Gunawork Says Farewell to Compassionate Atlanta

Saying goodbye. It’s almost always hard because it means you are losing connection to a family member, a friend, or even a pet. When we don’t have that close community with that person anymore, feelings of sadness or loss can pop up, like something won’t be the same anymore.

Even if it is a good goodbye, there are still moments when the parting feels bittersweet. Yet we have to start to let go of the time together and acknowledge the moment of parting is coming. We may not want it to, but the moment still comes. This part of the human journey is now true for the Compassionate Atlanta family.

Gunawork Wondimneh, a staff member since the early days of CA, has decided to step away to pursue other opportunities. Gunawork started working with CA when she was a sophomore at Georgia State University. Iyabo, Leanne, and I want to pay tribute to how much Gunawork has done for CA over the years, and we wanted to begin by sharing a favorite memory of our time with her.

Iyabo:

“A favorite memory about Gunawork is Compassion Con 1, having her out there. She knew everything and was such a helper. She is just special.”

Leanne:

“I remember in the early days when Compassionate Atlanta was asked to speak at an Emory University class about compassion. This was a big deal. Gunawork and I worked on the presentation together and co-led the discussion. It was such a meaningful experience to be able to connect with the students. Gunawork really brought insight to the class. We really made a good team.”

“I remember an event CA was participating in at Halford Stadium. Gunawork staffed the CA table and took pictures with kids holding flowers of compassion. She took the event and rolled with it and handled everything.”

Jimmy:

“There is one memory in my mind that sticks out to me. When I began working at Compassionate Atlanta, Gunawork, Iyabo, Leanne, and I became a team of four. The ‘dream team.’ When I first got introduced to the team during my internship, Gunawork was there for me. Anything I needed or requested, I could text or email her. She was always helpful and very patient. She never made me feel like the newbie. Then it was Gunawork who came to tell me that I was offered an official spot on the CA team. I will always have that memory close to my heart.”

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We couldn’t let Gunawork get away without sharing her memories about Compassionate Atlanta and insights into her life. So here is Gunawork in her own words:

What does the word compassion mean to you?

Compassion is not always easy. To me, it means taking the time to truly understand what someone needs, and then responding with care, respect, and intention. It’s about listening first and being mindful of how support or resources are offered to an individual or community.

Even when our intentions are good, we don’t always get it right. We’re human, and mistakes are part of the process. People’s experiences and communication styles can differ, which can make compassion challenging. But when we lead with humility and give one another grace, and communicate, compassion becomes a powerful bridge. It helps us show up more thoughtfully and create meaningful impact.

What got you interested in doing nonprofit work? How did you find out about Compassionate Atlanta?

I’ve always enjoyed being involved in the community and helping others, that’s how I was raised. Meeting McKenzie Wren, who was the Executive Director of the Clarkston Community Center 14 years ago, helped shape my foundation in nonprofit work and showed me the impact of purpose driven organizations. I later found out about Compassionate Atlanta through Leanne Rubenstein.

What made you want to work for CA? What year did you start?

I was invited to attend a community conversation event at Emory University, where Leanne was also in attendance. While we had crossed paths at other community gatherings before and were connected on LinkedIn, I don’t recall us being formally introduced prior to that day.

After the event in July 2016, we were introduced and, as we walked outside, she shared more about the organization, gave me a brochure for the Charter for Compassion, and encouraged me to send her my résumé. At the time, I was in college at GSU and wanted to remain connected to community-based work while continuing my education. When this opportunity came along, it felt like a great fit.

Thank you to Leanne and Iyabo for their shared leadership as co-directors over the years. The nonprofit sector is fortunate to have leaders like them. Jimmy, you have been a great addition to the staff, and your drive and story will continue to inspire many more.

The rest of the CA team includes many incredible people we’ve been blessed to collaborate with over the years, along with amazing leaders who have guided the organization through their service on the board of directors. It has truly been a pleasure to be among them all, and I am grateful.

What do you enjoy about working for CA? What is a favorite memory you have about your time at CA?

I enjoyed the variety of work we did and the way the organization created connections, offered resources, and held space for areas that needed support. Before A Home For Everyone In DeKalb became its own nonprofit, it was an initiative of CA.

During the winter seasons, we partnered with churches to provide overnight warming spaces and gathered, organized, and distributed meals and essential items to the unhoused community. People donated food, drinks, toiletries, their time, and other resources; it was truly beautiful to be a part of that team.

Before Covid, our annual event was a more intimate gathering centered around spoken word and storytelling performances, which made it especially meaningful. After Covid, we shifted to CompassionCon, which has grown significantly and now brings together even more people and organizations. Both formats offered unique value, and it’s been great seeing how the organization continues to grow its impact.

How has CA impacted you over the years?

CA is where I had the opportunity to learn, while working, how a nonprofit builds its foundation and grows into doing meaningful work for communities with a small team. It was impactful to see how that work inspired so many people.

I started working here as a sophomore in college and appreciated the flexibility it provided. I’ll miss being the go-to person who knew where everything was saved and helped keep things running. Being part of an organization that intentionally created space for community, connection, and conversation was meaningful.

What do you see yourself doing in the near future? What does your next chapter look like?

That is something I’m keeping close to my heart. After 12+ years in the nonprofit world, I'm taking a break, pacing myself, and trusting God and timing to guide me forward.

And then, just for fun, we asked: What are some of your favorites: Music? Food? Book?

Music: I love music and enjoy a wide range of songs across many artists and genres.

Food: Ethiopian food is my favorite; it’s comforting.

Book: I’ve recently picked up the Bible. While I’m still early in the process, I’ve been reading scriptures that speak to different areas of my life.

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Although we have to say goodbye to Gunawork as she moves on, we will never forget what she has done over the past 9 years with Compassionate Atlanta. We are thankful for all the contributions she has made while working with CA.

Through the years, she has taken care of so many different tasks at CA, that there is no way to measure the full impact of her efforts. Gunawork certainly has left a legacy of kindness, diligence, generosity, commitment, and grace.

So, Gunawork, on behalf of Leanne, Iyabo, and myself, we all thank you. Sharing this tribute is very special to all of us because we’re feeling a lot of admiration, a lot of gratitude, and a lot of love towards you.

Everyone at CA is already missing you. We hope that you look back on this time with fond memories. We certainly will. As you go out into the universe, we hope you know that you will always be a part of the CA family, and we hope the CA family will always be a part of you.

As we say goodbye, Gunawork, we need to stop and be grateful for how wonderful you have been to work with and appreciate how much you have devoted yourself to CA.

As you go into the next season of your life, we wish you good luck and godspeed. Whatever you do next, whatever the next season holds for you, we know you will shine, break down barriers, and spread compassion wherever you go.

Love,