Founder Bio

Elsa Mengistu works across strategy, culture, and community to bring people together in ways that feel intentional, impactful, and alive. Her multidisciplinary practice blends movement-building, convening, nightlife, creativity, community, and care. All of which is rooted in the belief that social change must be felt, not just seen.

Elsa currently serves as the Director of Programming at Black Girl Environmentalist, where she builds ecosystems of care for Black girls, women, and gender-expansive people through green workforce development, mentorship, and community programming.

As a renowned leader, she creates ground-breaking activations to serve a global community of over 3,000 members in one of the fastest growing Black youth networks. Leading a team of 30+ volunteers, staff, and program participants, BGE has hosted over 200 events in the last two years; launched innovative programs; and is an emerging force within the Environmental Movement.

Alongside this work, Elsa creates cultural experiences that center joy, release, and connection — from Afrobeats parties and mixers to floral workshops, cannabis programming, game nights, and intimate community gatherings.

She is the creative visionary behind Black Hause, a successful nightlife series fusing house, afro-beats, dancehall, and rap for local shakers and movers across the country. She works with First We Dance to bring together thousands of diaspora to an Afro-Rave, created just for them at the hottest venues.

Based in Washington, DC, and a graduate of Howard University, Elsa is committed to being an active citizen of the city she loves.

Her work is guided by curiosity and a devotion to building a future where social good, community, fun, and business are the standard.