Zelalem Mehretu is a Poet and Coordinator of the HOHE literature award organizing team. Zelalem earned His MA degree in business and finance, BA in business management.

He has worked in Ethiopian press agency as editor in the daily Addis Zemen newspaper. Also he has worked as a senior communication officer in Ethiopian revenue and customs authority and communication manager in Ubuntu Leadership Institute. He lectures business and communication courses at Admass University.

Zelalem is a poet who is active in performing and organizing different literature events and he published three poetry and short story books with co-writers.