Join us for an inspiring evening as we delve into the world of tech entrepreneurship, innovation, and fostering connections within the Eritrean and Ethiopian diaspora. Our featured guest, Henok Weldemicael, is a Software Engineer, Graphic Designer, and the CEO of Jebena App, the largest dating and match-making platform for Eritreans and Ethiopians in the US. With over 130,000 users, 500,000 matches, and 5 million messages exchanged as of September 2023, Henok has been at the forefront of redefining how communities come together through technology.

Hosted by Teklehaimanot Yemane, Chapter Director of Startup Grind Asmara, this fireside chat will explore Henok's journey, his passion for Finance and Tech in Africa, and the remarkable success story of Jebena App. Discover how Henok's background as a Software Engineer, coupled with his dedication to creating meaningful connections, has led to the app's exponential growth.

Henok Weldemicael is a multifaceted professional based in the bustling tech hub of New York City. With a background in Software Engineering, he has made significant contributions to various high-profile projects, including working as a Software Engineer at Amazon, where he developed advertiser tools for Amazon Prime Video. During his tenure at J.P. Morgan, Henok played a crucial role in building a loan origination dashboard for the Commercial Real Estate division.

However, it is Henok's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to bridging gaps within the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities that truly sets him apart. As the CEO of Jebena App, he has transformed the dating and match-making landscape, connecting thousands of individuals and fostering meaningful relationships. Additionally, his experience as a Research Engineer Co-op at NASA demonstrates his versatility, having built a cutting-edge Graph Database to enhance data analysis and pattern recognition.

One of his notable achievements is the creation of a Visual Translator during his senior capstone project at Ohio State University, a tool that simplifies text translation between non-Latin languages and English. This innovative project earned Henok the prestigious 2016 Tech Grant.

Henok's unwavering dedication to technology, his communities, and his relentless pursuit of excellence make him an inspiring figure in the tech world. Join us as we uncover his remarkable journey and the impact of Jebena App on diaspora connections.