Gashaye Melaku Tefera (MSW, MA) is a Ph.D. student at the School of Social Work and a Research Assistant at the Center for Eldercare and Rehabilitation Technology, University of Missouri. He is also a member and student contributor at the Center for Children and Families Across Cultures. His dissertation research focuses on access to health services among immigrant women. His research interest also includes health disparities among vulnerable populations, gerontological social work, mental health, decolonization, and culturally relevant practice. Gashaye worked as a social work and sociology lecturer at Jimma and Ambo universities. He also has vast experience in the non-profit sector in Ethiopia where he developed and managed various projects focusing on women empowerment, education, human rights, and reproductive health. Gashaye was awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus scholarship to study in five European countries, and the Atlas Corps fellowship to serve in the world’s largest non-profit, United Way Worldwide. Besides his professional life, Gashaye is a songwriter.