Meet Our Leadership Team - 2026
Co-Founder & President
Evanie Efrem
Hi! My name is Evanie Efrem, and I am the co-founder of Mekedonia Youth Organization. I’m a 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 sophomore student from Sacramento. I co-founded the Mekedonia Youth Organization to support homeless people in Ethiopia and empower youth worldwide. 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 Fundraising - Missouri
Hezkiel Dubale
Hello! I am Hezkiel Dubale, a junior 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 Guest Speaker - Missouri
Ezana Dubale
Hi! I’m Ezana, and I’m a junior. 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 Content Creator - Massachusetts
Lucy Haile
I am an 11th-grade student and the 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 Content Creator - Massachusetts
Betel Daniel
Hi! I'm Betel Daniel, a 17-year-old senior 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 Guest Speaker - Sacramento
Sade Yimer
Hi, my name is Sade Yimer. I am the Director of Guest Speakers for Mekedonia Youth Organization and a sophomore. In my free time, I enjoy running, studying, and spending time with my friends at school and at Church! I am so excited to take on my leadership role at Mekedonia and be part of this journey!
Director of Member Engagement - Kansas
Rebekah Tariku
I am a junior 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 Community Outreach - Kansas
Abby Denekew
My name is Abby Denekew, and I’m a high school sophomore 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.
Community Outreach Team - Maryland
Michael Berhanu
My name is Michael, and I am a junior. I have been on my high school's debate and mock trial teams since my freshman year. 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.
Video Producer/ Editor -Virginia
Nathan Muzeyen
My name is Nathan Muzeyen, a high school sophomore. 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.
Community Outreach Team - Sacramento
Nemhiya Girma
My name is Nemhiya Girma, and I am currently a high school junior 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.
Fundraising Campaign Developer - Kansas
Eliada Siraj
Hi, I'm Eliada Siraj. I'm a high school sophomore taking AP and Honors classes while leading over 7 clubs, including HOSA and the 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!
Fundraising Campaign Developer - Kansas
Liya Daniel
Hello! My name is Liya Daniel. I am a junior 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.
Fundraising Campaign Developer - Sacramento
Soliana Mamo
My name is Soliana Mamo, and I am a junior. 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.
Commuinty Outreach Team - Sacramento
Soliana Yohannes
My name is Soliana Yohannes, and I am in 11th 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 community outreach team in Sacramento. In my free time, I enjoy drawing and playing soccer. I like to hang out with my friends and go to church.
Virtual Games & Activities Coordinator - New Jersey
Raey Meaza
Hi, I’m Raey Meaza. I immigrated from Ethiopia, and I am currently a high school sophomore. I am passionate about creativity and making an impact through innovative projects. I also enjoy reading, writing, and poetry, and I aspire to become an English teacher. I’m excited to be a part of the Mekedonia Youth Organization!
Graphic Designer - Missouri
Solina Tsegai
Hi, my name is Soli Tsegai. I am a Senior in the KC area, and I participate in 6 organizations at school - 4 of them in leadership. When I'm not at school, I am a senior Sunday School teacher, and I have an internship at my local hospital. I am passionate about my community, medicine, and political outreach! I am excited about this chance to better serve people in need.
Virtual Games & Activities Coordinator - Sacramento
Meklit Aidomias
My name is Meklit Aidomias. I am currently a high school freshman. 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 need in Ethiopia.
Fundraising Campaign Developer - Los Angeles
Noami Workneh
Hi, my name is Naomi Workneh, and I am a junior in high school. I enjoyed reading in my free time, and I play beach volleyball for my school. I love volunteering and any chance to serve my community, which is why I am excited to be on this team and make a positive impact.
Graphic Designer - San Diego
Omega Mesfin
Hi, I am Omega Mesfin, and I am currently a junior. I have a strong passion for community service, having completed over 75 volunteer hours, including serving my local community. I am hoping to pursue a career in medicine, specializing in Pediatrics. I am actively involved in BSU and Interact Club, and I serve as a secretary of HOSA. I love spending time at my church, deepening my academic knowledge, and playing sports with my friends. I am excited to continue serving my community and growing with Mekedonia this year!
Fundraising Campaign Developer -
Christina Fikru
Hello, my name is Christina Fikru. I am a second-year student at New York University, majoring in a joint concentration in technology and Finance on a pre-law track. Currently, I work for the Dean's office in my department and serve as a global ambassador. I enjoy traveling, art, and discovering new hobbies.
Virtual Games & Activities Coordinator - Los Angeles
Rakeb Zelealem
Hi, I am Rakeb Zelealem, a sophomore. I serve as a virtual game and activity coordinator. In my free time, I like to spend time with friends and have new experiences. I'm so excited to take on this leadership role at Mekedonia and help make a change!
Video Producer/ Editor - North Carolina
Samuel Getachew
My name is Samuel Getachew. I am currently a high school freshman. 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.
Virtual Games & Activities Coordinator - North Carolina
Arron Getachew
My name is Arron Getachew, and I am currently in 8th 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.
Community Outreach Team - North Carolina
Musse Getachew
My name is Musse Getachew, and I am a 8th 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.
Our Leadership Team - 2025
Director of Fundraising Team
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Sade yimer
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Abby Denekew
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Soliana Mamo
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Eliada Siraj
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Solina Tsegai
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Meklit Aidomias
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Bethlehem Richard
Director of Media and Marketing Team
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Hezkiel Dubale
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Lucy Haile
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Betel Daniel
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Michael Berhanu
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Soliana Tsegai
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Meklit Aidomias
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Bethlehem Richard
Director of Community Outreach Team
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Ezana Dubale
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Rebekah Tariku
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Nathan Muzeyen
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Nemhiya Girma
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Liya Daniel
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Soliana Yohannes
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Helina Nebiyu
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Raey Meaza
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Hilena Daniel
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Ezana Daniel
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Samuel Getachew
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Arron Getachew
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Musse Getachew