Empower the Community Weekend is holding its 10th anniversary celebration on July 24 and 25, 2026, with a gala and community day in the Washington area.
The event was founded by Helen Mesfin, host and executive producer of The Helen Show on EBS. It brings together leaders in business, government, healthcare, education, technology, entrepreneurship, and the arts for networking and cultural celebration.
The anniversary gala is scheduled for Friday evening at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. It is hosted by Bofta Yimam and features performances by Kuku Sebsebe, Bezuayhu Demissie, Hibist Tiruneh, Ras Band, and DJ Luda. Proceeds will benefit the Ethiopian Eritrean Special Needs Community.
Community Day takes place on Saturday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. It includes more than thirty speakers, educational sessions, a health pavilion, marketplace, and cultural performances. Helen Mesfin said the milestone celebrates community accomplishments and looks to the future.
The program has expanded with Empower Addis, launched in 2024 in Addis Ababa. Its third annual event is scheduled later this year.
