Almaz Yigizaw
African Pillar of Excellence Award
Almaz Yigizaw was
born in Gondar in Ethiopia. She arrived in Chicago as a refugee in April, 1982
at the age of 16. She attended High School and College in Chicago.
While
taking a business class, Almaz developed the idea for the Ethiopian Diamond
Restaurant. In August 1996, she opened the first Ethiopian Diamond restaurant
in Chicago. She opened a second Ethiopian Diamond branch in 2010. Almaz has
made an enormous contribution to her community in Roger's Park and to the
broader African community in Chicago. Two generations of children on the North
Side have grown up on her food, and been introduced to the rich culture of
Ethiopia through her restaurant. Almaz' Ethiopian Diamond restaurant has
become a center for African immigrants and refugees on the North Side.
Almaz always opens her restaurant to the community for events ranging from advocacy meetings
and bridge-building functions to birthdays and baptisms. Through her
leadership, energy and culinary prowess, Almaz Yigizaw has played a huge role in
empowering Chicago's African community.
No comments:
Post a Comment