Skip to content 
He was born in Eritrea and, like many from the Horn of Africa, spent part of his youth displaced by war. His early life was marked by refugee camps, uncertainty, and the daily struggle for survival.
When he immigrated to Canada, Amanuel carried with him little more than resilience. The first years were about survival—navigating a new culture, working modest jobs, and supporting his family while trying to find his place.
✨ A Spark Becomes a Calling
Amanuel found his passion in community work. Instead of chasing corporate success, he leaned into service—mentoring youth, supporting immigrant families, and championing social justice initiatives in Toronto.
His leadership caught attention. He moved from local volunteer work into nonprofit leadership roles, steadily proving that he could not only build programs but also inspire movements.
“We are strongest when we lift together.” — Amanuel Melles
❤️ Building More Than a Career
Over the years, Amanuel became one of the most recognized African-born leaders in Canada’s nonprofit sector. He served with organizations like United Way, the African Training and Employment Centre, and the Maytree Foundation.
Today, he is the Executive Director of the Network for the Advancement of Black Communities (NABC)—an organization dedicated to strengthening Black-led groups across Canada.
🌍 Beyond Canada
Amanuel’s impact stretches beyond Toronto. His work in building networks, mentoring new leaders, and advocating for equity has made him a respected voice in Canada’s conversations on race, inclusion, and community empowerment.
He is living proof that refugees don’t just rebuild their lives—they rebuild communities.
🎯 Why His Story Inspires
Amanuel Melles’s journey shows us that:
- Refugee beginnings can lead to national leadership.
- Success isn’t always measured in dollars—it’s measured in lives changed.
- Immigrants bring not just skills but also the resilience to lift whole communities forward.
From refugee camps to the heart of Canada’s nonprofit sector, Amanuel’s life is a testament to what it means to rebuild, to serve, and to lead.
