Our Story
Founder Story & History of HEAL
Mentuab Araya: The Visionary Behind HEAL
Mentuab Araya is a dynamic individual with a profound commitment to humanitarian causes and extensive experience spanning over three decades. As a US citizen born in Ethiopia, she holds a BA in Social Work and an MA in Urban Government Administration from Georgia State University. Her career encompasses a rich tapestry of roles within both public and private institutions.
With a remarkable track record, Mentuab has made significant contributions across various spheres. Notably, she represented the mayor's office in Atlanta at numerous international conferences, including co-organizing the UNIDO-sponsored International Trade and Development Symposium and actively participating in initiatives like the African Famine Task Force and UNICEF's Strategy Planning Conference for Child Survival Campaign.
Her dedication goes beyond representation, as she engaged in fundraising endeavors and social activism, raising over $450,000 to combat famine in Africa. Through coordinated efforts with organizations such as CARE, Church World Services, and UNICEF, she played a pivotal role in strategic development and fundraising campaigns.
A Journey of Impact
Mentuab's impactful initiatives extended to fostering business relations between Africa and Georgia, evidenced by her coordination and organization of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) workshop in Atlanta in January 1990.
Recognitions and accolades have followed her impactful journey. She was nominated for "Outstanding Young Women in America," featured on NOVA/PBS for her UNICEF Campaign for Child Survival, and acknowledged in Ebony Magazine for her contributions to local communities.
Her commitment to humanitarian causes continued as she served in leadership positions on the boards of prominent organizations in Atlanta, including Care International, UNICEF, and The Carter Center's Mickey Leland Fellows, among others.
The Birth of HEAL
Returning to Ethiopia after two decades in the US, Mentuab sought to assist a country grappling with civil war and famine. Her efforts brought foreign investment, notably the BGI group, which now owns breweries and a winery, contributing to the nation's economic revival.
However, Mentuab's transformative journey took a new direction when she realized her true calling lay in aiding those in need. This realization prompted her return to the US, where she conceived the idea of establishing a credible NGO in Ethiopia. Drawing from her extensive experience volunteering with international and local NGOs in Atlanta, she founded Helping Ethiopia Achieve Longevity (HEAL), formerly known as Nutrition plus Holistic Home Care (NPHHC), in September 2003.
As the founding volunteer Executive Director, Mentuab played a pivotal role in HEAL's inception. Since its establishment, HEAL has positively impacted over 1.3 million lives, focusing on HIV/AIDS, Climate, Women and Youth Empowerment, and Hospice Care, Maternal Neonatal Health, embodying her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes.