People of MCAEL - Meet Anteneh Habtesellassie

August 24, 2022

It’s MCAEL’s 15 year anniversary, and we’re celebrating with a “People of MCAEL '' series featuring first person insights and photos from some of the wonderful people involved in English language learning in Montgomery County, MD. You’ll find stories here and on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  LinkedIn , and  Twitter ; please share and use our hashtag #MCAEL15. We know this coalition thrives because of committed people like you; thank you!

Today we’re introducing our eighth profile:  Anteneh Habtesellassie . 

“When someone is new here [to the U.S.], they have culture shock. I am here to give them inspiration; I bring hope and energy to my role whether its helping with information or the new culture. 

I’m the project manager of the Ethiopian Community Center of Maryland (ECCM), located in Silver Spring. The DMV is home to the largest Ethiopian population in the world outside of Africa. We provide a variety of services to the community at ECCM. If someone walks in the door with a question, my goal is to find the answer. 

The ECCM is a bridge between people and resources. The more I can learn about what’s here— in government, business, local media, and entertainment—the better I serve my community. I share job resources like Worksource Montgomery, and immigrant and asylum services. Amharic is our native language; for people seeking to study English I send them to MCAEL. 

The community also hosts a big showcase each September to celebrate the Ethiopian New Year. It has entertainment, arts and information; over 10,000 people attended our last one in Silver Spring’s Veterans Plaza. We’re planning another one for 2022. 

In Ethiopia I earned bachelor’s degrees in bioscience and journalism/communications. I’ve lived in the U.S. for five years, all of them here. My wife and I and our three children, we love Montgomery County, we are aspiring to achieve our dreams. My heart is filled with community and activities with the African community, with Ethiopians. 

I am happy to establish new friendships here, to build a healthy, harmonious society. I would tell both my community and other county residents in order to live in harmony, we need to know each other. This is a two-way commitment. America receives people from all over the world; Ethiopians are not always used to that. We are experiencing unrest and war at home, with thousands killed or becoming refugees fleeing to safer lands. 

We call Silver Spring the capital of the Ethiopian diaspora. In addition to our community center, there is an Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce serving the DMV. We are also working to create relationships with local religious leaders, as we know the churches and mosques are a powerful place to connect with the community. 

For anyone interested in learning more about Ethiopia, we have an incredibly rich history and culture. The fossils of ‘Lucy,’ one of the oldest living human ancestors, were discovered in Ethiopia. A good book on our country is A History of Modern Ethiopia by Bahru Zewde. 

Anteneh's story is part of MCAEL’S 15th Anniversary celebration; every month we’ll highlight some of the wonderful people at the heart of our coalition. Learn more about MCAEL and its mission here: https://mcael.org/. 

As told to Kristin O'Keefe

A picture of Gerard Etienne, MCAEL's new Executive Director. He wears a navy-blue suit.

A Letter from MCAEL's New Executive Director

By Emma Starr • May 21, 2025
Dear MCAEL Community, It is such an honor to be joining you as MCAEL’s new Executive Director. With my many years of mission-driven work rooted in Montgomery County – and as an English language learner myself – I could not be more thrilled to join this amazing staff and network of programs. I’ve known MCAEL for years through my work in the county, both at Interfaith Works and most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). But after just two weeks on the job at MCAEL, I’ve gained an even deeper understanding of the breadth of work that we do – and the impact that we have on the lives of so many. Not speaking English affects your life in almost every way, from asking for directions or help in a store to securing employment and an education. I speak from experience. I was a young teenager when my family moved to the United States. Not knowing how to speak the language, I had to navigate not only a new country, but eighth grade in an American middle school (arguably challenging even for native speakers). At a time when some of our learners are afraid to come to class, we need to stand tall and continue to do what we have always done – offer pathways to a better quality of life through English learning, and to support our strong network of programs in doing so. I am excited to take on this work and I look forward to meeting all of you through planned visits to programs, as well as at meetings and community events. I welcome your phone calls, emails, and visits! Please reach out at any time – I would love it. Warmly, Gerard

MCAEL’s First-Ever Learner Celebration

By Emma Starr • May 14, 2025
One hundred and sixty-five people came out for food, performances, resources, and inspiring stories at MCAEL’s first-ever Celebration of English Learners last month. Attendees may have hailed from across the globe, but they shared common experiences as immigrants and English language learners. At the event, they had access to organizations offering services ranging from healthcare to legal advice – and all enjoyed an abundance of international food, and a lively program featuring the personal stories of learners and dance performances by Grupo Folklorico Internacional and CCACC Evergreen Martial Arts Health Dance Class. Representatives from the offices of Councilmembers Jawando and Mink presented a special citation, signed by the Council Education Committee, to Sonia Peñate, long-time volunteer (and former learner) from the Seneca Creek Community Church ESOL program. Kanidiengue Kone, who moved to the US from the Ivory Coast three years ago and currently serves as a member of MCAEL’s Learner Leadership Group, had these words for the crowd: “Today, I want to encourage you: keep going with your classes, even when it feels hard. Growth happens when we step outside of our comfort zone.”
Image of Gerard Etienne, MCAEL's New Executive Director.

MCAEL Welcomes Gerard J. P. Etienne as New Executive Director

By MCAEL • April 16, 2025
MCAEL is delighted to announce the appointment of Gerard J. P. Etienne as its new Executive Director. Gerard brings a depth of experience overseeing and growing large programs, most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). He will assume his new position at MCAEL on May 5, 2025. Gerard began his career as a mechanical engineer and then a management consultant for both small and large companies, focusing on intrapreneurship and innovation. He discovered his passion for mission-driven work through years of volunteering – leading him to a position as Director of the Vocational Services Program (VSP) at Interfaith Works, where he worked directly with immigrant job seekers, including non-English speakers, to help them overcome cultural and employment barriers. “Gerard brings a deep personal connection to MCAEL’s mission and a strong commitment to serving vulnerable and marginalized communities in Montgomery County,” said Sean Klein, MCAEL Board Chair. “His record of equity-centered leadership, along with his experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex programs, make him the ideal choice to lead MCAEL into its next chapter.”  "I am thrilled and honored to serve as MCAEL'S next Executive Director,” Gerard stated. “As a long-time Montgomery County resident and someone with lived experience as an English learner, MCAEL'S mission is deeply personal to me. It's a privilege to give back to my community and to help expand opportunities for adult learners across our county." Gerard’s family moved to the United States when he was a teenager, and he entered the American school system speaking no English. A Montgomery County resident for almost 40 years, Gerard and his wife raised two sons here. He and his wife are both avid fans of Arsenal Football Club (they never miss a game). They live in Silver Spring with their dog, Doug.