Leadership
All positions within the Selam Sisters Association are voluntary and, ensuring that 100% of public donations and membership fees go directly towards supporting worthy projects and charities. Selam Sisters Association has no ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.
Lulit Dejene (President)
Lulit Dejene has been a dedicated member since 2005. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and a proud mother of three. Lulit strongly believes that supporting one individual has the power to uplift and strength an entire community.
Hanna Shewangizaw-Yoshino (Treasurer)
Dr. Hanna Yoshino an internist practicing in Los Angeles and has been a valued member since 2005. She is married and has two children. Hanna is passionate about sponsoring programs in Ethiopia that support families in need.
Ruth Tesfaye (Secretary)
Ruth Tesfaye has been a member since 2005. She is a Family Nurse Practitioner, married with two children.
Helene Moges
Helen Moges has been a resident of California for over 35 years. She dedicated 30 years of service to The Boeing Company demonstarting professionalism throughout her career. A proud mother of three, Helen is deeply committed to making a positive impact in her community and beyond.
Elizabeth Assefa
Elizabeth is deeply committed to advancing education and empowering underserved communities. She firmly believes in the transformative power of education particularly for young children and women facing poverty and systemic barriers. Elizabeth is proud to be part of a team dedicated to making a real difference one life at a time.
Blen Gizaw
Blen Gizaw was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and moved to California in 1989. She has a Master of Science in Education specializing in International Policy, Planning, and Administration. Her lifelong passion mirrors her master’s thesis, which focused on the planning and administration of an informal educational experience to a targeted group of individuals that the formal education system does not reach in developing countries. She is married and is raising her three boys in Los Angeles, California.
Meron Taffese
Meron Taffese, born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia has been living in United States since 1989. She is an accountant and independent Functional Consultant currently helping companies implement ERP systems. Meron agrees with Noelani Musicaro, in that “The true Meaning of Life is to Shine a Light when there is no Light And Take Responsibility for Shining that Light” and strives to live by it.
Meskerem Mengistu
Meski has lived in Southern California for over 30 years and has dedicated her career to the Social Services sector. She is a Human Services Administrator with the Los Angeles County where she has worked for over 32 years. Meski is passionate about enriching the lives of disadvantaged people in Ethiopia, especially children. Meski is a proud mother to two.
Sirkaddis Zena
Sirk is a committed member since 2005. She is a Program Manager, married with two children.
Sirkaddis Zena
Sirk is a committed member since 2005. She is a Program Manager, married with two children.
Hirut Assefa Turner
Hirut Assefa Turner was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and has been in the United States since 1991. She is a counselor and works at Santa Monica College. She is married and has 3 kids. Hirut believes that all the privileges and blessings we are entrusted with are meant to be shared with those in need. Hirut was also a board member of Tesfa in Los Angeles, another non for profit organization that worked with disadvantaged Ethiopians, until 2011.
