Ethiopian Community Services (ECS) is a not-for-profit organization committed to responding to the social and economic needs of the Ethiopian community in Santa Clara County. ECS is dedicated to supporting the youth in their pursuit of academic excellence. We are proud to partner with the late Mr. Abebaw “Muna” Feki’s family to share his legacy and dedication to education through the Abebaw “Muna” Feki Memorial Scholarship. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded to two high school seniors that meet the eligibility criteria. The scholarship will be presented at the annual Ethiopian Graduates Day celebration to be held in San Jose, CA on July 10, 2016.

 

About Mr. Abebaw “Muna” Feki

Mr. Abebaw Feki, or “Muna” to family and friends, was born March 31, 1962 and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From a young age, he recognized the value of education and was determined to succeed in school. After completing both elementary and high school in Addis Ababa, he knew he could not stop there. Understanding the importance of higher education, Mr. Feki joined Alemaya Agricultural College. He graduated with honors in Agricultural Economics and worked as a special advisor and Agricultural Expert with the Ministry of Agricultural Development in Ethiopia before he immigrated to the United States in 1991.

 

After coming to the United States, he worked for HIMU Inc. for seven years, where he held different positions, including Production Manager, before the company outsourced its operation to Mexico. Muna was offered an opportunity to continue his managerial duties in Mexico, but he opted to remain in the United States with his family and tap into his entrepreneurial skills.

 

He first purchased a 7-Eleven and grew his business to the admiration of many of his colleagues. He convinced his franchisor that the introduction of Ethiopian products will enhance the business and is the sole 7-Eleven to have attained this goal.

 

Later on, he and his wife Zeni started Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant to satisfy the need for authentic cultural food for the Ethiopian community and to popularize the cuisine among non-Ethiopians. The success of this restaurant in the Bay Area is legendary and it has gained status as the gold standard of Ethiopian restaurants and the go-to place for authentic Ethiopian cuisine.

 

Muna's industrious spirit, fierce love and loyalty to his family, caring personality and sense of humor are legendary. His exemplary life as a devoted husband, a loving father and a pillar of the community are attributes that many admire and seek to emulate. He is known in the community as a friend to the broken, benevolent, compassionate, principled, highly moral and very loving man of God. He was also a strong lover and advocate of the importance of higher education.

 

Ethiopian Community Services, Inc. is pleased to honor his legacy through this scholarship opportunity. We express our sincerest gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Abebaw “Muna” Feki’s family for sponsoring this scholarship and encouraging academic excellence in the Ethiopian Community.

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Please click the icon below for the application: