Meet ZaKira Rogers of Mentoring for H.E.R., Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to ZaKira Rogers.

Hi ZaKira, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Being a first-generation college student with little to no knowledge of what to expect, I often felt lost trying to navigate higher education and my future. That experience sparked a deep desire in me to make sure other students from similar backgrounds wouldn’t have to face those same struggles alone. I wanted to become the mentor I never had, someone who could guide, uplift, and open doors for the next generation.

During my very first semester of college, I turned that passion into purpose and founded Mentoring for H.E.R. Inc., which stands for High-Reaching, Empowering, and Radiant. What began as a small idea to support a few young women on campus has grown into a thriving nonprofit organization of young leaders from North Carolina A&T State University and Bennett College, all committed to empowering youth across Guilford County and surrounding areas.

Since our founding, Mentoring for H.E.R. has partnered with over 10 schools, numerous community organizations, and minority-owned businesses to provide mentorship, leadership development, and community support. While our roots are in uplifting young women, our programs now serve all students who can benefit from guidance, encouragement, and real-world learning experiences. We have also awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships to incoming women freshmen at North Carolina A&T, continuing our commitment to opening doors of opportunity for future leaders.

What started as a personal mission has grown into a movement rooted in service, empowerment, and opportunity for all. Every time I see a young person recognize their own potential, I am reminded why I began this journey: to create the opportunities I once needed and to make sure every student knows they are seen, capable, and worthy of success.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely been a journey, but I would never call it a bad one. Every step has been filled with lessons, growth, and faith. One of the first challenges I faced was how quickly Mentoring for H.E.R. Inc. began to grow. What started as a small college initiative took off faster than I ever expected, and I suddenly found myself leading an organization without the formal structure or experience I thought I needed.

For a long time I was hesitant to register as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit because of fear and a lack of knowledge about the process. Looking back, that hesitation caused us to miss out on funding and opportunities that could have helped us expand sooner. It also taught me the importance of learning as you go and giving yourself grace while growing into your purpose.

Another challenge came when I graduated from North Carolina A&T. I had to learn how to trust the organization with the next generation of student leaders, which was both difficult and deeply rewarding. Watching others take ownership of the mission and continue the work has been one of the greatest blessings of this journey.

Through it all I have been surrounded by incredible people including students, educators, and community leaders throughout Greensboro who have guided me, supported me, and believed in the vision. I owe so much to them. Every part of this experience has reminded me that leadership is not about doing it alone; it is about building something that lasts beyond you.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Mentoring for H.E.R. Inc., which stands for High Reaching, Empowering, and Radiant, is a student-led nonprofit organization that was founded on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University. What makes us truly unique is that the organization continues to be completely led and operated by college students. From programming and partnerships to event planning and outreach, every initiative is driven by students who are passionate about uplifting others and making a real difference in their community.

While mentorship is an important part of what we do, Mentoring for H.E.R. is much more than that. We focus on equipping students with the tools, experiences, and confidence they need to excel in every area of life. Our work includes after-school enrichment programs, college and career readiness support, community service projects, and scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen. We partner with local schools, organizations, and minority-owned businesses to create meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect learning to leadership.

Our mission is to create sustainable impact through education, service, and empowerment. We are known for building genuine relationships with both students and educators, and for creating spaces where young people can grow into leaders while still being supported by a community that believes in them.

What I want readers to know most is that Mentoring for H.E.R. is proof that when students are trusted, supported, and empowered, they can transform not only their own lives but entire communities. We are a living example of what happens when young people are given the chance to lead with heart, vision, and purpose.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The next few years will bring a lot of change for youth development and education programs. We are already seeing major shifts in how education is supported across the country. With the Department of Education being dismantled and federal funding for after-school and mentoring programs becoming less stable, organizations like Mentoring for H.E.R., Inc. have to be more resourceful than ever.

What gives me hope is that young people and local communities are stepping up in powerful ways. More programs are becoming student-led, community-based, and creative about how they make an impact. I think we will see more collaboration between schools, small businesses, and grassroots organizations that truly understand what their communities need.

For us, this moment is about staying flexible and focused on our purpose. We are not waiting for the system to catch up; we are creating spaces where students can still learn, lead, and succeed no matter what changes come next.

Pricing:

• Donate via CashApp: $HERMentoring
• Donate via Zelle: mentoringforher1@gmail.com
• Donante via Paypal: mentoringforher1@gmail.com

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentoringforher?igsh=MXdycXJuMzZ3bzVxcw==
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/zakira-rogers-893667169

Image Credits
Mentoring for H.E.R., Inc.