Meet GGRF Executive Director Blaine Kebede

Meet BLAINE a. kEBEDE

Blaine Kebede is an Ethiopian-American born and raised in Philadelphia, the city her parents immigrated to over 45 years ago. Blaine is deeply committed to advocating for and empowering marginalized communities both in her local Philadelphia community and abroad.

Her academic background includes a BS in Accounting & Finance, coupled with a minor in Chinese Language & Literature, from the University of Delaware. Blaine began her professional journey as a business consultant at EY & Deloitte, assisting clients improve processes and implementation strategies with a focus on mitigating financial, technological, and operational risks. Today, she uses these skills to support non-profit and educational organizations achieve their goals.

Most recently, Blaine served as the digital project manager for the Princeton, Ethiopian, Eritrean, & Egyptian Miracles of Mary Project (PEMM), where she successfully managed the design, development, and delivery of a comprehensive, digital resource for the 1,000+ miracle stories about the Virgin Mary in Eastern Africa. 

Blaine is a long-time member of the Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Philadelphia, where she has volunteered in grant-writing and community outreach activities. In her free time, Blaine enjoys language exchange, traveling, hiking, and biking.

As Executive Director of Girls Gotta Run, Blaine hopes to empower young women and girls across Ethiopia to realize the power they possess to build their own future. 

Message from ARBORA AND the Board of directors, June 2024

Just over two years ago, GGRF's Board of Directors hired Arbora Johnson as the US-based Executive Director for Girls Gotta Run Foundation. Arbora shares, “I am proud of the work our organization has done, excited for what the future holds, and happy to share that Blaine A. Kebede will join me on the US leadership team as of July 1, 2024. I will transition to the role of Senior Advisor.”

Blaine, born and raised in Philadelphia to Ethiopian parents, is deeply committed to empowering marginalized communities, including through her long-time involvement with the Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Philadelphia. 

As we work to connect with global supporters while remaining at heart a community-led organization, I know that Blaine's intelligence, experience working with large firms and small nonprofits, dedication to girls' empowerment, knowledge of Amharic and love for Ethiopian culture will move us forward.

Allyson Senie, Chair of the GGRF Board of Directors, provides her thoughts on Blaine and what her involvement will mean for our organization:

"It is clear from our interview process and speaking with former employers that Blaine is a strong, empathetic and passionate strategic thinker as well as an efficient problem solver with a deep understanding of the environment in both Ethiopia and the US. Her unique blend of knowledge will be invaluable for Girls Gotta Run's mission. The Board of Directors is confident that under Blaine's leadership, GGRF will continue to thrive and make a significant impact in the lives of girls and women in Ethiopia."