. Rooted in detail-oriented thinking, multitasking, and astute critical analysis, she adeptly navigates complex landscapes. Mihiretab's journey as a Sales and Partnership Associate seamlessly integrates her architectural acumen with an unyielding commitment to environmental consciousness, enabling her to sculpt intricate sales strategies, foster impactful collaborations, and breathe life into concepts within the dynamic realm of Chakka Origins.
Bemnet Mebrate
Product Development Associate
Bemnet serves as a Product Development Associate at Chakka Origins, where her role encompasses product development, technical analysis, machinery operation, and laboratory support. Under the guidance of the Senior Technical Manager, she ensures quality control standardization, while also efficiently managing inventory and implementing Standard Operating Procedures. Bemnet's diverse background includes experience in areas such as glass manufacturing, bottling, and urban poultry farm management. Armed with a BSc in Industrial Engineering and a BA in Business Management, her educational background equips her to delve into supply chain models within manufacturing industries. Bemnet's profound passion for technical processes fuels her dedicated quest for solutions to drive continuous improvements across product lines with immaculate detail to attention on quality.
Flo Dirks
Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff
Flo joined Chakka Origins wearing two hats, to support the team in both financial management and in business development, HR and related organizational impact areas. She helps to lead and co-manage the full team. Flo makes use of her previous experience as financial analyst at Procter & Gamble to strengthen the finance department. Flo also worked as agro-economic advisor for Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation (Wageningen University & Research), where she focused on inclusive agri-business development, access to finance and smallholder farmer trainings, amongst other impact areas. She was leading teams across various programs, performed project management roles, and served as instructor of international courses for young professionals. The time she spent in field is a big part of her inspiration to focus on sustainable business solutions at Chakka Origins. Flo graduated with two Masters of Science, in Economics and International and European Law, from the University of Amsterdam.
Gudina Kumsa
Supply Chain & Logistics Associate
As the energetic and enthusiastic Field Coordinator at Chakka Origins, Gudina excels in coordinating and implementing agroforestry activities alongside hundreds of smallholder partner farmers in Greater Gurage. He leads smallholder engagement, enhances production quality and monitors supply volume, ensuring efficient agronomic practices from planting through harvest. With a degree in Food Technology and Process Engineering, Gudina's expertise across spans post-harvest handling, transportation, and inventory management. He collaborates closely with partners and local stakeholders to achieve impactful results.
Meselu Abebe
Finance & Accounting
Meselu is the meticulous Finance and Accounting specialist at Chakka Origins. Her responsibilities include bookkeeping, tax management, and conducting internal audits. With over a decade of experience in accounting and finance, Meselu is a collaborative and goal-oriented team leader. She ensures compliance with tax regulations, financial policies, and practices, providing valuable support to the entire Chakka Origins team.
Nega Ashagrie
Forester, Monitoring & Evaluation
Nega is a seasoned Forester, collaborating closely with Chakka Origins' Founder and CEO and project implementing partners across sourcing sites. He is accountable for overseeing implementation partners’ work across forest areas, ensuring quality control, and reviewing deliverables to accentuate the monitoring and evaluation efforts of the company. Nega holds a BA degree and MSc. from Hawassa University Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, specializing in Climate Smart Agriculture Land Landscape Assessment. His extensive experience includes Ethiopian agriculture and forestry, as well as strong expertise in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, make him an invaluable asset to the team.
Kurabachew Tenaw
Supply Chain & Operations Associate
Kurabachew is a Supply Chain & Logistics Associate, leading annual work planning, in particularly field side procurement, raw material inventory and other key operational areas to expand the reach of the enterprise's supply chain work and sourcing sites. Kurabachew leads partner farmers’ and local stakeholders’ relationship management, creating visibility on the importance of eco-responsible sourcing, alongside ensuring social and environmental business impact management. Kurabachew holds an MSc. Degree from Hawassa University Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, and BSc degree from Bahirdar University in NaRM, specializing in Forest Resource Assessment and Monitoring.
Seyoum Fulas
Senior Agroforestry Coordinator
Seyoum is a seasoned agronomist and rural development expert at Chakka Origins. He has experience working with the Ethiopian federal Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) on oil crops, and with the regional government of the Kafa Zone on spices, crop production and protection. His responsibilities included strategy and technical document development, capacitating lower level government stakeholders, co-leading programs from post-harvest loss reduction to export value chains. Seyoum is a strategic thinker, process-oriented in operations, and has technical expertise in areas including soil science, commercial cluster systems, oilseed production and a range of other agronomic areas. He has an MSc in Agronomy from the Kharkiv National Agrarian University.
Sosna Zelalem
Jr. Office Administrator
Abebayehu Yilma
Machine Operator
VACANT
Digital Marketing
Markets Advisor
Debritu Mogesse Lusteau
Born and raised in the legendary country of Ethiopia, Debritu grew up with a strong sense of global citizenship. Early on, her education at the French school, Lycee Guebre Mariam, exposed her to diverse cultures, leading her to work in various Embassies and UN agencies. In 1985, she embarked on a new journey with her French husband to The Netherlands, where she discovered the dual nature of entrepreneurship – both a gateway and a solution.
Inspired by this revelation, Debritu delved into several ventures, ranging from import-export businesses to creating the unique coffee corner concept "TIRU BUNA coffee chain." Her flagship achievement, Moyee coffee, introduced her to the power of "FairChain" and, more recently, blockchain technology. Throughout her challenges and triumphs, one unwavering belief remains: forging strong business partnerships is the key to Africa's bright future.
Legal Affairs Advisor
Bahakal Abate
Bahakal is a highly versatile corporate lawyer with an impressive 12-year track record in diverse legal fields. As a former commercial legal counsel and corporate affairs director at Diageo Ethiopia, Bahakal possesses extensive expertise in investment structuring, corporate mergers and acquisitions, taxation, governance, regulatory matters, and privatization and liberalization affairs.
Bahakal's educational background is equally remarkable, with distinctions in various disciplines. He holds an LL.M with distinction in International Economic & Business Law (IEBL) from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, and another LL.M in International Dispute Settlement Law from the prestigious Geneva Law School and Graduate Institute in Switzerland. Notably, Bahakal is also a recipient of the esteemed Chancellor’s Gold Medal from Haramaya University's law school.
Yuchen Cui
MBA Intern, Alumni
Yuchen, a driven MBA Intern with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and strategic management, supported Chakka Origins at a critical turning point in developing the company’s financial model. Pursuing her MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, she brought a wealth of knowledge from her previous experiences. Yuchen's background in public-sector consulting and research on urban revitalization and sustainable development demonstrates her commitment to building impact from strategic design through execution.
With a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from the University of Maryland, Yuchen combines her expertise in finance and sustainability, and had contributed greatly to Chakka Origins' growth and mission. Her dedication to making a difference through business is evident in all her endeavors.
Nolie Alazar
Digital Marketing, Alumni
Nolie joined the team as a Digital Marketing professional with a passion for environmental sustainability. As a content creator, she excels in diversifying online content and engaging key customer bases. Her marketing strategies not only drive results but also reflect her commitment to promoting environmental consciousness. With expertise in digital marketing design, Nolie has even established her own platform to provide resources to high school students in her community. Drawing from her experience in Model United Nations, she exemplified valuable leadership and diplomatic skills to problem-solving and strategic negotiations.
Dagemawe Michael
Operations Associate, Alumni
Dagemawe Michael was an Operations Associate at Chakak Origins, where he was responsible for overseeing overall business operations and process oversight. Drawing from experiences managing his own business in Shashemene and conducting market research and data collection for large conglomerates, Dagemawe possesses a keen understanding of field environments and effective strategies for trouble shooting.
Beyond business, Dagemawe is passionate about structured social impact. His research on community policing and child trafficking in Shashemene city showcases his commitment to positive change.
Melaku Derseh
Operations Coordinator, Alumni
Melaku was an Operations Coordinator with a focus on logistics and coordination for sourcing sites. Working closely with the field team and partner farmers, he ensured smooth product flow and traceability for both domestic and export business operations and logistics. With a background in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Melaku gained valuable insights during his time at the Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise (ESLE).
Lydia Wooden
Digital Marketing, Alumni
Lydia supported Chakka Origins' Digital Marketing efforts. Her role involved crafting comprehensive concepts across various social media platforms, aligning with the company's commitment to ecological sustainability and social equity. Lydia's dedication to making a positive impact extended beyond her professional life; she actively engages in the Ethiopian Eritrean Student Association, organizing cultural activities and philanthropy events to support essential causes in her community.
Mariam Badi
MBA Intern, Alumni
Mariam Badi supported market research work across multiple geographies while at Chakka Origins. Armed with a dual degree from the University of Pennsylvania - an MBA from The Wharton School and an MA in International Studies with the Lauder Institute, Mariam brought a wealth of experience with her. She previously worked with Emerging Public Leaders, overseeing and expanding their operations in Liberia, Ghana, and Kenya. Additionally, she contributed her expertise at Smart Codes in Tanzania, supporting digital campaigns in English and Swahili.