Selam Nigussie Demssie

About Selam Nigussie Demssie

We are building ecosystems that restore equity, amplify culture, and create generational opportunity.My journey combines grassroots social justice work, immigrant advocacy, cultural entrepreneurship, and real estate vision into a unified mission: empower communities through dignity-centered design, storytelling, and economic development.Through TILET, I lead a growing collective focused on fashion, art, and heritage-driven business. From traditional children’s dresses to modern African digital art and custom cultural pieces, TILET showcases the brilliance of Ethiopian and Pan-African artisanship. Under TILET, our fashion line connects producers in Ethiopia with global diaspora buyers, ensuring living wages and global recognition for culturally-rooted craftsmanship.In parallel, I co-founded Fairfield, a social justice and housing equity initiative rooted in Seattle. Fairfield provides economic and leadership training for immigrant women, board equity coaching, and systems change consulting for housing and public service organizations. Our long-term goal is to bridge access to land, housing, and dignified work for marginalized communities across the globe.That vision is now scaling into a family-led real estate venture in Addis Ababa. On a square meter property in the heart of City, we are launching a mixed-use commercial and residential development that will integrate community-centered design, economic equity, and job creation. This will be Fairfield’s flagship international project, with construction planned for 2028. We are currently open to investor inquiries, site tours, and diaspora partnerships.Whether I’m advising a housing commission, designing a children’s dress, or planning the next phase of community infrastructure, I center culture, justice, and ownership in everything I do.Let’s connect if you’re interested in: • Diaspora investment & Ethiopian real estate • Culturally rooted fashion or art partnerships • Housing equity or board equity consulting • Ethical sourcing and global creative supply chains

Experience

1. Property Manager

   Everett Housing Authority

   Nov 2025 — Present · Everett, WA, US

   In this role, I support a 100+ unit community,drive operational excellence and regulatory compliance,oversee inspections, reporting, and partner coordination,and lead a resident-centered approach to stability and service delivery.Honored to contribute to EHA’s mission of safe, dignified, and affordable housing.

Education

• Highline College

  Associate's degree, General Studies

• The Ohio State University

  Bachelor's degree, Economics

• South Seattle College

  Certificate, Medical Insurance and billing

• School of Tomorrow Ethiopia

  High School Diploma

• Addis Ababa University

  Bachelor's degree, Economics

• Columbus State Community College

  Associate's degree, Black and White Photography/ Marketing/ General Studies/ Accounting

• Cornell University

  Diversity and Inclusion Certificate