Yeshi TekleMichael

Grants Manager

Yeshi H. TekleMichael is a dedicated Grants Manager at TSO, where she oversees the intricate pipeline of grantmaking processes from inception to fruition. Her responsibilities include managing a portfolio of grants, fielding questions from grantees and applicants, and collaborating closely with program and operations staff to ensure Sobrato Philanthropies is achieving its mission. 

Yeshi's journey in grant management began at the Christensen Fund in San Francisco where she showcased her expertise in navigating complex grant landscapes. Her experience extends to Skoll and Pacific Foundation Services, where she honed her skills and contributed to impactful philanthropic initiatives.

Before embarking on her career in the United States, Yeshi was deeply involved in addressing gender disparities in Ethiopia. Her work focused on crucial areas such as food security/sovereignty, agriculture, and rural development, collaborating with various national and international organizations.

Educationally, Yeshi holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies with a specialization in Women in Development from the International Institute of Development Studies (IIDS) in The Hague, The Netherlands. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.

Originally from Addis Ababa, Yeshi is fluent in both Amharic and English. Currently residing in San Jose with her daughter and extended family, she continues to channel her passion for social change through her involvement in the Ethiopian community where she served as a board member of the Ethiopian Community Services,