Our Story
At Blessed Builds, we believe that even after loss, there is always room to rebuild with love, dignity, and support. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families and children displaced by war and conflict, starting with those affected in Ethiopia. Our mission is grounded in lived experience, compassion, and a commitment to creating opportunities where there were once only obstacles.
The organization was founded by Wegene Bezaye, an international student from Ethiopia, whose own family was displaced during a time of conflict. After arriving in the United States in 2022, Wegene learned that her family home had been destroyed. Her loved ones were forced to flee to the northern region of Ethiopia, leaving behind everything they had built. With her siblings out of school and struggling with the emotional toll of displacement, Wegene knew she had to do something—not only for her family but for others facing the same trauma and uncertainty.
Blessed Builds was born from this urgency to turn personal pain into collective purpose. We work to ensure that displaced children can return to school with supplies, that families receive emotional and mental health support, and that grassroots initiatives in affected regions are given the resources they need to uplift their communities.
Through education, healing, volunteer partnerships, and community microgrants, we are building more than programs, we are building hope.
Mission Statement
To empower displaced families and children affected by conflict by providing access to education, emotional healing, and community-driven support, creating pathways to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope
Vision Statement
We envision a world where every displaced child and family can heal, learn, and thrive, regardless of their circumstances, through access to education, mental health resources, and compassionate community care.
Founder’s Story
Wegene Bezaye founded Blessed Builds, inspired by her family’s harrowing experience. In December 2022, she arrived in the United States as an international student, eager to pursue her dreams. Just two months later, she learned that her family’s home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, had been destroyed due to ongoing conflict. Forced to flee to a small northern town, her parents and siblings sought refuge with relatives, losing their home, schools, and stability, with her siblings unable to attend school for over a year.
From afar, Wegene balanced her studies while supporting her family’s survival, confronting the harsh reality of countless displaced families. This inspired her to establish Blessed Builds, an organization dedicated to empowering displaced children and families through education, mental health support, and community-led initiatives like school supply distribution and grassroots projects in Ethiopia. Guided by compassion and resilience, Wegene’s vision drives Blessedbuilds to restore hope and dignity to those rebuilding their lives.
BB Board of Directors
Dr. Oyerinde Oyebade
Chair of the board and Treasurer
A respected professor and mentor, Dr. Oyebade provides strategic insight and academic expertise to support Blessed Builds' development and global impact.
Ms. Wegene Bezaye
Founder/ED & Board Member
Wegene’s journey and passion for rebuilding lives are at the heart of Blessed Builds. She oversees programs and partnerships with compassion and clarity of purpose.
Ms. Cassandra Bolding
Board Secretary
Ms. Bolding brings years of experience in nonprofit leadership and operations. Her commitment to advocacy and organizational excellence strengthens Blessed Build’s foundation.
Meet Our Team
Operations Manager and Web Developer
Wegene Bezaye founded Blessed Builds, inspired by her family’s harrowing experience. In December 2022, she arrived in the United States as an international student, eager to pursue her dreams. Just two months later, she learned that her family’s home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, had been destroyed due to ongoing conflict. Forced to flee to a small northern town, her parents and siblings sought refuge with relatives, losing their home, schools, and stability, with her siblings unable to attend school for over a year.
From afar, Wegene balanced her studies while supporting her family’s survival, confronting the harsh reality of countless displaced families. This inspired her to establish Blessed Builds, an organization dedicated to empowering displaced children and families through education, mental health support, and community-led initiatives like school supply distribution and grassroots projects in Ethiopia. Guided by compassion and resilience, Wegene’s vision drives Blessedbuilds to restore hope and dignity to those rebuilding their lives.
Field Program Coordinator
Sofoniyas Tesfaye is a Mandela Washington Fellow and Paul Harris Fellow recognized for his leadership in innovation, youth empowerment, and global partnership development. With a strong background in project management and digital education, he has led impactful programs with Shared Studios, the Museum for the United Nations, and Rotary Ethiopia. As an AU-EU Youth Lab advisor, he leverages technology, storytelling, and design thinking to promote peace, sustainability, and opportunity access across Africa.
Ethiopia Program Manager and Legal Liaison
Wegene Bezaye founded Blessed Builds, inspired by her family’s harrowing experience. In December 2022, she arrived in the United States as an international student, eager to pursue her dreams. Just two months later, she learned that her family’s home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, had been destroyed due to ongoing conflict. Forced to flee to a small northern town, her parents and siblings sought refuge with relatives, losing their home, schools, and stability, with her siblings unable to attend school for over a year.
From afar, Wegene balanced her studies while supporting her family’s survival, confronting the harsh reality of countless displaced families. This inspired her to establish Blessed Builds, an organization dedicated to empowering displaced children and families through education, mental health support, and community-led initiatives like school supply distribution and grassroots projects in Ethiopia. Guided by compassion and resilience, Wegene’s vision drives Blessedbuilds to restore hope and dignity to those rebuilding their lives.