TVAA Technical Vocational Agriculture Academy (TVAA) is a Minnesota-based nonprofit dedicated to helping unemployed Ethiopian youth build dignified livelihoods through hands-on agriculture and rural enterprise training. TVAA’s vision is a practical, field-based academy that combines modern agronomy, local knowledge, and small enterprise skills so young people can support themselves and their communities.
Role Summary
Board members provide governance, strategic guidance, and ambassadorial support as TVAA moves from vision and curriculum development into active partnerships, fundraising, and program delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Help set strategic direction (mission, priorities, partnerships).
- Provide governance and oversight (policy, basic compliance, risk awareness).
- Support fundraising and relationship-building with donors, NGOs, and institutions.
- Act as an ambassador for TVAA in your networks (Minnesota and beyond).
- Serve on at least one committee or working group (e.g. Governance, Finance/Fundraising, Programs).
Ideal Profile
- We welcome people who bring any of the following:
- Experience in nonprofit leadership, governance, finance, fundraising, HR, or communications. Background in international development, agriculture, education, TVET, or youth employment.
- Lived or having connection to Ethiopia, East Africa, or diaspora-led initiatives (not required but highly valued).
- A desire to contribute your skills at a strategic, institution-building level rather than in day-to-day operations.
Time Commitment (Realistic)
- Board meetings: ~4–6 meetings per year (online/hybrid), 1.5–2 hours each.
- Light committee or project work between meetings: maximum of 2–4 hours per month on average as desired.
- Suggested initial term: 2 years, renewable by mutual agreement.
We recognize people are busy; this is a working but realistic board, designed so that committed people with limited time can still make a meaningful contribution.
How to Express Interest
Please send a short email with your background and why TVAA interests you to:
1. Dr. Elizabeth Heuublein Email: tikki1943@gmail.com
&
2. Kano Banjaw Email: bkano24@yahoo.com
We are especially interested in building a diverse board that reflects different generations, professions, and communities.
