Betelhem was born in Ethiopia, and studied accounting at Haramaya University.
Seeking safety from tribal war she fled Ethiopia on her own.
In 2013 she arrived by boat in Australia, and was held in detention in Nauru, then Brisbane Immigration Transit Authority, then released into community detention. She got her freedom in 2017.
Betelhem is an ardent learner, having taken short courses when she could, and wishes to study again when permitted.
She has worked as an Accounting Officer in the Nauru Government, and as a cosmetic manufacturer on the Gold Coast.
Betelhem desires to contribute to immigration policy debate, and to help “change the rules”.
She wants to fight for the freedom of all asylum seekers especially her friends still in detention.