Inspired by her family’s dedication to caring for community members in need, Yenee Berta has been passionate about peace and community service from a young age. She was also able to see the struggle of impoverished persons when she visited her family in Ethiopia. These experiences formed the basis for the wide variety of actions she has taken both internationally and locally through her school and community.

On an international level, Yenee founded the philanthropic organization Soles of Love. In 2019, she collected and donated shoes and clothes to the Raey School in Ethiopia. Her organization is planning another shoe and clothing drive this spring to benefit impoverished Ethiopian communities. Her dedication to this cause is supported by her father and other family members in Ethiopia, who help her distribute the donations.

On a local level, Yenee contributes to numerous causes through school and within her community. She participates in the Edison Student Ambassador Club’s efforts to welcome new students. This year, Yenee helped create a virtual tour for new students who have never seen the inside of Edison High School.

As an Equity Team Leader, Yenee helped to develop cultural activities for the school, and through her position in student government, she hopes to organize an open forum for students to discuss mental health. She seeks to foster a sense of peace and community through her participation in the Minds Matter club, the Black Students Union, and numerous other peace and justice organizations. She also spoke at a Black Lives Matter event at the National Cathedral.

Yenee is secretary of the Interact Club at Edison, which focuses on community service. Through this group, she has helped with Salvation Army holiday collections, food drives, mask drives, and a cooperative effort with the Alexandria Rotary Club to raise thousands of dollars for numerous literacy and poverty-focused nonprofits in the Alexandria community.

College and Career Specialist Mollis Cottingham and School Counselor David Schlemmer praise Yenee’s service to peers in her community and to those in need around the world. David Schlemmer notes, “She is constantly educating and bettering the people around her.” In her own words, Yenee says, “The hope we can give to others is limitless.”