Staff

Frehiwot Tarekegn (Fre) brings over 17 years of experience in nonprofit financial leadership to EMpower, with a deep commitment to fostering financial integrity and supporting impactful global initiatives. Believing that financial stewardship is more than numbers, Frehiwot sees finance as a tool to empower organisations, amplify their missions, and create meaningful change. Though based in Alexandria, VA, Frehiwot’s work has spanned continents, collaborating with teams across the US, UK, France, Africa, and Asia, ensuring financial resilience and operational efficiency.

Frehiwot’s journey in nonprofit finance began with a passion for making a difference through meticulous financial planning and strategic leadership. Leading multimillion-dollar budgets for organisations like Relief International, Nascent Solutions, and Orbis International, Frehiwot has honed expertise in grant management, donor compliance, and global financial reporting. Her leadership has ensured audit excellence and robust financial controls and nurtured teams, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Frehiwot holds an MBA from Indira Gandhi National Open University and a BA in Accounting from Addis Ababa University. She is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, a CMA candidate, and an advocate for continuous professional development. Beyond her financial acumen, Frehiwot believes in the power of empathy, integrity, and perseverance, values that guide her leadership every day.

One of Frehiwot’s favorite quotes reflects her belief in continuous improvement:

“Learning never exhausts the mind.” – Leonardo da Vinci