A graduate of Appalachian State University, Zakaria Miller majored in Communication Studies with a minor in European Studies. She was heavily involved in community service at Appalachian State, working as an Alternative Service Experience Peer Leader where she recruited undergraduates to commit to an international or a domestic service week. She also helped clean and rehabilitate trails, historic sites, and other locations impacted by hurricanes in the Virgin Islands with the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. As an intern for the Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge, she helped market and run events for their members. Zakaria’s hobbies include writing poetry, hiking, dancing, and scrapbooking. Zakaria was a part of the Northside cohort and served at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild.