Bethel Abate

Bethel joined MASS in 2015 as a member of the development team, where she used her design and architectural background to provide the executive team with day-to-day strategic and communications support, while helping identify and pursue the most relevant new projects for the organization.

She has since worked with the research team to develop the Purpose Built publication, and is currently working on the design team on projects such as the African Leadership University (ALU) and the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID).

Bethel received her Bachelors of Architecture from Virginia Tech. Her senior thesis examined contemporary African architecture through the archeological remains of a 13th century ruin in her native country of Ethiopia. While at Tech, she also worked with the design/build Lab where she played a role in the design and construction of the Smith Creek Park - a former tire factory, turned into a public amphitheater and recreational area, that is playing a key role in the revitalization of Clifton Forge, one of Virginia’s historic towns. Bethel was drawn to MASS's model of architectural practice out of an interest in understanding the significance of the built environment within economic, social, and cultural contexts