Our New Beginnings Family

TADDESE TEWELDE — CHAIRMAN

Founder | Community Elder | System Steward

Dr. Taddese Tewelde brings over five decades of leadership, business experience, and community service to his role as Chairman. Born in Eritrea and shaped by the challenges of war and migration, he rebuilt his life in the U.S., earning his Doctor of Pharmacy in Houston before becoming a respected pharmacist and entrepreneur in Louisiana. From a small pharmacy in Lafitte, he built a successful family enterprise that served the community for more than 30 years. His disciplined approach, financial stewardship, and long-term vision form the foundation of New Beginnings, where his philosophy of accountability, dignity, and opportunity continues to guide the organization’s mission and impact.

ELSA TEWELDE — VICE CHAIR

Elsa Tewelde serves as the emotional and cultural foundation of New Beginnings Foundation. Raised in Eritrea and grounded in Catholic and community values, she has dedicated her life to nurturing families, supporting those in crisis, and strengthening communities. Her vision for the Baton Rouge property as a true sanctuary, not just housing, helped spark the creation of NBF. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and other community challenges, she quietly provided shelter, meals, and moral support to individuals and families in need. Her compassion, spiritual grounding, and relational leadership shape NBF’s dignity-centered and trauma-responsive approach, making her a key architect of the organization’s mission to uplift women, children, and families.