The Mood at ENANA’s Annual Luncheon Was Festive
By Faisale Shefawe with contributions from
Sitota Tadelle, RNC-MNN
Published on 05/12/25
Last Saturday, the Silver Spring Civic Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, was filled with energy and celebration as nurses gathered for the fifth annual luncheon of ENANA, the Ethiopian Nurses Association in Northern America. Founded by a group of visionary nurses including co-founder Metassebia Kefelegn, ENANA was established to provide guidance and leadership for nurses, with the goal of advancing the profession and promoting the well-being of the community. Spirits were high as attendees honored the organization's mission and celebrated Nurses Month.
In her opening remarks, co-founder Metassebia Kefelegn spoke about ENANA’s efforts to increase the number of future nurses. She highlighted the organization's collaborations with local associations and the importance of hosting more workshops to inspire high school students to join the profession. With a touch of humor, she added that students who claim they “don’t like working with blood” would be given extra encouragement to consider nursing.
The event also welcomed several guests of honor, including Laurie-Anne Sayles, Montgomery County Council Member At-Large; Delegate Lorig Charkoudian’s representative, Rose Stutz; Dr. Erica McFarland from the African American Health Program; and Dr. Nwamaka Oparaoji from the Maryland Nurses Association District 5. Their presence highlighted the importance of ENANA’s work and its growing influence in the wider healthcare community.
One of ENANA’s most significant achievements was also celebrated—the successful advocacy for the passage of Bill 72. The bill helps streamline the nurse endorsement process and modify language requirements, aiming to ease barriers for internationally trained nurses, particularly around English proficiency.
A standout moment came when Wintana Kiros, a dietitian and lifestyle coach, delivered a well-received talk on community health. She addressed eating habits in the Ethiopian community and advised attendees to reduce their injera intake due to its high carbohydrate content. Instead, she encouraged more protein, fiber, and vegetables for a healthier lifestyle.
Two exceptional nurses were honored at the event. The first award, for Community Service, went to Azeb Hadera for her decades-long commitment to making a difference and supporting those in financial and medical need. In her emotional acceptance speech, Azeb reflected on her 30-year nursing career and her personal battle with breast cancer. She urged her fellow nurses to continue their lifesaving work while also prioritizing self-care.
The Nursing Excellence Award was presented to Maraki Endale for her outstanding dedication to both patients and colleagues, going above and beyond to offer guidance and support.
Vendors also had a presence at the event, showcasing their businesses and products. One highlight was TGH Coffee, owned by Tigist Tsegaw, who imports coffee directly from Ethiopian farmers and roasts and packages it in Rockville, Maryland. On weekdays, she sells her coffee from a kiosk at Springfield Mall in Virginia.
Another popular vendor was Dokaget, a growing jewelry and traditional clothing brand popular within Ethiopian and Eritrean communities. The brand is especially known for its elegant and minimalistic religious necklaces.
Toward the end of the luncheon, ENANA officers delivered heartfelt speeches and presented a special award to founder Metassebia Kefelegn for her tireless efforts in bringing the organization and the community together. In her emotional remarks, Metasebia said she wished her mother could have witnessed her achievements and thanked her husband, who had managed the event's sound system.
The event concluded with the cutting of a celebration cake by Metassebia, along with award recipients Azeb and Maraki. Officers and volunteers gathered for photos and raised a toast to ENANA’s continued success. There was a shared sense of optimism among attendees that the organization will continue to grow and fulfill its mission.