About Me
Hi and welcome! My name is Betel Trephan, but I go by Betty. I was born in Ethiopia and raised in Cambridge, MA (GO SOX!). I’ve moved around quite a bit, especially after college. I’ve lived in Pennsylvania (Bethlehem and Philadelphia), South Carolina (just outside of Charleston), and California (San Jose and San Francisco). I now consider myself bi-coastal, living and working wherever jobs call, or family is—alongside my amazing husband, Tyler, and our super-cuddly dog, Winnie. 🐶
Speaking of family, I’m the middle of three sisters and the daughter of an Ethiopian national hero: a world marathon record holder and my greatest inspiration (Belayneh Densamo—look him up 😄). My dad put Ethiopia on the map over three decades ago, and someday, I hope to do the same and carry on that legacy (but not with running; that ship has sailed). Lastly, if you’re into personality assessments, I test as an INFJ on the Myers-Briggs and a 4w3 on the Enneagram. But if you don’t know/feel like looking up/think it's made-up, here’s my very quick summary:
1. I’m a creative at heart, passionate about making a meaningful impact on people and the world!
2. I care deeply about others, but your girl loves her silence and solitude before and after interacting with other humans.
Curious to learn more? Read Below👇
I earned a B.A. in Architecture with a minor in Sociology from Lehigh University. However, during the final months of my senior year, I felt a strong pull to explore a different career path after graduation. Over the next few years, I worked at nonprofit organizations serving teens and college students before deciding to return to school for an M.S.Ed. in Higher Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
After earning my master's, I served as an Assistant Director of Admissions at a private university in Silicon Valley. My focus was on expanding college access for historically underrepresented students as a key member of the diversity and new initiatives team. My favorite part of that role was traveling to different states, speaking at high schools, and connecting with students eager to use their talents and passions to make a positive difference. Following that chapter, I dedicated time to writing a YA novel (not published yet) before joining the staff at my local church, where I had the privilege of launching a new ministry for college and young adults (ages 18–25).
In this season of life, my primary focus is on deepening my theological understanding through seminary while simultaneously refining my craft as an actress. This dual pursuit allows me to cultivate both spiritual and artistic growth, equipping me with the theological foundation and storytelling expertise necessary to engage audiences in meaningful and transformative ways.
My job or position has changed a few times, but not my calling. I have always felt called to be a catalyst for individual and group growth. It truly brings me joy to see people step into their God-given calling and live out their purpose for the glory of God.
In my free time, I love dancing, writing, singing, volunteering, and teaching at various Christian gatherings. I also love going on long walks with my husband and our dog, traveling, exploring different cuisines, watching live theater performances, attending sporting events, and continuously learning—whether it's French or a new country line dance!
"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
Proverbs 17:22
