Our Story |
Three Roots International began with a conviction: families already have the strength and vision to change their future. They don’t need rescuing—they need opportunity.
Our founder launched Three Roots to equip families with the tools to live healthier, learn more, and earn lasting incomes. What began in rural Ethiopia has grown into a replicable model of transformation, powered by local leadership and sustained by deep relationships. Today, we are still walking alongside communities—not as saviors, but as partners in long-term change. |
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We are Christian.
We are Christ-followers who are shaped and motivated by our belief in the value of every person. We are responsive. We are driven by the expressed needs of the community, and seek to communicate and act with efficiency. |
We are focused.
We are intentional in relationships and strategic in execution. We are partners. We value collaboration and we desire to work and learn with others. |
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Susan Conway
Founder and CEO Susan grew up in Great Falls, Virginia, and first traveled to Ethiopia in 2007. Since 2007, Susan has returned to Ethiopia every year and has built strong partnerships with the local church, which has facilitated the foundational work of Three Roots. She has lived in Africa, led short-term teams to Africa, Europe, and Asia, and holds a Master's degree in International Education and Development, focusing on marginalized communities. Having worked in the education and nonprofit sectors for fourteen years - at World Vision, World Relief and International Justice Mission - Susan now leads the Three Roots team by developing organizational vision and operational strategy, and works collaboratively with the Three Roots Country Director on programmatic implementation in the field. Susan enjoys traveling and photographing the people and places she sees along the way. |
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Shelley Thames
Chief of Staff and Operations Shelley grew up in Texas and now calls Northern Virginia home. Her career spans over 25 years, helping organizations operationalize their vision. In this work, she has developed cross-organizational processes and projects, built budgets, led strategic planning, developed functional and healthy boards, and directed functional operations such as HR, Finance, Communications, and global governance. Shelley serves as an advisor and utility player. At Three Roots Shelley serves as Chief of Staff and Operations, working to develop and implement the organizational rhythms and systems for the next season of growth, facilitating enterprise effectiveness and stewarding resources. |
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Demissie Tilahun
Ethiopia Country Director Demissie was born in Central Ethiopia, a few hours south of the country's capital. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Theology, a Master's degree in Theology, and an MBA from St. Mary's University. He has held several senior leadership positions with the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church (EKHC), the largest Protestant church in Ethiopia. These positions included serving as a missionary in India for three years and serving as a National Board member for the EKHC for six years. Most recently, Demissie was the General Secretary for the Central Zone, responsible for the oversight of every EKHC church within the Central Zone of Ethiopia. He is now the Country Director for Three Roots, accountable for the strategic implementation of programs and the oversight of operations in Ethiopia. |
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Betty Kiros
Director of Operations Betty was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. With an educational background in language studies and social work, she has worked in several positions in different organizations for the last 15 years. She has a BA in English Language and Literature from Addis Ababa University and a MA in Social Work from Indira Gandhi Open University. Her experience ranges from journalism to leading projects designed to support vulnerable groups in communities. Most recently, she has worked as a Communications, Outreach and Partnership Coordinator at the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission. |
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Mekdes Yohannes
Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer and Care Group Supervisor Mekdes was born in Halaba Kulito, a town outside of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Mekdes holds a Bachelor of Science degree as a Public Health Officer from Jimma University and a Master’s degree in General Public Health from Adama Hospital Medical College. She has held roles as a Senior Public Health Officer, a Training and Capacity Building Officer, a Project Manager, a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, and a Project Coordinator at numerous government and non-government humanitarian organizations. Mekdes is now the MERL Officer and Care Group Supervisor for Three Roots. Mekdes is inspired to work with Three Roots because she wants to support the community in their fight to end extreme poverty. |
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Robel Tafere
Social Worker Robel was born in Bahirdar, in the northern part of Ethiopia, and grew up in the town of Deberezeit/Bishoftu. Robel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology from Admas University College. Prior to joining Three Roots, Robel worked as a Social Worker with the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church on a number of development projects. Robel is inspired by the relevant and holistic approaches of the Three Roots programs and wants to impact the communities he is serving. |
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Adane Worku
Program Assistant and Driver Adane was born in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. He has thirty years of experience as a professional driver and in administration, coordinating transportation logistics and procurement in nonprofit organizations. Adane spent many years as a driver with the Carter Center. Prior to that, he worked at Daewoo Engineering and Construction and Verde Farms Beef Company. Adane holds certificates in Management and Computer Software competencies. He is excited to be advancing the mission of ending poverty in sustainable ways and looks forward to serving communities, guests, and colleagues. |
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Mule Adeba
Community Health Officer Mule was born and raised in Nekemte town in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. She earned a BSc in Midwifery from Samara University and is currently a candidate for an MA in Project Management. She has more than six years of professional work experience in various positions with different organizations, including INGOs like the International Rescue Committee and Compassion International, in the capacities of Health Officer, RH Clinical Mentor Officer, Women Protection and Empowerment Officer, and Child Survival Program Implementer. She has also worked in a government hospital as a Junior Midwifery Professional. Mule is passionate about serving the most vulnerable people and communities struggling with poverty and related adversities. |
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Samantha Cave
Operations and Engagement Lead Samantha claims Seattle, Washington, as home, but her early years were spent in the Middle East, which cultivated in her a love for languages and cultures other than her own. In 2009, she joined the staff of McLean Bible Church in Washington, DC, where she served as the Associate Director for Global Impact World Missions, coordinating and caring for dozens of short-term teams and long-term missionaries serving worldwide, and later as Director of Membership Services. Sam most recently worked at the Slingshot Group, overseeing NextGen candidate recruitment, CRM updates, and administrative services. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Human Services. Samantha is the Operations and Engagement Lead for Three Roots, filling a crucial role in US Operations, Partnership and Donor relations, and coordinating our Trips to the Field. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband Ryan and their four children. |
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Casey Sharperson
Marketing and Communications Lead Casey is an award-winning international speaker, brand strategist, and the Founder and CEO of Sharperson Solutions. With a bachelor's degree in Marketing and minor in Spanish, from Claflin University, Casey has always had a passion for people and connection. She has worked at the Advisory Committee, K12 Insights, and EON, across marketing and business development projects, and at Claflin University as a Philanthropy Specialist. Casey is the author of the book, Dream, Build, Repeat: Harness Fear to Confidently Pursue Your Biggest Dreams and the podcast host of a show by the same name. In her role at Three Roots, Casey is dedicated to amplifying the impactful work being done on the ground in Ethiopia and highlighting the ongoing efforts for those supporting the organization’s mission. Outside of work, Casey serves as an indoor rowing instructor and as the director of the children’s ministry at her local church. |
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Henok Debessay
Accountant Henok was born in Addis Ababa and brings over two decades of experience in the accounting and finance field. Since 1999, his career has included roles as an accountant and business analyst, with a strong focus on finance-driven operations. Henok’s experience spans both private sector companies and international NGOs, giving him a broad perspective on financial systems and organizational dynamics. He has also served as a consultant to super users on ERP and accounting applications, supporting full project lifecycles in two of Ethiopia’s largest government-owned utility providers. At Three Roots, Henok will lead US and international accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with US GAAP, and coordination between the US and Ethiopia offices. |
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Holly Downing
Events and Administration Holly grew up in the midwest and holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Biblical Theology from the University of Northwestern. During her undergraduate time, she spent four months living in east Africa where she fell in love with the people and the culture. She has spent her professional career working for international nonprofits that are fighting violence and poverty all around the world. She lives in the Washington DC area with her husband Ed and their two children. |
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Sarah Erath
Community Health Officer Sarah has lived in several different places in America, growing up mostly in Alexandria, Virginia, but her first trip overseas was to Ethiopia in 2012. She uses her planning and organizational skills from her full-time job as a fifth grade teacher to help with administrative tasks for the organization. One of Sarah's favorite memories was from one of her recent trips to Ethiopia where she was able to pray with a group of Ethiopians about the need for clean water in their community. She uses that memory to remind her to stop and pray for others daily in America. |
Three Roots InternationalThree Roots International equips families facing extreme poverty with the tools to live healthier, learn more, and earn lasting incomes- so that entire communities can rise and thrive together.
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Three Roots International is a 501©3 non-profit EIN 47-3677208
©2015-2026 Three Roots International. All rights reserved. |
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