About Alfa

Alfa is the co-founder and CEO of Rising Tide Capital, a nonprofit that supports under-served entrepreneurs in low income urban communities to start and grow successful businesses. In 2012, Alfa was recognized as one of Forbes’ Most Powerful Women Changing the World. In 2010, Alfa was awarded honorary doctorate from St. Peter’s University and New Jersey City University. In 2009, Alfa was profiled as a CNN Hero, and recognized by President Barack Obama during a speech at the White House. Alfa currently serves on the boards of St. Peter’s University. Born and raised in Ethiopia, Alfa came to the U.S. at age 12 with a keen interest in poverty alleviation and conflict resolution. She graduated cum laude from Harvard University in 2003.