President

NEGEST (NIKKI) LEGESSE

Negest (Nikki) Legesse was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After graduating from high school Nikki moved to Buffalo, New York, to attend college. Soon after completing her Bachelor degree from Canisius College, she decided to leave cold and snowy Buffalo for a sunnier and warmer place. Negest moved to Los Angeles where she completed law school and discovered her deep passion for helping others realize their dreams. Ever since, she has helped countless people acquire small businesses and has offered her knowledge and experience to ensure their success. In 2003 she founded the Ethiopian American Chamber of Commerce serving over 100 businesses, helped organize the Little Ethiopia Business Association and created the International Unity Parade. Nikki was the president and board member of Ethiopian American Youth Development, an organization dedicated to the development of Ethiopian Youth in Los Angeles as well as in Ethiopia. Negest is the president of Global Community Development Council, a non-profit organization that promotes art, culture, empowers the youth and acts as a fiscal agent to small organizations that do non profit work. She was committed to helping homeless youth in South Los Angeles where she provided housing to those in need. Negest was the Co-Founder of Ethiopia Creates, a program that fosters and promotes Ethiopian artists and Ethiopian Art. Negest continues her work as an ambassador of the Ethiopian Community promoting its culture, history and language and contributing to the Los Angeles Community at large. She is the   executive director of Little Ethiopia Cultural and Resource Center where she provides services including but not limited to the Ethiopian community, particularly for adopted kids and their families. She is also the advisory board chair of Destination Little Ethiopia, a project of Community Partners, a non-profit organization. Nikki worked in the 2010 and 2020 census and was awarded recognition of the work done. She was a board member of Pico Neighborhood Council for more than three years. She also served as a City of Los Angeles commissioner, Commission for Community and family services. She is president of Legesse Enterprises, Inc. a real estate investment company.

Treasurer

TERSIT ASRAT

Ms. Tersit Asrat is a seasoned professional in the marketing and communications industry. She is a published author, public speaker and producer of various television programs and events. In the past, Ms. Asrat owned and operated Universal Media
Group, an ethnic marketing and communications company for over 10 years. She has built her career in the advertising industry working with major clients such as Phillip Morris, Blue Cross, Nordstrom, Sumitomo Bank of California, and So. Cal Gas
Company. She has earned a reputation for her ability in strategic and implementation of marketing plans. She has managed over million-dollar accounts, planed, and implemented advertising campaigns that brough success to her clients.

Currently, Ms. Asrat is fulfilling her God-given purpose to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to underserved people of the world, as well as care for the poor and the needy through Hosanna Broadcasting Network – the Voice of Jesus Christ founded in 2007 - a non-profit organization she founded in September 2002. Ms. Asrat is the founder of Hosanna House, an orphanage that cares for beautiful homeless girls who have lost their
parents due to the HIV/AIDS. She is also a published author and has written 2 books “His Purpose” and “I am that I am”. Ms. Asrat holds a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and has earned several diplomas and awards for her humanitarian work. Ms. Asrat is responsible in initiating the naming of the famous “Little Ethiopia”. Ms. Asrat has a son and resides in Long Beach, California.

Secretary

SHAMEKA BROWN

Shameka Brown is the Founder and Principal of Divine Brown Media Group, LLC, a Los Angeles–based boutique public relations and strategic communications firm. She specializes in elevating the visibility and influence of change agents, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs through purpose-driven branding and communications strategies that deliver measurable impact.

With a strong foundation in marketing, public relations, and business strategy, Shameka designs integrated solutions that span digital media, brand development, and earned media. Her work includes guiding organizations through brand launches, positioning initiatives, media relations, and stakeholder engagement—serving as a trusted strategic advisor to clients across industries.

In addition to her consulting practice, Shameka brings extensive leadership experience in event production, operational strategy, and financial literacy. She is recognized for her ability to align vision with execution, helping organizations define clear value propositions, set attainable growth objectives, and scale with intention.

In 2024, Shameka joined the Hollywood Park Guest Experience leadership team, where she oversees frontline operations and leads employee rewards and recognition initiatives at SoFi Stadium, one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment venues.

She also serves as Secretary of the Ethiopian American Chamber of Commerce, contributing to cross-sector collaboration and economic development efforts within the Los Angeles business community.

Shameka holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Texas Southern University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Pro Sports Assembly.

Board Member

Aida Dorsey

Aida Dorsey was born in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, graduated from Nazareth Academy high school in Rochester, New York. After graduating from high school, Aida received her associate degree in liberal arts. Furthering her education, Aida received her Bachelor’s degree in Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Services. Aida continued her education in healthcare and received her Masters degree in Maser of science in Healthcare Administration. Currently, Aida is a seasoned professional in the healthcare services working in the Pathology / Lab administration setting improving patients’ lives with quality of services she and her team provide.

Aida wears many hats. Outside her role in the healthcare field, Aida has experience in managing reals estate. Following her passion Aida also manages musicians in the entertainment industry and helps the up-and-coming artists shine in their God given talent.

Partner

Afomia Seleshi

Ethiopian Legecy Professional Development & Consulting Firm CEO and UCLA Gradute at UCLA Anderson School of Management.