News Summary
Yamrot Ezineh, owner of Letena Ethiopian Restaurant, is using National Women’s Small Business Month to emphasize women’s entrepreneurship and health-conscious dining in Washington, D.C. Recently featured on Good Morning Washington, Ezineh discussed her commitment to fresh and healthy ingredients in her dishes, including customer-favorite lentil samosas. She aims to expand her restaurant’s offerings into local grocery stores, promoting healthier eating habits while also encouraging and empowering fellow women business owners through her involvement with Regarding HER D.C.
Washington, D.C. – As National Women’s Small Business Month celebrations continue, Yamrot Ezineh, the owner of Letena Ethiopian Restaurant, has taken the spotlight to highlight women’s entrepreneurship and health. Ezineh recently appeared on Good Morning Washington to share insights about her restaurant located at 3100 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C., and her upcoming projects aimed at expanding her culinary offerings.
Letena, which translates to “for health” in Amharic, underscores Ezineh’s dedication to health-conscious dining. The restaurant prides itself on using only natural and premium ingredients, ensuring that all meals are prepared from scratch using clean ingredients and healthy cooking methods. Ezineh’s commitment to healthful food is exemplified in her traditional Ethiopian dishes, with lentil samosas emerging as a customer favorite.
Ezineh is currently working on exciting plans to introduce some of Letena’s popular dishes to local grocery stores. This expansion will enable her to reach a broader audience and provide more people with access to her nutritious offerings. This initiative reflects her desire not only to grow her business but also to promote healthier eating habits within the community.
Additionally, Letena is affiliated with Regarding HER D.C., a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women-owned businesses in the food and drink sector. Ezineh values her role within Regarding HER, noting the importance of mentorship and the resources available among its members, which contribute significantly to the success of women entrepreneurs in Washington, D.C.
The backdrop of Ezineh’s entrepreneurial journey takes place in a city currently facing challenges related to public safety and immigration enforcement. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently addressed concerns about increasing anxiety within the community due to budget cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency and the deployment of National Guard troops. These troops were deployed following a “crime emergency” declared by President Donald Trump, despite a reported 35% decrease in violent crime in D.C. between 2023 and 2024, followed by an additional 28% drop this year.
Mayor Bowser has acknowledged the chilling effect that harsh immigration enforcement has had on local workers and businesses, particularly in industries such as hospitality, tourism, and construction. As these challenges persist, Bowser has committed to leading the city through various recent events, including the impacts of the pandemic and the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Ezineh’s work at Letena and her involvement with Regarding HER D.C. represent a powerful example of how small businesses can thrive even amid adversity. As the National Women’s Small Business Month shines a light on the efforts of women entrepreneurs nationwide, Ezineh’s story exemplifies resilience and the pursuit of health-conscious restaurant offerings in Washington, D.C., enhancing the local culinary landscape while empowering fellow women business owners.
As the month progresses, Ezineh and others in the community continue to inspire and motivate women to pursue entrepreneurship, emphasizing that healthy food and successful businesses can coexist, providing remarkable benefits to both individuals and the broader society.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Meghan Markle Advocates for Women’s Support at Fortune Summit
Spotlighting Female Leadership in Washington D.C.
Warrior Rising’s Annual Gala Raises Over $378,000 for Women Veterans
Additional Resources
- Fortune: Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Business Disruption
- Tennesseean: Women Business Owners and Entrepreneurship
- Black Enterprise: 10 Black Women Who Broke Barriers in Business
- Washington Post: Uber’s Women Request Service
- White & Case: Women Business Law Awards 2025
- Wikipedia: Women in Business
- Google Search: Women Entrepreneurship
- Google Scholar: Women Entrepreneurs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women in Business
- Google News: Women Entrepreneurs 2023
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
