Meet Our Leadership Team - 2025
Co-Founder & President
Evanie Efrem
Hi! My name is Evanie Efrem, and I am the co-founder of Mekedonia Youth Organization. I’m a rising junior in high school with a passion for helping others. I started a tutoring program at my church to help students excel and feel confident in school. I’m also involved in clubs like CSF and volunteer at Twin Lakes Food Bank. In my free time, I enjoy being with family and friends and leading my church youth choir. I am dedicated to making a positive impact on homeless, elderly, and disabled individuals in Ethiopia.
Co-Founder & Vice President
Liana Efrem
My name is Liana Efrem, and I am a rising 9th-grade student from Sacramento. I co-founded the Mekedonia Youth Organization to support the homeless in Ethiopia and empower youth globally. In middle school, I developed leadership skills through various clubs and co-founded a tutoring program for students in my church community. I am one of the choir leaders at my church and volunteer at Twin Lakes Food Bank. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes.
Director of Media and Marketing - Missouri
Hezkiel Dubale
Hello! I am Hezkiel Dubale, a sophomore in the STL area. I am currently a lead on community service within MAC Scholars, a multicultural committee. I’m active in the student council, HOSA, and have experience coaching youth basketball and managing social media for communities. I maintain a 4.56 GPA, enjoy reading and watching videos, and have an adorable 6-year-old cat.
Director of Community Outreach - Missouri
Ezana Dubale
Hi! I’m Ezana, and I’m in the 10th grade. I take all AP and Honors classes and have maintained the honor roll for quite a while now! I previously played basketball during my time off, but now I like writing and calling my friends. I’m on a job search, which is tough when you’re 15 years old! I specialize in community outreach because of my connections and people skills.
Director of Media and Marketing - Massachusetts
Lucy Haile
I am a 10th-grade student and president of the class of 2027. I participate in seven clubs, co-founded a tutoring program for the Habesha community, and have completed over 100 hours of community service. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, always looking for ways to make a positive impact.
Director of Media and Marketing - Massachusetts
Betel Daniel
Hi! I'm Betel Daniel, a 16-year-old Junior in high school passionate about community service. As a National Honor Society member and co-founder of a tutoring program for Habesha youth, I focus on academic excellence and helping others. I love spending time with loved ones and finding inspiration in art and nature!
Director of Fundraising - Sacramento
Sade Yimer
Hi, my name is Sade Yimer and I am the director of fundraising for Mekedonia Youth Organization and I am a freshman. In my free time I enjoy running, studying, and spending time with my friends at school and at Church! I am so excited to perform my leadership position for Mekedonia and to be apart of this journey!
Director of Community Outreach - Kansas
Rebekah Tariku
I am a sophomore and currently a board executive for the Diversity Club and co-founder of the STEM Research Club. I also participate in the Followers of Christ (FCS), Pre-Medical Seekers Club, and Sources of Strength. Outside of school, I hold leadership roles in my church and taekwondo studio as a Sunday School and Taekwondo Instructor. Taekwondo has instilled virtues like humility and compassion in me while enhancing my communication skills and confidence. This experience has deepened my faith, which I share with other youths.
Director of Fundraising - Kansas
Abby Denekew
My name is Abby Denekew, and I’m a high school freshman involved in BSU, Pre-medical Seekers, Relay for Life, and FCS. I love dancing and running, and I worked at a taekwondo studio mentoring kids. This role taught me valuable life skills like kindness and self-awareness. At school, I participate in track and field and dance, and I teach Sunday School for kids at my church. I enjoy attending church weekly as well.
Director of Media and Marketing - Maryland
Michael Berhanu
As a sophomore on my high school's debate and mock trial teams, I have experience advocating for various causes, including addressing homelessness. I'm also starting a non-profit with friends to tackle school lunch debt for underprivileged families, utilizing a social media campaign to attract donors and support. I take great pride in my Ethiopian heritage, which motivates me to help improve my home country.
Director of Community Outreach - Virginia
Nathan Muzeyen
My name is Nathan Muzeyen, a high school freshman. I'm passionate about soccer, video games, and community service. I build PCs and pilot as my skills. I'm the school rep for the local library’s teen advisory board and involved in the Civil Air Patrol, Ethio-Eritrean Association, Wegene youth club, and my school’s homeless outreach. I look forward to helping those in need and working with new members.
Director of Community Outreach - Sacramento
Nemhiya Girma
My name is Nemhiya Girma, and I am currently a sophomore in high school. I have been a deacon at Mekane Sebhat Kidist Selassie Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church for six years, and I've been teaching zema (melodies) to new deacons for two years. Also, I am a part of the church’s choir and have recently begun teaching the word of God.
I'm looking forward to helping those in need and supporting those in Ethiopia.
Director of Fundraising - Kansas
Eliada Siraj
Hi, I'm Eliada Siraj, the Director of Fundraising in Kansas. I'm a freshman in high school, taking AP and Honors classes while leading over 7 clubs, including HOSA and Medical Club. I have a year of tutoring experience and am passionate about fundraising for cancer research, teaching at my church’s Sunday School, and volunteering. My leadership has deepened my faith and compassion. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball and spending time with friends and family. I'm excited about the chance to make a positive impact in my community!
Director of Community Outreach - Kansas
Liya Daniel
Hello! My name is Liya Daniel, and I am the Director of Community Outreach in Kansas. I am a sophomore in high school and serve on my school’s Black Student Union and Student Council. One of my favorite hobbies is reading, and I do it in my free time.
Director of Fundraising - Sacramento
Soliana Mamo
My name is Soliana Mamo, and I am a sophomore. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, participating in soccer and running, and traveling. Additionally, I have a strong commitment to serving my community with a particular focus on initiatives that support the homeless population.
Director of Community Outreach - Sacramento
Soliana Yohannes
My name is Soliana Yohannes, and I am in 10th grade. When I was younger, I used to feed homeless people in Ethiopia. I also tutor kids at my church. I'm really excited to serve as the director of community outreach in Sacramento. In my free time, I enjoy drawing and playing soccer for fun. I like to hang out with my friends and go to church.
Director of Community Outreach - Sacramento
Helina Nebiyu
My name is Helina Nebiyu, and I’m currently a junior. At my school, I take on leadership roles in clubs where I can make a positive impact on my peers and inspire change in my community. In my free time, I enjoy making art, listening to music, and being with my friends. I’m very excited to be the Director of Community Outreach in Sacramento for MYO!
Director of Community Outreach - New Jersey
Raey Meaza
Hi, I’m Raey Meaza, the Director of Community Outreach in New Jersey. I immigrated from Ethiopia and am now a high school freshman. I’m passionate about creativity and making an impact through innovative projects. I also love reading, writing, and poetry, with aspirations to become an English teacher. I’m excited to be part of the Mekedonia Youth Organization!
Director of Media and Marketing - Sacramento
Hilena Daniel
My name is Hilena Daniel, and I'm a 12th grader involved in the CODE Pathway and the girls’ computing club. Through the Design and Technology Academy (DATA), I focus on civic engagement and coding with HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Python. I also enjoy playing beach volleyball, which I did for seven years.
Director of Community Outreach - Sacramento
Ezana Daniel
My name is Ezana Daniel, and I am the Director of Community Outreach in Sacramento. I am currently a sophomore in high school and have been serving as a deacon at Mekane Sebhat Kidist Sellasie Orthodox Tewahedo Church for about six years. I am eager to be part of the Mekedonia Youth Organization to help those in need.
Director of Fundraising - Missouri
Soliana Tsegai
Bio coming soon
Assistant Director of Fundraising - Sacramento
Meklit Aidomias
My name is Meklit Aidomias, and I am the Assistant Director of Fundraising for the Mekedonia Youth Organization. I am currently in eighth grade. In addition to my leadership role at MYO, I have held various positions at my school, including office aide and peer tutor. I possess valuable skills in budgeting, money management, and journaling, which help me stay focused on my goals and maintain organization. I also enjoy playing sports, particularly volleyball. I am passionate about raising funds to support those in Ethiopia who are in need.
Assistant Director of Fundraising - Sacramento
Bethlehem Richard
Hi! My name is Bethlehem Richard. I'm in seventh grade. In my free time, I enjoy reading and ice skating. I want to join Mekedonia Youth because I want to lend a helping hand to the homeless people in Ethiopia. I will do my best to spread awareness and raise donations to help those in need. I'm super excited to join!
Director of Community Outreach - North Carolina
Samuel Getachew
My name is Samuel Getachew, and I am in eighth grade. I have experience volunteering for community service and have skills in drawing and writing. In my free time, I enjoy coding on Scratch, reading, and drawing.
Assistant Director of Community Outreach - North Carolina
Arron Getachew
My name is Arron Getachew, and I am currently in 7th grade. I have dedicated several hours to volunteer work, which has helped me develop my leadership skills. I enjoy sports and excel in communication, and in my free time, I love playing soccer and exploring technology.
Assistant Director of Community Outreach - North Carolina
Musse Getachew
My name is Musse Getachew, and I am a 7th grader with several hours of volunteering experience in various activities. I have skills in determination and communication. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports and exploring technology.