Meet our International Team
Dedicated Individuals Committed to Our Mission
“There shall be the following International Officers of the Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated: President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Executive Secretary, Treasurer, Organizer, Chaplain
There shall be an Executive Council composed of the elected International Officers, together with three (3) additional members elected by the Convention.”
— Article III, Section 1 & 2 of the Constitution of the Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated
Scheril Murray Powell Esq.
International President
Scheril Murray Powell, Esq., is a multifaceted legal professional renowned for her expertise in agricultural, cannabis, dietary supplement,regulatory, and trade law. Currently practicing at Doumar, Allsworth, Laystrom, Voigt, Adair, and Dishowitz LLP, Scheril was elected as the International President and Local 12 President of The Ethiopian World Federation, Inc. and is the Founder of the Cannabis HR Council. She sits on the ASTM International D37 Committee on Cannnabis’ Executive Committee as the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee. She is also on the Board of one of the longest serving Cannabis Advocacy Organizations, Patients Out of Time. She is regarded internationally for her work on policy related to Global Tribal Community Rights and the Sacramental Use of Cannabis. In February, 2025, she was appointed to The Global Cannabis and Psychedelic Research Collaboratory and the Intersectional Research in Stigmatized Communities (iRISE) Laboratory at the University of Miami Cannabis Nurse Task Force as and Advisory Board Member and is now serving on the Board of the Georgia Cannabusiness Chamber of Commerce .
In addition to her legal prowess, her vast experience includes serving as the Former Chief Operating Officer of the JUSTÜS Foundation and Chair of the Broward County Medical Marijuana Advisory Board.
Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Scheril has been named one of the Top 12 Cannabis Attorneys in Florida by The Daily Business Review and honored in the High Times 100 and the Top 28 Most influential African Americans in the history of the United States with regards to Drug and Cannabis Policy by Honeysuckle Magazine. She is a Florida licensed Hemp Farmer and a Research Farmer for the University of Florida.
Committed to advocacy and community service, Scheril serves on various boards and is the President of consulting firm Green Sustainable Strong, LLC. Her dedication extends to volunteering with the Winrock Foundation, delivering Marketing training to Farmers in Ghana, Africa.
Scheril’s dynamic career trajectory, spanning legal practice, education, advocacy, and community service, reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and social justice.
Linda Howard
International First Vice-President
Scheril Murray Powell, Esq., is a multifaceted legal professional renowned for her expertise in agricultural, cannabis, dietary supplement,regulatory, and trade law. Currently practicing at Doumar, Allsworth, Laystrom, Voigt, Adair, and Dishowitz LLP, Scheril was elected as the International President and Local 12 President of The Ethiopian World Federation, Inc. and is the Founder of the Cannabis HR Council. She sits on the ASTM International D37 Committee on Cannnabis’ Executive Committee as the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee. She is also on the Board of one of the longest serving Cannabis Advocacy Organizations, Patients Out of Time. She is regarded internationally for her work on policy related to Global Tribal Community Rights and the Sacramental Use of Cannabis. In February, 2025, she was appointed to The Global Cannabis and Psychedelic Research Collaboratory and the Intersectional Research in Stigmatized Communities (iRISE) Laboratory at the University of Miami Cannabis Nurse Task Force as and Advisory Board Member and is now serving on the Board of the Georgia Cannabusiness Chamber of Commerce .
In addition to her legal prowess, her vast experience includes serving as the Former Chief Operating Officer of the JUSTÜS Foundation and Chair of the Broward County Medical Marijuana Advisory Board.
Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Scheril has been named one of the Top 12 Cannabis Attorneys in Florida by The Daily Business Review and honored in the High Times 100 and the Top 28 Most influential African Americans in the history of the United States with regards to Drug and Cannabis Policy by Honeysuckle Magazine. She is a Florida licensed Hemp Farmer and a Research Farmer for the University of Florida.
Committed to advocacy and community service, Scheril serves on various boards and is the President of consulting firm Green Sustainable Strong, LLC. Her dedication extends to volunteering with the Winrock Foundation, delivering Marketing training to Farmers in Ghana, Africa.
Scheril’s dynamic career trajectory, spanning legal practice, education, advocacy, and community service, reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and social justice.
Gerald Small
International First Vice-President
Scheril Murray Powell, Esq., is a multifaceted legal professional renowned for her expertise in agricultural, cannabis, dietary supplement,regulatory, and trade law. Currently practicing at Doumar, Allsworth, Laystrom, Voigt, Adair, and Dishowitz LLP, Scheril was elected as the International President and Local 12 President of The Ethiopian World Federation, Inc. and is the Founder of the Cannabis HR Council. She sits on the ASTM International D37 Committee on Cannnabis’ Executive Committee as the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee. She is also on the Board of one of the longest serving Cannabis Advocacy Organizations, Patients Out of Time. She is regarded internationally for her work on policy related to Global Tribal Community Rights and the Sacramental Use of Cannabis. In February, 2025, she was appointed to The Global Cannabis and Psychedelic Research Collaboratory and the Intersectional Research in Stigmatized Communities (iRISE) Laboratory at the University of Miami Cannabis Nurse Task Force as and Advisory Board Member and is now serving on the Board of the Georgia Cannabusiness Chamber of Commerce .
In addition to her legal prowess, her vast experience includes serving as the Former Chief Operating Officer of the JUSTÜS Foundation and Chair of the Broward County Medical Marijuana Advisory Board.
Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Scheril has been named one of the Top 12 Cannabis Attorneys in Florida by The Daily Business Review and honored in the High Times 100 and the Top 28 Most influential African Americans in the history of the United States with regards to Drug and Cannabis Policy by Honeysuckle Magazine. She is a Florida licensed Hemp Farmer and a Research Farmer for the University of Florida.
Committed to advocacy and community service, Scheril serves on various boards and is the President of consulting firm Green Sustainable Strong, LLC. Her dedication extends to volunteering with the Winrock Foundation, delivering Marketing training to Farmers in Ghana, Africa.
Scheril’s dynamic career trajectory, spanning legal practice, education, advocacy, and community service, reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and social justice.
Wolete Gabra’el
International Executive Secretary
Scheril Murray Powell, Esq., is a multifaceted legal professional renowned for her expertise in agricultural, cannabis, dietary supplement,regulatory, and trade law. Currently practicing at Doumar, Allsworth, Laystrom, Voigt, Adair, and Dishowitz LLP, Scheril was elected as the International President and Local 12 President of The Ethiopian World Federation, Inc. and is the Founder of the Cannabis HR Council. She sits on the ASTM International D37 Committee on Cannnabis’ Executive Committee as the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee. She is also on the Board of one of the longest serving Cannabis Advocacy Organizations, Patients Out of Time. She is regarded internationally for her work on policy related to Global Tribal Community Rights and the Sacramental Use of Cannabis. In February, 2025, she was appointed to The Global Cannabis and Psychedelic Research Collaboratory and the Intersectional Research in Stigmatized Communities (iRISE) Laboratory at the University of Miami Cannabis Nurse Task Force as and Advisory Board Member and is now serving on the Board of the Georgia Cannabusiness Chamber of Commerce .
In addition to her legal prowess, her vast experience includes serving as the Former Chief Operating Officer of the JUSTÜS Foundation and Chair of the Broward County Medical Marijuana Advisory Board.
Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Scheril has been named one of the Top 12 Cannabis Attorneys in Florida by The Daily Business Review and honored in the High Times 100 and the Top 28 Most influential African Americans in the history of the United States with regards to Drug and Cannabis Policy by Honeysuckle Magazine. She is a Florida licensed Hemp Farmer and a Research Farmer for the University of Florida.
Committed to advocacy and community service, Scheril serves on various boards and is the President of consulting firm Green Sustainable Strong, LLC. Her dedication extends to volunteering with the Winrock Foundation, delivering Marketing training to Farmers in Ghana, Africa.
Scheril’s dynamic career trajectory, spanning legal practice, education, advocacy, and community service, reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and social justice.
Ayodeji Joy Animashaun
International Treasurer
I’m a business owner with a dynamic background in the performing arts, technology, and education.
My career began as a professional ballet dancer and dance instructor, and evolved to include stage management, sharpening my skills in coordination, timing, and leading creative teams.
I later expanded into project management, business administration, and website development, combining creative vision with strategic execution.
Having lived and worked in the UK, Nigeria, and the USA, I bring a global perspective to everything I do.
I’m also a proud and dedicated homeschooling parent, passionate about intentional learning and growth.
This diverse blend of experiences informs my holistic, values-driven approach to business, education, and community.
I aim to bring my expertise, along with a collaborative and values-driven approach, to this International Executive Council, contributing meaningfully to the aims and objectives of THE ETHIOPIAN WORLD FEDERATION, INCORPORATED’s mission to serve We The Black Peoples of The World.
Rueben Kush
Scheril Murray Powell, Esq., is a multifaceted legal professional renowned for her expertise in agricultural, cannabis, dietary supplement,regulatory, and trade law. Currently practicing at Doumar, Allsworth, Laystrom, Voigt, Adair, and Dishowitz LLP, Scheril was elected as the International President and Local 12 President of The Ethiopian World Federation, Inc. and is the Founder of the Cannabis HR Council. She sits on the ASTM International D37 Committee on Cannnabis’ Executive Committee as the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee. She is also on the Board of one of the longest serving Cannabis Advocacy Organizations, Patients Out of Time. She is regarded internationally for her work on policy related to Global Tribal Community Rights and the Sacramental Use of Cannabis. In February, 2025, she was appointed to The Global Cannabis and Psychedelic Research Collaboratory and the Intersectional Research in Stigmatized Communities (iRISE) Laboratory at the University of Miami Cannabis Nurse Task Force as and Advisory Board Member and is now serving on the Board of the Georgia Cannabusiness Chamber of Commerce .
In addition to her legal prowess, her vast experience includes serving as the Former Chief Operating Officer of the JUSTÜS Foundation and Chair of the Broward County Medical Marijuana Advisory Board.
Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Scheril has been named one of the Top 12 Cannabis Attorneys in Florida by The Daily Business Review and honored in the High Times 100 and the Top 28 Most influential African Americans in the history of the United States with regards to Drug and Cannabis Policy by Honeysuckle Magazine. She is a Florida licensed Hemp Farmer and a Research Farmer for the University of Florida.
Committed to advocacy and community service, Scheril serves on various boards and is the President of consulting firm Green Sustainable Strong, LLC. Her dedication extends to volunteering with the Winrock Foundation, delivering Marketing training to Farmers in Ghana, Africa.
Scheril’s dynamic career trajectory, spanning legal practice, education, advocacy, and community service, reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and social justice.
Stephanie Cirany
Third Elected Official
Scheril Murray Powell, Esq., is a multifaceted legal professional renowned for her expertise in agricultural, cannabis, dietary supplement,regulatory, and trade law. Currently practicing at Doumar, Allsworth, Laystrom, Voigt, Adair, and Dishowitz LLP, Scheril was elected as the International President and Local 12 President of The Ethiopian World Federation, Inc. and is the Founder of the Cannabis HR Council. She sits on the ASTM International D37 Committee on Cannnabis’ Executive Committee as the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee. She is also on the Board of one of the longest serving Cannabis Advocacy Organizations, Patients Out of Time. She is regarded internationally for her work on policy related to Global Tribal Community Rights and the Sacramental Use of Cannabis. In February, 2025, she was appointed to The Global Cannabis and Psychedelic Research Collaboratory and the Intersectional Research in Stigmatized Communities (iRISE) Laboratory at the University of Miami Cannabis Nurse Task Force as and Advisory Board Member and is now serving on the Board of the Georgia Cannabusiness Chamber of Commerce .
In addition to her legal prowess, her vast experience includes serving as the Former Chief Operating Officer of the JUSTÜS Foundation and Chair of the Broward County Medical Marijuana Advisory Board.
Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Scheril has been named one of the Top 12 Cannabis Attorneys in Florida by The Daily Business Review and honored in the High Times 100 and the Top 28 Most influential African Americans in the history of the United States with regards to Drug and Cannabis Policy by Honeysuckle Magazine. She is a Florida licensed Hemp Farmer and a Research Farmer for the University of Florida.
Committed to advocacy and community service, Scheril serves on various boards and is the President of consulting firm Green Sustainable Strong, LLC. Her dedication extends to volunteering with the Winrock Foundation, delivering Marketing training to Farmers in Ghana, Africa.
Scheril’s dynamic career trajectory, spanning legal practice, education, advocacy, and community service, reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and social justice.
The Ethiopian World Federation, Inc. – Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
The International Executive Council of the Ethiopian World Federation, Inc. serves as the administrative and directive body of the organization. While Chartered Locals retain a measure of operational autonomy, the Executive Council possesses the authority to issue guidance and instruction on matters vital to the unity, discipline, and effective functioning of the organization worldwide. Article III, Section 4 affirms this leadership mandate, empowering the Council to direct Locals in all matters not explicitly covered in the Constitution.
The Council’s role is not merely bureaucratic; it is spiritual, cultural, and strategic. It ensures that the mission of the Federation—anchored in global unity, moral refinement, and the restoration of Ethiopia’s sovereign heritage—is faithfully pursued. With integrity, accountability, and vision, the International Executive Council stewards the Federation’s global operations and represents the collective will of its members across the African Diaspora.
The International President
The International President shall preside at the International Conventions and to deliver an
address on the state of the Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated. He shall sign all legal documents and be Chairman of the International Executive Council. It shall be his duty to call Conventions as appointed by law, and in cases of emergency, by and with the consent of the Executive Council, call special conventions.
The First International Vice-President
The First International Vice-President shall assume the duties of the International President in his absence or when requested to do so by him.
2nd International Vice-President
The 2nd International Vice-President shall
perform the duties of the First Vice-President in his absences and shall assist the First Vice-President in the performance of such duties as may be assigned to him by the President. In case of death or permanent disability of the First Vice-President, the International Executive Council shall name the Executive Head to serve until the next general election.
Executive Secretary
The Executive Secretary shall have charge of the main
office of the Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated, and shall be held responsible to the Executive Council for the conduct of the business thereof. All acts of the Executive
Secretary shall be subject to the approval of the Executive Council. The Executive Secretary shall appoint all office employees, subject to the approval of the Executive
Council and shall when necessary, submit to the Executive Council the name of any member of the office staff for promotion to the head of a department. The Executive
Secretary shall receive all monies from locals and other sources. All monies so received shall be turned over, within 24 hours, to the Treasurer, who shall give a receipt or receipts to the Executive Secretary. The Executive Secretary shall forward receipts to all locals for monies received from them. The Executive Secretary shall submit quarterly reports to the Executive Council.
International Treasurer
It shall be the duty of the International Treasurer to receive all monies from the Executive Secretary. He shall, in conjunctions with other members of the Banking Committee, deposit all amounts of money in the bank or banks designated by the Executive Council. His books shall be open to inspection by the Executive Council at all
times. He shall issue receipts for all monies received by him for the organization. He shall pay out monies upon order of the Executive Council only. He shall be bonded by a reliable
surety company. The premium for such a bond shall be paid by the organization. He shall be a member of the Executive Council.
International Organizer
It shall be the duty of the International Organizer to
organize locals, to supervise locals already established and to keep them in good working
order. He shall also perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the
Executive Council. He shall keep the Headquarters informed of his activities from week to
week and he shall submit a monthly report.
International Chaplain
It shall be the duty of the Chaplain to open and close every meeting of the local with prayer and to minister to the spiritual needs of the members