Mieraf Gebresellasie, a beacon of inspiration whose life journey spanned continents and cultures, passed away on April 9th 2024 in Busan, South Korea. Born on the eve of the Ethiopian New Year, September 10th, 1987 in Tenedba, Sudan. She is survived by her beloved dog Kopa, who was her baby, her mother Shiwanesh Hagdu, and her siblings Hana Misigina, Kahsay Gebresellasie, Mizan Howard, and Michael Abraha. Together with her extended global family, we mourn her loss while celebrating the incredible breadth of her life's work.
Mieraf flourished navigating dual identities, as her rich Ethiopian roots and her nurturing American environment melded to form a woman of profound grace and intricacy. She graduated from Garfield High School in Seattle in 2005, earned her Associate's Degree from North Seattle Community College in 2019, and completed her Bachelor's Degree in Film at the Seattle Film Institute in 2023.
Mieraf's career took flight in 2009 in Los Angeles, where she initially dabbled in acting and modeling. However, her true passion lay in storytelling, a path that came into clear focus over time. After a stint as a flight attendant, which allowed her to travel the world and experience life from a unique vantage point in the skies, she returned to Seattle in 2014, drawn back by a deepening interest in other pursuits.
A key moment in her career came with her involvement in the film "Hageraseb," released in 2015. This project held a special significance for Mieraf, mirroring her own life experiences and reinforcing her connection to her cultural heritage. In "Hageraseb," she was instrumental in casting, translation, and art production, cherishing the opportunity to recreate scenes reminiscent of her childhood in Yesler Terrace before its redevelopment. Her collaboration with Director Zia on "Hageraseb" was so impactful that she teamed up with him again for "Know Your Place," which premiered in 2022. In this subsequent project, she expanded her role, serving as both a casting director and producer, further cementing her stature in the film industry.
From June 2015 to June 2018, Mieraf Gebresellasie worked as a storyteller for CURE International in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In this role, she captured the daily life and special moments at the hospital through a variety of media, including blogs, photo essays, videos, and social media posts. Her work prominently featured the hospital staff, visitors, events, celebrations, spiritual outreaches, medical clinics, and training sessions, providing a comprehensive view of the hospital's environment and activities.
Mieraf also focused on documenting the personal journeys of children undergoing treatment at CURE Ethiopia, giving a voice to their experiences, and highlighting the transformative care they received. Additionally, she supported the hospital's marketing and donor engagement efforts by creating content that connected donors with the impact of their contributions. As a liaison between the donor program, the hospital, and both local and international volunteers, Mieraf facilitated communication and collaboration.
In between all of her creative projects Mieraf served as the HR Assistant Creative at PATH, she uniquely combined her creative talents and administrative skills. She worked on specialized storytelling projects that highlighted the impactful work of PATH employees both locally and internationally. Her contributions celebrated the global efforts of her colleagues, bringing their achievements to the forefront through her creative expression.
After her time at PATH, Mieraf followed her passion for exploration to South Korea, eager to delve into the culture of Asia. She found herself in Dongtan, South Korea, where she taught ESL to a diverse group of students ranging from elementary to high school age. At this after-school academy, she was dedicated to assessing her students' comprehension of the material, grading tests and homework assignments diligently. Mieraf also provided personalized feedback through quarterly report cards, ensuring parents and guardians were well-informed of their children’s progress. Additionally, she conducted one-on-one tutoring sessions, tailoring her teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student and enhancing their learning experience.
In her commitment to staying in the program, Mieraf returned to Seattle to complete her Bachelor's Degree while remaining dedicated to her education, artistic pursuits, and community involvement. During this period, she welcomed her cherished companion, Kopa, into her life, forging an unbreakable bond. In January of 2024, Mieraf embraced her adventurous spirit once again, returning to South Korea where she thrived in her element, immersing herself in new experiences, from hiking to cultural exploration, and continuing her impactful work with youth.
Mieraf's journey was a captivating mix of creativity, passion, and strong dedication to the diverse communities she embraced as her own. Recognized for her deep love for children, she acted as a caring figure not only to her family members but also to many others in her community. Over the years, she nurtured and guided countless young people, leaving a lasting impact on their lives with her endless kindness and wisdom. Her story, woven from the lives she touched, will continue to inspire and resonate with future generations as a timeless source of hope and encouragement.
The family of Mieraf Gebresellasie have entrusted the care of their loved one to the staff of Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, Crematory and Cemetery.
A funeral service for Mieraf will be held Thursday, April 25, 11:00 AM at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133, followed by a graveside service.
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