Zela has over 20 years of experience in project conceptualization, project management, communications, and community development. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Mission Foundation Movement, leading initiatives in skill development, healthcare, women empowerment, entrepreneurship, rural development, nursing education, and livelihood promotion across Mizoram
He graduated from Patkai Christian College and pursued further international studies and leadership training, including the Intensive Perspective Course at the US Center for World Mission in 2007 and Biblical Studies in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2009. He also received seven years of mentorship in management under Singaporean Entrepreneur Mr. Wong Lee. In recognition of his contributions to social development and leadership, Dunster Business School, Switzerland conferred upon him an Honorary Doctorate in Management in 2025
Over the years, he has received several prestigious recognitions, including the National Youth Award in 2014, becoming the first Mizo recipient, the Young Achiever’s Award by Achiever’s World (2021) Social Entrepreneur of the Year – Icons of Asia Award (2022), and the Best NGO for Skill Development & Employability Enhancing Skills Award at the House of Lords, British Parliament, London in 4th Nov, 2022.
On 17th October 2024 he delivered a speech at the United Nations, Geneva on the challenges and best practices relating to widowhood.
Professionally, he managed mining projects in Meghalaya, and since 2022 has worked as a Translator and Language Expert under a Translation Project with the Department of Education, Indiana State, USA.
Under his leadership, MFM implemented several impactful national and international projects, including a healthcare initiative funded by the Embassy of Japan in 2015 and COVID-19 vaccination and immunization programs across Mizoram supported by USAID and the Government of India.
He has collaborated with organizations such as PwC, Deloitte, HSBC, World Bank, JICA and various Government of India ministries. He is widely recognized for building result-oriented teams while maintaining strong organizational values and program quality.
He currently serves on several national and state-level committees, contributing to policy development, youth empowerment, and workforce development initiatives. His current appointments include:
National committee on Skill Development & Livelihood Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
Commission Member, Mizoram Youth Commission, Government of Mizoram
Executive Member, Mizoram State Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (MSSDM), Government of Mizoram
He has been invited as a speaker at National & International youth conferences and leadership summits, delivering presentations on youth leadership, sustainable development, social entrepreneurship, and community development. His speaking engagements include international conferences and workshops in various colleges in Mizoram, Mizoram Univeristy, Amsterdam, and at the University of Sydney where he has shared insights on empowering young people, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
