Jon Eklund is a retired State Department officer who worked at several US embassies in Africa. He is also the father of Dawit Eklund, an Ethiopian record producer and co-founder of 1432 R, a label that specializes in Ethiopian music. But who is Jon Eklund’s wife, Yeshi Eklund? Here are some facts about her.
Yeshi Eklund’s Background and Family
Yeshi Eklund was born in Ethiopia and belongs to a successful family of businesspeople. Her father, Ato Eklund, was a prominent entrepreneur who owned several hotels, factories, and farms in Ethiopia. He was also a philanthropist who supported various causes, such as education, health, and sports. According to The Guardian, Ato Eklund was one of the few Ethiopians who managed to keep his wealth and influence after the 1974 revolution that overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie.
Yeshi Eklund has three siblings: Sara, Yodit, and Samuel. Sara Eklund is a fashion designer and founder of Bole Road Textiles, a company that produces home goods using traditional Ethiopian weaving techniques. Yodit Eklund is an environmental engineer and founder of Bantu Wax, a surfwear brand that celebrates African culture and coastal communities. Samuel Eklund is a businessman and investor who is involved in various sectors, such as hospitality, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Yeshi Eklund’s Marriage and Children
Yeshi Eklund met Jon Eklund when he was working as a diplomat in Ethiopia. They got married and moved to Washington, D.C., where they raised their four children: Dawit, Leah, Hannah, and Noah. Dawit Eklund is the oldest and the most famous of the siblings, as he is dating Malia Obama, the daughter of former US president Barack Obama. Dawit Eklund is a music producer and DJ who creates electronic music inspired by Ethiopian sounds and rhythms. He is also the co-founder of 1432 R, a record label that showcases Ethiopian artists and musicians.
Leah Eklund is a lawyer and activist who works for the International Justice Mission, a global organization that fights against human trafficking and violence. Hannah Eklund is a journalist and writer who covers topics such as politics, culture, and social justice. Noah Eklund is a student and aspiring filmmaker who is interested in documentary and animation.
Yeshi Eklund’s Current Activities and Interests
Yeshi Eklund is a seasoned businesswoman who has been involved in various ventures, such as real estate, hospitality, and trade. She is also a philanthropist who supports causes related to education, health, and women empowerment. She is a board member of the Ethiopian Community Development Council, a nonprofit organization that provides services and assistance to Ethiopian refugees and immigrants in the US. She is also a member of the Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund, a fund that mobilizes resources from the Ethiopian diaspora to support development projects in Ethiopia.
Yeshi Eklund is passionate about her culture and heritage. She is fluent in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, and often travels to her homeland to visit her family and friends. She is also an avid reader and collector of books, especially those related to Ethiopian history, literature, and art. She enjoys cooking and hosting gatherings for her loved ones, where she serves traditional Ethiopian dishes, such as injera, doro wat, and kitfo.