Today we’d like to introduce you to Zahn Whiyee.
Zahn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story started in Monrovia, Liberia. As a little girl, my family and I fled for our lives during the civil war that ran havoc throughout the whole country. My family was blessed to make it through the war with little to no problems, we lost family members but my immediate family survived. However, a lot of people weren’t so lucky. Children were separated from their parents, young girls were taken as child wives to soldiers and rebels. Men were killed or forced to join the rebels. Children were pinned against their parents in exchange for food or survival. People not only lost their lives but body parts. Young boys were made to rape women old enough to be their mother’s. While fleeing for our lives, I saw dead bodies as if they were leaves. The war changed me I appreciate life and see it differently. Things that most people worry about I don’t take thought on. When faced with difficult situations, I always remind myself that if I survived the war I can and will survive anything life throws at me. We lost everything, our home was routed and we came back to nothing. Before I came to the states, I promised my favorite uncle who saved us during the war (who is now deceased that I won’t forget home) to return and make a difference. I’ll accomplish that promise till my dying day.
The war created a lot of orphans. In 2008, I started my organization by telling my story of what I witnessed during the war as a child and the impact it’s had on me with 10 of my closest friends through email. Following that, I received an overwhelming amount of support. That led me to revise my initial email and asking them for gently used clothes and shoes (it was around Christmas time and I remembered how new clothes was so important to us back home). My goal was 50 children and I was able to bless over 100 children at the Temas orphanage in Liberia. After that, I continued collecting clothes, shoes, and books for the kids back home. My goal is to support teenage moms and young girls by providing them with sustainable resources etc a trade that’ll enable them to be independent and take care of their children.
In Atlanta, I started a prom drive. This year, I was able to bless girls with dresses, shoes, makeup and nail polish to see them off to school. My goal is to assist these young women throughout their school journey by providing them with mentorship and expanding their sphere of influence. I’m collecting school supplies for the kids here as well as back home in Liberia. I believe that if I can help change the trajectory of one girl’s life, she can change 10 and that 10 can change 1000’s. I’m a strong believer in community and helping those less fortunate because as a kid running for my life in Liberia community kept us alive by opening their doors to us, feeding us and directing us through the maze of rebel territory.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s definitely been a learning lesson for sure. I’ve cried many nights due to things not going as planned. Bing a giver I’ve had people take advantage of my good heart which led me to almost give up on the idea of having a non-profit organization. The last big clothing drive I had for the orphans in Liberia was a success, so I thought. I’ve been in the states since I was eight and a half. My immediate relatives all live here in the states so finding trustworthy people who won’t use you as a contact in Liberia has been hard. I collected, sorted out clean and prepared to bless over 500 kids in Liberia from my last big drive in 2012. Let’s just say the kids didn’t get anything due to someone selling and distributing the clothes to their friends and family. That depleted me, I took a break and focused on myself and making a difference in GA. I educated myself about sex trafficking and volunteered at women shelters for women and children who were victims of sex trafficking. I started back on my organization in 2014. Instead of a big clothing drive, I made it small and shipped smaller amounts home. I partnered up with Kona Rescue Mission who has a school in Liberia. I felt comfortable knowing the kids will receive the goods meant for them.
In 2018, I got the idea of doing a prom dress giveaway from my friend. Her sister lived with her and the cost of a new dress for prom was out the budget. I donated a bridesmaid dress of mine to her and she was able to make it her own. From there, I set out to bless more girls who are thriving in school but lack the support, in their home.
What else should our readers know?
My organization is catering towards young women like myself who’ve had a difficult start in life. Our goal is to link each girl with a mentor who will be able to help them during tough times and celebrate their victories with them. We’re known for our clothing drives which allows us to bless those less fortunate with clothes and shoes needed for everyday life. It brings me joy to see the smile on the faces of the children that we’re serving. It’s an unexplainable high that I love, to me nothing in the world amounts to the look of pure gratitude from someone who wasn’t expecting a thing. My company is different from most organizations because we’re not just giving physically to those in need but we’re walking with them and helping them along the way. The ticket is education.
What were you like growing up?
As a child, I was a kind-hearted kid. I’ve always loved helping people. When my older sister would get in trouble and my mom tried to punish her, I’d cry as if it was me. I was adventurous. Growing up, I was the only girl amongst six boy cousins and they didn’t give me any special treatment. Before the war life was perfect. I was a bit of a nerd although I was popular in school. I used to read a book a week. I’d literally disappear in my own world with a good book. In school, I’d get my work done first and then joke with my friends. I loved to read, draw and sing. I won several awards for my artwork and every year my artwork was displayed for thousands to see at the Wisconsin state fair. I thought I was going to be a singer or an artist but my dad felt that wasn’t good enough. Math and science came easy for me. Due to my love for art and math, I went to school for engineering and later changed it to accounting.
Contact Info:
- Website: Libbygirlinc.org
- Phone: 4703101686
- Email: LibbyGirlInc@gmail.com
- Instagram: libbygirlinc
- Facebook: LibbyGirlINC
Image Credit:
Integrity Photos
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