Discover the Tombossa B Foundation

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the Tombossa B Foundation is to honor Tombossa’s enduring legacy by uplifting and empowering our Eritrean and East African communities. With unwavering dedication, we provide financial aid, vital resources, and mental health support to create transformative opportunities for underserved youth. Our goal is to ensure that every young person has access to quality education, personal growth, and the tools they need to thrive. Through our commitment to sustainable initiatives, we foster resilient communities that not only preserve their rich heritage but also open doors to endless possibilities, paving the way for a brighter, more hopeful future.

About Tombossa Negusse

A Biography

In Memory of Tombossa Dawit Negusse
A Legacy of Resilience, Family, and Service

Tombossa Dawit Negusse was a man of extraordinary character, admired for his deep commitment to family, entrepreneurship, and community service. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1964 to loving parents Tsegeweini and Dawit Negusse, his early years were shaped by strong family values and a deep sense of duty. His family later returned to Asmara, Eritrea, where these values were further ingrained through close-knit bonds and the importance of education and hard work.

As a teenager, Tombossa and his family — parents and six siblings — fled the turmoil of war in Eritrea. Their journey took them to Sudan and eventually to Oklahoma, USA, in pursuit of safety and a better future. This period of upheaval highlighted Tombossa's resilience and adaptability as he excelled academically in Oklahoma, completing high school, college, and postgraduate studies despite the challenges of displacement.

Tombossa pursued a master’s degree in agricultural engineering at Oklahoma State University, showcasing his diverse interests and intellectual curiosity. Even during his studies, his entrepreneurial drive was evident. His connection to Eritrea remained strong, and after completing his education, he spent a pivotal year working with Eritrean freedom fighters. This experience profoundly shaped his character, deepening his commitment to social and economic development.

Upon returning to the United States, Tombossa’s life took a transformative turn. In Dallas, Texas, he met Bibi, the love of his life, in what felt like a fateful encounter at a hair salon. Their immediate and deep connection led to a year of dating, followed by a proposal during a family visit to Asmara, and a wedding in Eritrea. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and shared dreams, raising three children—Noel, Milena, and Ariana—who were their greatest pride and joy.

As a devoted husband and father, Tombossa prioritized creating meaningful experiences for his family. He loved traveling with them and instilling values of generosity, resilience, and education. His zest for life and desire to embrace its fullest moments were evident in the memories he created with his loved ones.

Professionally, Tombossa found success in agriculture, retail, and real estate. In Eritrea, he worked to establish productive fruit farms despite challenging wartime conditions. When conflict forced him back to Dallas, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, achieving significant success in the United States. These ventures allowed him to retire early and focus on what he valued most—his family and community.

Throughout his career, Tombossa was celebrated for his generosity, mentorship, and leadership. He supported others both personally and professionally, combining his business expertise with a genuine desire to uplift those around him. His ability to lead with both acumen and heart left a lasting impact on many lives.

Tombossa and Bibi shared a dream of giving back to Eritrea by creating a non-profit organization dedicated to education and socio-economic development for underserved children. Although his life was tragically cut short, this vision lives on through the foundation bearing his name, ensuring his legacy of service continues to inspire future generations.

Tombossa will always be remembered for his unwavering love, strength, and dedication to improving the lives of others. His life is a testament to the enduring power of resilience, compassion, and hard work. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit and legacy remain, a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing him.