Tegene Feyissa

State: Massachusetts

City of Residence: Melrose, Massachusetts

Country of origin: Ethiopia

Arrival in the U.S.: 2009

Mr. Tegene Feyissa fled Ethiopia in 2009 and was granted asylum in the United States. He lives in Melrose, Massachusetts, where he was reunited with his two sons and wife. He now and works as a TV journalist and sign language TV producer and presenter. In Ethiopia he was a strong advocate for the disabled, and produced Ethiopia’s first television show conducted in sign language. He spent much of his youth volunteering for the deaf, and studying Ethiopian and American Sign Language at a church. He is most proud of contributing to his community by spreading awareness by sharing his and other refugees’ stories.

Word for US: Good