Zekarias is a member of the Ethiopian Youth Council for Higher Opportunities through the International Youth Speak Out Project.

I am a 21-year old man born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During my high school and college years, I became very involved in sexual and reproductive health issues, HIV prevention, and environmental protection. Since then, I have worked as a volunteer for different youth development programs in collaboration with youth associations and networks, NGOs, UNICEF, UNAIDS and community-based organizations.  I have attended different workshops and conferences on life skills, media, communications, advocacy and community mobilization. In addition, I am a national coach for the Youth Transformational Leadership Program and Life Skills Education Program.  Currently, I am proud to be a catalyst for change as a member of Ethiopian Youth Council for Higher Opportunities (ECHO), hosted by the Talent Youth Association, in collaboration with Advocates for Youth. I received my university diploma in English.