Matheos Mesfin – Founder and Executive Director of IEA Councils Our Town with host Andy Ockershausen - Homegrown History

Matheos Mesfin is the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for East African Councils of Higher Education. The IEA Councils specializes in college access for immigrant (and first-generation immigrant) students of East African heritage. They are strong advocates of higher educational access and persistence. Matheos tells host Andy Ockershausen that their mantra is “there’s no growth in comfort.” Take a listen to see how it applies. Following is a summary of what you’ll hear:

• From Ethiopia to Our Town to Grinnell College in Iowa and back to Our Town

• On Founding the Institute for East African Councils on Higher Education

• There’s No Growth in Comfort

• On IEA Councils’ Students Coming Back to Our Town After College to Make an Impact

• Speaking Their Language Can Make All the Difference in a Young Person’s Life

• Our Town has the Largest Ethiopian Population Outside Ethiopia

• Collective Effort to Make Sure Your Neighbor is as Accomplished As You Are

• IEA Councils’ Students at Ivy League Schools

• Appreciating the Basic Necessities of Life

• On IEA Councils’ Students Becoming Doctors and Nurses – They Can Change Their Minds

• On IEA Councils’ Students and Their Families

• The Institute of East African Councils Higher Education Program | How to Navigate the College Admissions Process

• Blain – One Intern’s Experience

• On Objectively Assessing a College or University and Acclimating to a New Environment (Potential for Culture Shock)

• How to Support IEA Councils and its Students

The entire transcript for this podcast episode can be found on our website here:

https://ourtowndc.com/matheos-mesfin-iea-councils/

A special thanks to Our Town sponsors Attorney Mike Collins, The Eric Stewart Group, Tony & Joe's Seafood Restaurant and Nicks Riverside Grill.