Asmara Sium

Asmara defines herself as nothing more than a person that cares enough to try. She has 20 years of experience working in community organizing and advocacy, focusing on hard to reach and under-resourced communities. From grassroots organizing to executive leadership roles, Asmara’s primary focus is on developing and implementing programmatic and growth strategies for nonprofits and community-based organizations. Her latest venture places her firmly within the creative industry, as co-owner of Creative Grounds DC, a hybrid coffee bar and arts space. A dedicated community gathering space, Creative Grounds DC goes beyond the traditional coffee bar model to include an arts program for adults and children, event rental, and exhibition space. Her passion for supporting the growth of nonprofits and, now, Creative Grounds DC has allowed her to fully realize the value of creative industries and her role in this industry. Navigating the last few years of community organizing has taught Asmara how to be part of a community and a person in this world. She is a first-generation Eritrean-American born and raised in the DMV area.