Aster Yilma has always been an individual who likes to 'push the envelope'-someone who questions the status quo and believes it is right to ask why. She loves to seek her own answers. "You can't say no to me. I'll prove you wrong" she tells us as we go through an extraordinary list of her professional and charitable accomplishments. But today we focus on her current ambitious project: The Major Ketema Melka Scholarship Fund, and her love of giving. continued...

Sixth Issue:

Dear Editors,

This is almost the classic case of the “Cart before the Horse.?I picked up a copy of the October/November issue of Tadias at the 1st Year Festivity of Little Ethiopia in Los Angeles, California. I enjoyed almost all the articles therein. I have known about the Fistula Hospital for many years now. With the exposure in Tadias and subsequently on the OPRAH Show, I hope the hospital will accomplish its fund raising goal.

I went to the Greater Washington D.C area since then and visited the Damma Kitfo & Pastry (Diaspora, October/November Issue) . It was more than your billing! I also had the opportunity to meet the ‘Dream Eyed Youngsters of ‘Burntface ?(Speak Out, October/ November Issue) some days before and reading about them gave me added pleasure.

Above all, it was Listening to Children (Opinion, October/November Issue) by Enanu Hailleleul that captivated me most. So much so I made so many copies of it and sent it to friends and families who are trying to bring up their children under the circumstances described in that piece. It is sensibly and sensitively written. The ‘Horse Cart?thing came in because I wrote this letter after having made use of the piece. Better late than never!

I earnestly wish you success as the premier Ethiopian English language publication in the USA!

With Regards
Assefa Chabo
Los Angeles, CA

Dear Publisher,

I’m so proud of you and the rest of the Tadias staff members. In order to publish a magazine such as this, it takes a strong leadership and interpersonal relationship. Writing and organizing a magazine such as Tadias requires vision and an understanding for your community and its culture.

Tadias is like Ebony and Essence to me. It’s the best quality magazine our community ever had. Both genders are represented equally, and I like that. There is no Ethiopia without Ethiopian women. As you know, the participation of women as decision makers is very important. I hope the old generation is learning from the young people like you. You have a long way to go, but you are on the right direction. Keep teaching my brothers and sisters! Good work.

Yeharerwerk Gashaw
Houston, TX

I read the first issue of Tadias while I was in Los Angeles. I enjoyed the articles very much and was very impressed with your coverage of inspiring Ethiopians and the views of non-Ethiopians on our culture. I subsequently got a hold of your other 3 remaining magazines published since the first one, and I have to tell you that you impress me even more. Keep up the good work. Learning about all the Ethiopians throughout the world that are making a difference in one way or another makes us all proud.

I live in Seattle now, and I have just subscribed to your magazine and I will promise to let everyone know about Tadias (that is the least I can do to help you grow). Hopefully one of these days, I, too, might contribute one of my short stories of growing up in Ethiopia.

Sofanit Mulugeta
Seattle, WA

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