About us
ByGrace is a non-profit organization committed to empowering young adults, children, and refugees in East Africa through education. Our mission is to provide the essential resources and support needed to uplift underprivileged individuals, helping them build brighter futures through access to education and skills development.
At ByGrace, we believe that education is a transformative force. We partner with community services and churches to establish and expand learning centers for displaced populations. Through our educational programs, we work to bridge critical gaps in education and create opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Our Team
Ellen Iyasu
Board president
Ellen Iyasu is the founder and president of ByGrace, a nonprofit organization that empowers Eritrean refugees through education and trauma-informed mental health programs. With over a decade of experience in business systems and data analysis, she brings a strategic lens to building scalable and sustainable development solutions. Ellen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Master’s in International Development from William Carey International University, with a focus on Global Women’s Empowerment. She is deeply committed to restoring dignity and opportunity for displaced communities.
Dr. Andrea McAleenan
Board Member
Dr. Andrea McAleenan holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Claremont Graduate University, where she also served as Dean of Executive and Extended Learning at the Drucker Graduate School of Management. With a strong background in higher education, K–12 education, and the nonprofit sector, she now leads Building Global Bridges, a consulting network dedicated to equipping women leaders around the world. Dr. McAleenan also serves on the board of the Urban Leadership Foundation, advancing leadership development in global slum communities.
Habtom Araya
Board Member
Habtom Araya is an ACCA-certified financial professional with over 12 years of experience in accounting, auditing, budgeting, and procurement. He has worked with both private companies and nonprofits, offering expertise in financial management, reporting, and training. Since 2023, Habtom has voluntarily trained over 70 Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia, equipping them with practical accounting and business skills as part of trauma-healing and empowerment programs. As a board member of ByGrace, Habtom contributes to financial oversight, training program development, and strategic planning to help ensure transparency, growth, and impact.
Sundee Simmons
Board Advisor
Sundee Simmons has served with the Perspectives Study Program for over 30 years in various leadership roles. Perspectives is a globally recognized course designed to inspire and mobilize people to join God’s mission around the world. Today, she serves as the Associate Director of Perspectives Global, where she leads the service office supporting a growing network of autonomous yet interconnected programs in over 40 countries and 9 languages. Sundee brings her passion for global mission, deep cross-cultural experience, and strategic leadership to her advisory role at ByGrace.
Yael Iyob
Creative Director
Yael is a passionate high school student volunteer who has served as Creative Director for two years. In this role, she maintains and updates the website, manages online outreach, and helps publicize initiatives that empower East African refugees.