Haney Events’ Founder Is Ready for Her Next Major Event
By Faisale Shefawe
Published on 03/10/25
Before founding Haney Events in the United States last year, Hanamariam Y Tesgaye had already achieved significant success in Ethiopia. There, she ran a successful IT company dedicated to empowering women by enhancing their career prospects. Additionally, she managed an event company that organized major concerts and networking events, drawing thousands of attendees. Now, Hana is confident that her entrepreneurial spirit will lead to similar success in her new home country.
As a child, Hanamariam was an avid gamer, spending hours playing Grand Theft Auto and Bad Boys. This was an uncommon interest for girls her age, as gaming was typically a hobby of boys. Hanamariam’s natural curiosity was equally evident in her love for dismantling devices—whether a CD player or a VHS tape player—simply to understand how they worked. This interest led her to pursue a degree that would enable her to create and innovate. She initially wanted to study Electrical Engineering but ultimately earned a degree in Information Technology.
Hanamariam’s IT company was founded to provide education and career advancement opportunities to underprivileged women with limited access to well-paying jobs. The company offered training in what it called "soft skills," including communication, teamwork, and technology literacy.
Her entry into the event planning and entertainment industry came by chance—and it continues to surprise those who know her. A decade ago, while sipping a latte at a coffee shop, Hanamariam received a flyer for a networking event—an unfamiliar concept to her at the time. Intrigued, she attended, and the experience proved life-changing. She quickly realized the power of networking events to connect entrepreneurs and businesses, fostering opportunities for growth. Within a week, she launched www.Arifevents.com, a website listing various networking events, allowing users to select which ones to attend. The website quickly gained popularity, and businesses began purchasing advertising spots on it.
A few years later, Hanamariam’s event company went on to manage the country’s largest music concerts and most prestigious awards shows. Her crowning achievement came when her company managed Rophnan’s Mega Show , which drew over 10,000 attendees, and the Leza Awards, an annual music and film event watched by millions of people both in Ethiopia and abroad.
After relocating to the United States, Hanamariam was determined to continue her successful path under a new brand: Haney Events. Despite facing skepticism from many who doubted her ability to replicate her success in the U.S., Hanamariam trusted her instincts and forged ahead.
Her first major event, “Women Lead Expo: Courage to Lead”, will take place on March 16 in Silver Spring, Maryland. This will be her inaugural event in the U.S. to gauge community interest and responses. The event will feature a panel discussion with influential academics, Grammy-nominated musicians, and business leaders, offering insights and empowerment through shared experiences.
The event will also showcase a variety of vendors, ranging from jewelers to traditional clothing vendors, as well as designated networking sessions and, of course, food. The event will conclude with the honoring of Helen Mesfin, the popular TV host of “The Helen Show”, for her contributions to empowering the community and women.
“I’m particularly excited about the panel discussion, where industry leaders will share their knowledge and guide the next generation of business leaders,” said Hanamariam, who was in a rush to meet with a potential sponsor at the time. “It’s a very intense and rewarding job. The opportunity to change lives by connecting people with the right resources and networks is incredibly fulfilling. And as for Haney Events, I believe this is just the beginning.”
