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But for three East African students at the 56�Թ���, their morning brew is more than a simple caffeine delivery device. It’s also a drink central to their communities. That’s why when they wanted to create a student club, they decided to dedicate it to drinking coffee. 

A common journey to 56�Թ��� Bothell

BunaTalk (or “coffee talk”) is a student club created by students Koket Gebiremichael, Yabsera Legesse and Eskndr Tadesse.

The three co-presidents share common stories when it comes to their early lives. Each of them immigrated to Washington at a young age. For Yabsera Legesse’s family, the motivation for his parents to emigrate from Ethiopia was to give him and his siblings a better life. “They realized that for us, there’s wasn’t going to be a lot of opportunities for us to succeed [in Ethiopia],” Legesse said. “Even if we went to school and college, life was never going to be that good for us.”

When each of the now co-presidents arrived in the United States, they found it hard to relate to others at school. Rather, they found connection in their local East African community. Their families connected with other families — often over cups of coffee.

After high school, when the three students were deciding on where to go to university, 56�Թ��� Bothell was a top choice as they wanted to stay close to their families. “That’s a big theme within East African communities,” said Gebiremichael, also from Ethiopia. “Our family is the top priority for us, and so being away from them isn’t always easy.”

When the three students arrived on campus, they realized there were many other East African students — but there was no easy way for all those students to connect. Their student club, BunaTalk, was the answer.

A cup of buna in the morning

The history of coffee goes back thousands of years to the Oromo people of East Africa who first cultivated the coffee bean. One popular legend says coffee was discovered by a shepherd who noticed his goats getting a jolt of energy when they munched beans from a specific bush. This led to the shepherd trying the beans himself and then passing his discovery to local monks who chewed coffee to keep them awake during prayers. Over time, the chewing of beans evolved into the ceremonial brewing of coffee.

In modern times, drinking coffee is central to “Habesha” communities, a term broadly used to describe people of Ethiopian and Eritrean heritage. Tadesse, from Eritrea, is quick to point out the differences in coffee culture between East Africa and the U.S.

“In Western culture, coffee is just a pick-it-up-and-go in the morning thing. It’s something you do for five minutes,” he explained. “But coffee in East African culture is a whole ceremony. When the coffee usually comes out, you know you’re going to be staying there for a while, for conversations about culture, politics and social norms.”

Tadesse explained that in a traditional coffee ceremony, it can take two to three hours to prepare the coffee. Families roast their own coffee beans, grind the beans by hand and each person takes a turn smelling the coffee. Coffee is a way for East African families to connect with the larger community.

Tadesse says, “It’s where people come together to talk about anything and everything,” he said.

Habesha buna conversations

One of Legesse’s earliest memories of the coffee tradition was speaking with his father about their extended family. His father explained how his grandfather had grown up in the mountain regions of Ethiopia and had worked hard to go to law school to become a paralegal. Legesse said those conversations inspired him to major in Law, Economics & Public Policy and eventually to become an attorney.

An important conversation that Tadesse had over coffee was around what to do after high school. His extended family gathered over the Christmas holiday, and at the time Tadesse had a hard time deciding whether to go to a community college or a university. When the topic came up during buna, the family laid out the pros and cons of the decision, and his cousins shared their experiences of going to college.

“When you have a coffee at hand, that’s when it’s your time to speak, almost like you’re given a mic,” Tadesse said. “And my cousin was talking about college and what her experiences were like. That’s one of the main things that helped me decide what path to take.”

And one of the reasons the BunaTalk club co-presidents said they came to 56�Թ��� Bothell is that they knew the University had a large group of Habesha students.

Creating a community for East African students

When they spoke about how hard it was to connect with that community, the three agreed they wanted to create a space where they could share their culture with other students.

Gebiremichael noted that she wanted a place where people could have the same meaningful conversations that her parents and grandparents were having over coffee.

For Legesse, a priority was simply to have a space for people to meet and get to know each other. “Being Habesha is very social, and not having a social space where people could talk to each other and be among people from their own countries and culture was hard,” he said.

“Especially in high school, I didn’t see a lot of Habeshas, and it always felt like I was alone,” he added. “I wanted to create a community where people don’t feel like that. If they need to talk to someone, they have people who look like them, who can welcome them and understand where they come from.”

When the group realized there was a need for a more community, they decided to make it happen. They started with an event where people could meet in a classroom to enjoy food and drinks.

BunaTalk’s first year of connection

Planning that first event, the three club co-presidents were afraid nobody would turn up. But when the day came, more than 100 students arrived, and they realized there was a real thirst for buna — and all it means — at 56�Թ��� Bothell.

In the club’s first year, BunaTalk held six events, including a volunteer day, a traditional coffee ceremony, a game night, a friendship mixer and a basketball tournament. For this successful first year, the club recently received the Rising Star Award during 56�Թ��� Bothell’s annual Club Council Recognition Banquet.

Despite some big ideas for next year and new members of leadership, the group said they won’t forget what brought them together to begin with: a cup of coffee.

As Tadesse explained, “There’s no community without buna.”

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When alumna Claire Truongdang, Biochemistry ’24, started at 56�Թ��� Bothell, she wasn’t sure what to expect from college.

Having moved from Vietnam years earlier, she and her family were unfamiliar with the application process. With help from someone at her high school, she applied to 56�Թ��� Bothell because it was close to home and easy for her family to access.

Once at 56�Թ��� Bothell, she started in psychology but changed course after her mother faced serious health issues. “I just wanted to understand what she was going through,” Truongdang said.

It was then a chemistry course with Dr. Brandon Finley that sparked a new passion. “He changed my life,” she said. “He made me want to spend my whole day thinking about chemistry.”

With his encouragement, she switched to biochemistry and found a new direction in college and in a career.

Doors to research and opportunity

Through 56�Թ��� Bothell, Truongdang gained access to resources across the University of Washington. She joined the Maternal-Fetal Research Lab at 56�Թ��� Medicine, mentored by Dr. Stephen McCartney and Dr. Raj Shree, where she studied how pregnancy may unlock new insights into diseases like cancer and knowledge about human parturition mechanisms.

“Pregnancy is often seen as an invasion — like a tumor — but the body tolerates it,” she said. “Understanding that could help us find cures.”

Even after graduation, she has continued research with Dr. McCartney and Dr. Shree, exploring her interest in both science and social impact, especially in reproductive health care. “Pregnancy research is so underexplored,” she said. “It’s more than just uteruses, vulvas and vaginas. It can teach us about cancer, cardiovascular disease and more.”

While her lab work as a student took place at the 56�Թ��� in Seattle, Truongdang said the foundation she built at 56�Թ��� Bothell was essential. “Our campus feels small, but it opens doors across the 56�Թ���,” she said.

She credited Dr. Finley for inspiring her academic shift, Dr. Marc Servetnick for helping her secure research funding from the Associated Students of the 56�Թ��� Bothell and Dr. Brian White for connecting underrepresented students (including her sister) to internship opportunities at 56�Թ��� Medicine and other labs in Seattle.

Support that shaped her future

Now working full time in the 56�Թ��� Medicine lab while preparing to apply to M.D.-Ph.D. programs, Truongdang said she hopes eventually to lead her own lab, advance research that improves lives and support patients through complex health decisions just like her current mentors.

In addition to the support of faculty, this path was made possible through financial support, including the 56�Թ��� Bothell Alumni Endowed Scholarship and the Worthington Scholarship.

When her mother was laid off, the extra support helped her continue her studies. “That summer, those scholarships reduced the financial burden on our family’s budget by not having the added expenses of school.”

To the alumni who fund scholarships through efforts like the 56�Թ��� Bothell Husky 5K, Truongdang offered heartfelt thanks. “It’s not about big, flashy gifts,” she said. “It’s about giving back to the communities we came from. That kind of awareness is the highest level of giving.”

Despite the challenges, Truongdang found her voice — and it is clear, focused and grounded in purpose.

Like Claire, every student has a story full of potential, challenges and discovery. Giving to 56�Թ��� Bothell helps unlock opportunities for students to find their path and pursue their future with confidence.

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56�Թ��� Bothell lecturer Joe Decuir, a computing industry veteran, is helping future engineers through a generous gift supporting students in engineering and computing. With decades of experience in computer engineering and video game technology, Decuir’s contributions inside and outside the classroom are shaping the next generation of innovators.
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Leonille Matunan, a senior in Computer Science & Software Engineering and director of budget and finance for AS56�Թ���B, said he knows from personal experience why the group chose to focus on wellness for this annual gift. 

The stresses of college 

This year’s senior class started college in a high-stress environment amidst the COVID pandemic, on top of the many stressors that college is already filled with, Matunan said. From balancing assignments with part-time jobs to making time for extracurricular activities, he said that many of his peers are so busy they don’t have time to look after themselves.  

The most stressful time of each quarter, Matunan said, is during mid-terms and finals — weeks when students are focusing on getting the best grades possible. 

“I think a lot of people get really nervous,” he said. “I want to get a job. I want to be an adult who is working and making money. And I think that’s stressful for some people, even for myself, when I think, ‘If I mess up, am I not going to get a job later? Am I going to be a failure?’ It’s just everything stacking up against you. It gets very stressful.” 

Two of the ways Matunan has helped to manage his wellness during college is through building a strong community and reaching out for counseling support. 

Finding community  

In his junior year, Matunan created a karaoke club for his friends, noting that having fun together was beneficial for their mental health.  

“All we did was sing for two hours every other week,” he said. “A lot of the time, we would get around 50 to 60 people, and a lot of people loved it. I thought it was a good way to de-stress after class. You hang out with new people, and you sing together.” His go-to karaoke songs? Power ballads from Adele and Whitney Houston. 

This year, Matunan joined another club called the Filipino American Student Association where Filipino students meet to celebrate cultural events and have fun. During a recent FASA event, he used his karaoke skills to regale the crowd. The event was having technical difficulties, so to keep the crowd entertained Matunan, the emcee, broke into spontaneous song. He sang “Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita,” a Filipino song that translates to “Why do I love you?” 

[Video – Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ir_iuXFNEg 

As a member of FASA, Matunan has joined a support network and has made many lasting memories. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he said. “Just because of the number of people I’ve met, the friendships I’ve made and the fun we’ve had.” 

Reaching out to 56�Թ��� Bothell Counseling Center 

While Matunan values the support of his peers, he is open about reaching out to professionals when he needs more help. When he was going through some personal challenges along with stress around deciding to switch majors, for example, he contacted 56�Թ��� Bothell’s Counseling Center. He said he had no qualms asking for help as his family members, many of whom work in health care, have always encouraged him to get help when needed. 

Matunan said he understands there can be some anxiety about going to see a counselor. “I feel like telling students that it’s okay,” he said. “We’re not robots. We’re all humans. We’re going to go through things. And it’s okay that we’re sad or we’re mad or we feel all these emotions. I think it’s important for students to take a step back and realize they’re not alone.” 

Meeting with a counselor helped Matunan gain perspective on his problems, and the therapist encouraged him to broaden his interests, including applying to be a member of AS56�Թ���B. 

“It helped me appreciate life a little more,” he said. “She just gave me some great insight that my problems weren’t the end of the world. She told me to be patient and to forgive myself.” 

Giving back for wellness 

When asked why students should donate to the Senior Class Gift, Matunan emphasized that giving in this way is a direct gift to fellow students and the entire 56�Թ��� Bothell community. 

“I think most people want to leave an impact before they leave somewhere,” he said. “That’s what I want. I want to leave an impact — even if it’s just a small amount. If everyone gives back, a lot more students can benefit from it. 

“You’ll get to help out so many students that you probably would never meet,” he said, “and I feel like it’s just one of those good feelings. You can think, ‘I did something before I left. I was able to support students and my peers.’” 

You can support students and your peers now by giving to the 2024 Senior Class Gift by . All gifts this year go toward the Mental Health and Wellness Fund. 

If you’re a 56�Թ��� Bothell student interested in support, contact the Counseling Center. 

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Members of the School of Business community were at the center of the lively fundraiser. Albert Jalso of Russell Investments emceed and chaired the event. Karishma Sharma who graduated with a Business Administration degree in 2016 was the keynote speaker. Angelina Ly, who will graduate with the same degree in June 2024, was the featured student speaker.  

Interim Dean Rajib Sanyal spoke about the great impact of the School of Business and recognized the many members of the faculty in attendance. The bidding on various auction items during the event was competitive, but all in good fun for a great cause.  

Building a business community 

Sharma spoke to all those gathered about how her time at 56�Թ��� Bothell helped her grow in confidence and find a community. “I went from feeling I wasn’t good enough,” she said, “to feeling that I could take on the world.” 

“This wasn’t just about my grades. This wasn’t just about school. My time at 56�Թ��� Bothell changed the way I viewed myself,” Sharma said. “Once I graduated in 2016, I found I already had a ton of business experience and a supportive network. 56�Թ��� Bothell had become my village.” 

Her 56�Թ��� Bothell village helped start her career at Microsoft where she now works as a professional storyteller and writer. After working on an initiative called AI for Earth, during which Sharma gave a presentation to CEO Satya Nadella, she was inspired to start Washington’s first along with her brother. Her interest in farming can be traced back to her time at 56�Թ��� Bothell, where she remembers snipping kale from the gardens, along with her family history of heritage farming in the Punjab, India. 

To finish her keynote speech, Sharma shared her experiences as a mentor in the School of Business’s Mentorship EDGE program. “Talking to my mentees, I see that 56�Թ��� Bothell has prepared these students to take on the world as it is today,” she said. “These students are smart, driven, and will one day be sitting in this room as you all are — as the leaders of their respective industries.” 

One of those students is Angelina Ly. 

Growing as an entrepreneur��

Ly says that at 56�Թ��� Bothell, she gained new skills that applied to her business, . Before enrolling at 56�Թ��� Bothell, Ly was already a successful entrepreneur. She started selling slime as a 14-year-old where she used her creativity to create different styles of slime which she showcased on social media. She was self-taught, learning every aspect of running a business by herself, but she also knew she would benefit from being surrounded by people who could help her gain more business skills. 

“Coming from a family that had to navigate the challenges of immigrating from Vietnam, pursuing entrepreneurship or even business wasn’t a familiar path, so there were many times when I felt as though I was on my own,” Ly said. “That’s why when it came time to choose a university, I was drawn to 56�Թ��� Bothell. With most of my family being 56�Թ��� alums, I felt a sense of familiarity and connection with the university. Additionally, I knew that 56�Թ��� Bothell’s School of Business offered the guidance and resources I needed to succeed.” 

Ly pushed herself to make the most of her college experience while her business continued to grow. “I went from never speaking up in class to being able to stand in front of you all today. It wasn’t always easy, and there were moments of doubt and imposter syndrome, but, with each small step, I grew more confident and capable.” 

Ly, who is graduating in June 2024, saw the potential for the (un)GALA to support other students just like her. In gratitude, guests at the event were given a special treat, a slime goody bag. “There are a lot of students like me at 56�Թ��� Bothell,” Ly said. “Students with big dreams who just need a little push and guidance to achieve those dreams. For a lot of us, we started from scratch, without much help from our parents. That’s why your support is so important.” 

You can help fund the big dreams of more students like Angelina by making a gift to the 56�Թ��� Bothell’s School of Business. Click here to give now. 

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