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DINKNESH Award Event

Celebrate outstanding women at the 7th annual Dinknesh Ethiopian American women's Award event which will be held on Sunday March 29th, 2026 starting at 2 PM EST at the Silver Spring Civic Center in Silver Spring, MD.

Join us on this epic event of women's empowerment and inspiration!

Take advantage of our discounted tickets now
General Admission: $50 on event day $60
Email us at: info@dinknesh.org
Call: 202-631-3111

Get Your Ticket

Men are invited too!

2026Dinknesh 7th Annual Event

About This Event

Dinknesh is an award event that is celebrated annually in March in commemoration of the International Women’s Day. The Amharic word ‘Dinknesh’ roughly translates to ‘phenomenal’. The main objective of the event is to inspire and empower Ethiopian and Ethiopian American women. The event aims to create a platform where unsung Ethiopian and Ethiopian American heroines of high academic, professional, business and community service achievements are recognized. Special focus is given to women who come from marginalized and/or minority communities who have had limited opportunities but have made a difference in their own lives and that of their community’s by overcoming various challenges. We believe that such an event to celebrate womanhood and achievement is very important to strengthen the sense of belongingness and purpose. It creates an opportunity for the women to share their stories and inspire others. It is an occasion where their past and current achievements are recognized and celebrated.

Venue

Silver Spring Civic Center
1 Veterans Pl, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Speakers & Presenters

Keynote speaker: Makda Arshi
Panelist: Medina Muzeyen
Panelist: Sosina Merid
Presenter: Mestawet Feleke
Poetess: Momina Ahmed

Emcee: Miriam Alemu
Emcee: Seham Yousuf

Awardees will be announced live!

Date & Time

Sunday March 29th, 2026
2 - 6 PM EST (Washington DC time)

Donors

Debo Institute - Fiscal Sponsor

Support our work by donating!

Your support means the world to us! As we strive to make a meaningful impact in our community, we rely on generous contributions from individuals like you. Together, we can create lasting inspiration and empower lives. Your donation, big or small, will directly fuel our efforts, enabling us to continue our work. Join us in our mission and be a part of something incredible. Please consider donating today and be a catalyst for positive change. Thank you for your kindness and support!

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Guests from Past Events

Over the past years, Dinknesh has hosted a diverse group of highly talented and successful women as speakers and panelists.

Mesi 2025

2025

Meseret Haileyesus

Dinknesh Keynote Speaker - 2025
From midwifery in rural Ethiopia to shaping global policies, Meseret is a force for change. A multi-award-winning thought leader, global ambassador, and advocate for economic justice, women’s empowerment, and public health equity—Mesi is redefining impact.

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Lena 2024

2024

Lena Nour

Dinknesh Keynote Speaker - 2024
Lena Nour is an advocate for women's empowerment and a public servant. Lena has found her passion at the cross section of community engagement and evidence-based policymaking. Lena has experience in the nonprofit, state and federal government which ranges from recruitment and retention to social advocacy. Currently, Lena works as an analyst for the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a non-partisan federal agency.

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Past Awardees

Since its first program in 2020, the Dinknesh Awards event has nominated and awarded exceptionally talented Ethiopian and Ethiopian American women from all walks of life and from around the world.

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Bedria Mohammed

Dinknesh 2023 - Lifetime Achievement Awardee

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Bedria Mohammed - Lifetime Achievement Awardee

3Hours

4Segments

6guests

4awardees

Become a Supporter

Why Support Us
Your ongoing support is incredibly vital to us, and here’s why: every individual’s contribution is pivotal in shaping our envisioned initiative, fostering support, empowerment, and inspiration among Ethiopian and Ethiopian American women—whether as a professional, a mother, a daughter, or a valued community supporter. As you continue to champion our cause, you directly assist us in effectively serving our community and making a profound impact. Joining us as a continued supporter enables us to fulfill our mission more effectively. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey towards positive change.

By supporting us you will have the following benefits:
• The mere satisfaction knowing that you are supporting a notable cause that empowers women
• Free access to all our virtual events
• Free entry into our paid events

Support Dinknesh

Our Donors

The Dinknesh event wouldn't be possible without our amazing donors and anonymous supporters. We thank you all for your generosity & support!

We would like to take this opportunity and invite businesses and organizations to support our cause financially by becoming a donor/ sponsor. Please email us at dinkneshinfo@gmail.com or info@dinknesh.org to get our sponsorship packages.