Intern Spotlight: Zalika

Zalika moved to Seattle with her family just over two years ago from Ethiopia. She was introduced to Accelerator Y's YTech program, which works in partnership with Horn of Africa Services to support recent immigrants and refugees through digital literacy training. In this 9-month course, Zalika joined three of her female classmates to develop a passionate presentation on their chosen community issue, gender inequality. The class worked together to identify local issues in their community and to develop solutions to such issues – the chosen issues ranged from plastic pollution to homelessness.

Following Zalika’s participation in the YTech cohort, she continued building technology competency with the Y, learning how to use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel to develop documents such as resumes and cover letters. 

With her new skills sharpened, Zalika has joined the team at Accelerator YMCA as a Development Intern. This summer, she will learn about fundraising, development, and community relations within the nonprofit sector. 

Zalika will enter her senior year of high school this coming fall. She dreams of going to college and becoming a nurse. She is motivated, hardworking and respectful; valuing her family, friends, faith and education. Accelerator Y is thrilled to have her on board!