Tayitu Entertainment Center is a non-profit organization that is registered and operates in Washington D.C since August 2001. The center is named after a woman heroic figure who was the Etiguye (equivalent to a Queen) of the Ethiopian Empire during the era of King of Kings of Menelik the II. She was known for her distinguishing contribution during the battle of Adwa in defeating the Italian forces at the beginning of the 19th Century. Etiguye TEC had been credited for mobilizing her own military force to fight with other battalions in winning a decisive victory for Ethiopia.
In addition, Etiguye Tayitu is remembered for her unique contribution to modernize Ethiopia in the area of education and industrialization. She is known for founding the current capital of Ethiopia calling it Addis Ababa to mean New Flower in Amharic. She also opened the first modern Hotel called Etiguye Hotel, which is still running, in the area that is currently called as Piazza. History accounts it that she had been an advocate of women right and freedom both at home as well as in the public arena. It is to remember all these accomplishments of Etiguye Tayitu and the legacy she left behind that the cultural center founded in the Washington metro area is named after her. This center therefore carries the spirit of Etiguye TEC in developing the cultural and social values of Ethiopia. Since the role of women in the cultural social and economic life of a nation like Ethiopia is tremendous, recognition to the aspirations and visions of this famous citizen and national leader is expected to be portrayed in the values and mission of this center.