Our Team
Meet the people who help guide, grow, and bring our mission to life.
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Allysa Bassir
Founder + CEO
Allysa founded The Breakfast Club in 2015 with a passion for creating meaningful change in the world. As the organization’s founder, she brings hands-on experience in leadership, fundraising, program development, and building partnerships from the ground up. Known for her resourcefulness, determination, and ability to turn ideas into action, Allysa is passionate about creating sustainable opportunities and a brighter future for the children and families The Breakfast Club serves.Outside of The Breakfast Club, Allysa loves spending her time at the beach, camping, gardening, and baking. Alongside her passion for helping others, she is a proud vegan and passionate animal advocate.
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Mary Duncan
Chief Financial Officer
Mary is an experienced accounting and finance professional who brings expertise in financial management, budgeting, reporting, and long-term planning to The Breakfast Club. She helps ensure the organization’s resources are managed responsibly and transparently while supporting sustainable growth. Beyond her professional expertise, Mary is deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.Mary is a proud mother and grandma. She loves to crochet, travel and is a huge NASCAR fan. She enjoys exploring new places, cheering on her favorite drivers and spending time with her family!
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Tyler Buck
Secretary
Tyler is an experienced attorney who owns his own law firm. He brings his legal expertise, leadership, and big heart to The Breakfast Club. Tyler volunteers with the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, providing free legal assistance to members of the community, and has previously volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters. His professional experience and dedication to giving back make him a valuable part of The Breakfast Club’s leadership team.Tyler is a proud human & dog dad! He is an avid surfer and also enjoys hiking, backpacking, spear-fishing, target shooting, off-roading in his Subaru Outback, craft beer, and California burritos.
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Canyon Grove
Board Member
Canyon brings a strong background in business operations, organization, and problem-solving to The Breakfast Club. He has a talent for identifying inefficiencies, creating better systems, and helping organizations run more smoothly. With a deep passion for nature and the outdoors, Canyon has also led multiple youth programs focused on getting young people active and engaged outside. His practical leadership and commitment to youth development make him a valuable member of the team.Canyon loves surfing, rock climbing, camping, and music. He especially enjoys spending time outdoors and making memories with his favorite people.
Meet our Ethiopia Team
Meet the dedicated people in Ethiopia who bring our programs to life every day.
Ethiopia Team
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Ethiopia Team 〰️
Esubalew Yawlal - Program Director
Esubalew has been working as the Project Director at Breakfast Club Ethiopia for the past six years. He brings strong experience in project implementation, management, and financial administration. He is responsible for coordinating project activities, managing resources, and ensuring that programs are implemented effectively and efficiently. He has a huge heart for kids and his passionate about supporting their wellbeing and development.
In his free time, he enjoys reading & learning new things!
Medhanit Adenew - Cashier
Medhanit has been working as the Cashier at Breakfast Club Ethiopia for the past five years. She is responsible for managing the organization’s finances, handling daily transactions, and ensuring that funds are kept safely and accounted for properly.
Medhanit is kind, trustworthy, and dedicated to her work. She cares deeply about the children and is committed to supporting their well-being. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son, Nolawi.
Degu Masire - Procurement & Logistics Coordinator
Degu has been working as the Procurement & Logistics Coordinator at Breakfast Club Ethiopia for the past ten years. As one of the organization’s first staff members, he has played an important role in the growth and development of the program over the years. He is responsible for purchasing and delivering food, supplies, and other essential items needed to keep the program running smoothly.
Degu is hardworking, humble, and reliable, and is always committed to ensuring the children have everything they need. He has a kind heart for children and takes great pride in supporting their well-being and the continued success of Breakfast Club.
Tizita Negese - Little Lions Daycare Manager
Tizeta has been working as the Day Care Coordinator at Breakfast Club Ethiopia for the past seven years. She has a deep love for children and spends most of her time caring for children ages 2–5.
With strong experience in early childhood care, Tizeta plays an important role in creating a safe, nurturing, and happy environment where young children can learn, grow, and thrive. She is dedicated to ensuring that each child in her care feels supported, loved, and well cared for.
Yezena - New Life Boy’s Home “Mother”
Yezena has been working as a Cook at New Life Boys’ Home for the past seven years. She is like a mother to the boys and staff, caring for them with warmth, love, and kindness.
In addition to preparing meals, Yezena provides guidance and support to the boys, sharing her life experience and offering advice when they need it. Her nurturing nature and dedication make her an invaluable part of the New Life Boys’ Home and a cherished member of the Breakfast Club team.
Addisu Getent - Guard
Addisu has been working as a Guard at Breakfast Club for the past ten years. He is hardworking, reliable, and dedicated to his responsibilities, helping ensure a safe and secure environment for the children and staff.
In addition to his security duties, Addisu often supports the social workers whenever needed. He has a kind heart for children and is deeply committed to their well-being and to the continued growth & development of the Breakfast Club.
Mikias Fekadu - Social Worker
Miki has been working as a Social Worker at Breakfast Club Ethiopia for the past six years. He primarily supports children ages 7–12, regularly following up on their individual needs and progress.
With a caring and compassionate heart for children, Miki is deeply committed to supporting their well-being and helping them grow and thrive.
Huni - Guard
Huni is one of the children who grew up with the support of Breakfast Club. After growing up in the program, he returned to give back to the organization and has been working as a Guard for the past two years.
He is hardworking, responsible, and dedicated to his work. Huni takes pride in being part of the Breakfast Club team and in contributing to the organization that supported him.
Melkie Asmare - Cook
Melkie has been working as one of the cooks at Breakfast Club since the beginning of the program. She is deeply committed to the children and sees her work as much more than a job. She prepares meals with love and care because she genuinely wants to support the children’s health and well-being.
After preparing meals, Melkie spends much of her time with the children. She enjoys playing with them, caring for them, and taking part in their daily activities. She is also always willing to support other staff whenever needed. Her kindness, dedication, and genuine love for the children make her a valued and cherished member of the Breakfast Club team.
Selam Masire - New Life Boys Home Cook
Selam has been working as an Assistant Cook at New Life Boys’ Home for the past four years. She is hardworking, caring, and has a kind heart for the children. She helps prepare meals and supports the daily routines of the home, contributing to a warm and nurturing environment for the boys.
In her free time, Selam enjoys spending time with her daughter, Yordanos.
Workie Giday - Injera Queen
Workie has been an important part of Breakfast Club Ethiopia for many years, preparing the injera served to the children as part of their daily meals. Her experience, care, and dedication help ensure that the children receive nourishing, traditional meals prepared with love.
Workie has a special connection to Breakfast Club, as two of her grandchildren are also part of the program. She cares deeply about the children and takes great pride in contributing to their well-being through the delicious injera she prepares.
Estehiwet - Little Lions Daycare Assistant
Estehiwet was a Breakfast Club Kid herself! She joined the organization this year as a Day Care Assistant, giving back to the program that supported her as a child.
She has a kind and caring heart for children and enjoys spending time with them.
Alazar Samuel- Social Worker
Alazer has been working as a Social Worker at Breakfast Club Ethiopia for the past four years. He has strong communication skills and builds positive relationships with staff, parents, and children. He regularly follows up with families and children to understand their needs and provide the support they need.
Alazer plays an important role in building trust with children and their families and is committed to supporting their well-being and development. In his free time, he enjoys going to the gym.
Tigst Fekadie - Cook
Tigest has been working as a Cook at Breakfast Club Ethiopia for the past ten years. She is hardworking, reliable, and has a kind heart for the children. Tigest is dedicated to preparing nutritious meals with care and plays an important role in supporting the children’s health and well-being.
In her free time, Tigest enjoys spending time with and caring for her children, Salizer and Mekides. She is a valued and committed member of the Breakfast Club team.
Atitegeb - Social Worker
Atitegeb has been working as a Social Worker at Breakfast Club for the past six years. She primarily supports and spends time with older girls, helping them navigate their daily needs and supporting their personal growth and development.
She also plays an active role in home and school visits, following up on the children’s education, family circumstances, and overall well-being. Atitegeb is caring, responsible, and deeply committed to supporting children and their families.