Get to know the inspiring people behind our organization. Our team members are united by a common goal: to improve lives and foster a better future for those we serve. Their diverse backgrounds and unwavering dedication fuel our success.
Dr. Mulugeta Gebregziabher is a tenured Professor and Vice Chair for Academic Programs in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Additionally, he serves as the Director of the Region IV Public Health Training Center for South Carolina and is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association. Recognized for his exceptional contributions to peace and public health, Dr. Gebregziabher received the Victor Sidel and Berry Levy Award in 2022 from the American Public Health Association.
His extensive collaborations with local, national, and international institutions focus on identifying risk factors for chronic diseases. Dr. Gebregziabher’s research interests include global health, with a particular emphasis on capacity development in research methods, digital health, and assessing the health impact of war. He actively volunteers his time and resources for community services, holding key positions in various organizations focused on research, education, and humanitarian efforts. Dr. Gebregziabher’s dedication to promoting peace and justice extends to his involvement in charity organizations, including the Fewisi Foundation and Gezana Building Better Tomorrow Foundation.
Abeba (Abby) Teklehaimanot is a faculty member in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Originally from the Tigray region of Ethiopia, she now resides in Charleston, South Carolina. Abby holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Addis Ababa University and a Master of Clinical Research from MUSC. Her work involves clinical data management, analysis, and report writing for DSMB. She has collaborated on global health projects, particularly focusing on the health and humanitarian crisis in Tigray due to the ongoing war. Abby’s current research emphasizes women’s health and the humanitarian impact of conflict. In addition to her professional work, she volunteers for community services and enjoys gardening, movies, and cooking. Abby has shared Tigrayan and Ethiopian recipes with the Charleston newspaper, the Post and Courier. She serves as the Vice President of the Gezana Building Better Tomorrow Foundation.
Sylvia Cline, a resident of Charleston, South Carolina, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to philanthropy to our board. Her journey in humanitarian work began during her late husband Gary’s military career, which took them to several developing countries. Together, they dedicated themselves to helping their immediate community, with Gary becoming known for his generosity and support.
Sylvia’s philanthropic efforts were notably impactful during her time in Busan, Korea, where she collaborated with Australian doctors, Dr. Catherine and Dr. Doug Marsden. Through her role with the International Women’s Association, she facilitated the purchase of essential medical equipment for a local hospital and helped improve living conditions at an orphanage by installing electricity and hot water.
Her experiences in these countries galvanized her commitment to supporting women and children, the most vulnerable groups in times of poverty and conflict. For the past three years, Sylvia has been actively involved in aiding Tigrayan women and children.
In 1996, Sylvia embraced the practice of Christian meditation, inspired by Fr. John Main and the teachings of Fr. John Cassian. She has since dedicated herself to promoting this spiritual practice in the USA, particularly among children, where it has been shown to reduce anxiety.
Sylvia remains devoted to assisting Tigrayans affected by conflict and natural disasters, and her vision for ending the cycle of violence through meditation reflects her enduring hope for peace and healing.
Dr. Vena, appointed as Professor and Founding Chair of Public Health Sciences at MUSC in 2014, holds a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from SUNY-Buffalo. Throughout his distinguished career, he held leadership positions at SUNY-Buffalo, University of South Carolina, and University of Georgia, specializing in cancer epidemiology, environmental health, and community-based research. A fellow of the American College of Epidemiology, Dr. Vena’s extensive research spans areas like cancer epidemiology, occupational health, and reproductive health. He has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary graduate training programs and mentored numerous junior faculty members. With 40 years of experience in environmental epidemiology, Dr. Vena’s work has advanced understanding of gene-environment interactions and biomarker integration in epidemiological studies. His ongoing research focuses on environmental influences on children’s health, determinants of cancer, chronic kidney disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), among other topics.
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