Coming from the city of Addis Ababa, Betelhem is an Ethiopian immigrant who is passionate about exploring the complexities of intersectionality and Black diasporan identity. She graduated from Occidental College with a major in Diplomacy and World Affairs and a minor in Black Studies. While in college, she conduct independent field-research during her time in Ghana that explored the relationship Queer Ghanaians held with their national and religious identity. She also conducted research under the Occidental College Politics Department studying the reclamation of Black Archival history through the work of Saidiya Hartman. In her down time, Betelhem enjoys listening to afrobeats, organizing picnic dates with loved ones, and attending community events.