About us

Who we are

Connected Nutrition & Health Initiatives (CNHI) is a Washington-based nonprofit corporation (501(c)(3)) dedicated to the public good. We believe that health equity starts with accessible, evidence-based nutrition education.

Purpose 

The organization focuses on bridging evidence-based dietary guidance with culturally responsive community engagement. Key objectives include: 

  • Promoting Nutrition Education: Focusing on underserved and low-income communities to encourage healthy eating behaviors. 
  • Capacity Building: Providing training and technical assistance to community organizations and partners. 
  • Implementation Learning: Conducting gap assessments and formative evaluations to improve the equity and reach of health programs. 
  • Technology Integration: Utilizing non-clinical digital tools to reinforce healthy lifestyle practices. 
  • Critical Limitation: The corporation strictly prohibits providing clinical nutrition therapy, medical treatments, or individualized disease-specific dietary prescriptions. 

Our Expertise

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Teshome Elema, C.N., MSc., MPH, Ph.D (c), Clinical nutrition

Executive Director

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Dr. Dube Jara, Ph.D. in Public Health, Yekatit-12 Hospital & Medical College

Board Member & President

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Mr. Asrat Wolde, MPH, University of Washington

Board Member & Treasurer 

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Dr. Gemechu Edae, MD. Pediatrics, MPH, Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine

Board Member & Publication & Ethics 

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Dr. Mesfin Tenagashaw, MSc., MBA. Ph.D. Food & Nutrition, Bahir Dar University

Board Member & Research & Development 

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Hiwot Lambiye, MSc. Researcher and Nutrition-Health Officer

Board Member & Secretary 

Our approach

Our Mission

To advance nutrition and health outcomes through community engagement, practical education, and innovative approaches that support healthier lives.

Our Values:

*Equity: Removing barriers to health for low-income and underserved populations. Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all our research and outreach.

*Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all our research and outreach.

*Transparency: Maintaining clear accountability in our governance and financial management.

*Respect: Honoring the cultural diversity and unique voices of the communities we serve.

Our Partners

Our numbers that speak

Estimated number of people who will benefit from our program
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