Cherie Animashaun balances college homework with running a global nonprofit every morning. The 20-year-old Cornell University student leads Her Rising, an organization serving 5,000 members worldwide. Her nonprofit operates 90 chapters across the United States, Nigeria, Uganda, and India.
The Gen Z-led organization focuses on preparing young women of color for leadership roles. Her Rising provides step-by-step guidance for careers in policy, entrepreneurship, media, and advocacy. Animashaun’s vision has transformed from a local initiative into an international movement empowering young women globally.
From 12-Year-Old Vision to Global Movement
Animashaun conceived Her Rising when she was just 12 years old. The Illinois native had a passion for teaching and dreams of running for public office. She wanted to create a framework for young women of color to engage in leadership and politics.
By age 16, she had launched the organization independently in Evanston, Illinois. She hosted annual Girls Who Lead conferences at her local community center. “I was seeing students struggling financially, especially when it came to higher education and students who didn’t have the mentorship or a community that could uplift them,” Animashaun explained.
Her early efforts focused on addressing educational barriers and mentorship gaps. The young leader recognized that many students lacked supportive communities to help them succeed. This realization drove her to tackle these challenges through her nonprofit initiative.
Her Rising’s Global Campus Tour Creates Leadership Opportunities
Nearly a decade later, Animashaun has expanded Her Rising’s reach through the Girls Who Lead Campus Tour. The series brings industry leaders, policymakers, and successful women to college campuses nationwide. These events fill rooms with high school and college students eager to learn essential leadership skills.
Attendees learn practical skills like lobbying public officials, hosting events, and building public speaking confidence. “The biggest thing has been like, ‘How can I democratize opportunity and resources?'” Animashaun said. She believes the chapter system helps achieve this democratization of opportunities effectively.
When not managing partnership emails or grant applications, Animashaun creates viral TikTok content about nonprofit building. Her social media presence helps attract young people to Her Rising’s mission. This modern approach resonates with her Gen Z audience and expands the organization’s influence.
Breaking Barriers Through Virtual and In-Person Events
This summer, Her Rising hosted its inaugural Girls Who Lead virtual Gen Z Town Hall. The organization also held Women In Politics events featuring prominent leaders like California Congresswoman Sydney Kamalger-Dove. Other speakers included United Nations advisor Samia Shell and Dr. Kwamme Anderson from the Congressional Black Caucus Leadership Institute.
The virtual town hall sold out in just six hours with over 100 attendees. “Everyone was in unison, saying, they don’t have a space like this where women can come together and talk about the challenges that they face pursuing policy and politics,” Animashaun noted. This response highlighted the significant need for such platforms.
The success of these events demonstrates the hunger for meaningful connections among young women of color. Participants found community and support they couldn’t find elsewhere. These gatherings create lasting networks that extend beyond individual events.
Media Industry Leaders Share Insights at Brooklyn Event
Her Rising recently hosted a Girls Who Lead in Media event at Sweet Fire Cafe & Studio in Brooklyn. The gathering featured actress Navia Robinson, documentary producer Carmen Cee, and beauty influencer Toni Bravo. Dozens of young women attended to learn from these successful media professionals.
Attendees asked detailed questions about breaking into the media industry and developing creative discipline. They also learned how to advocate for themselves as women of color in competitive industries. The interactive format allowed for meaningful exchanges between participants and speakers.
Toni Bravo, who recently launched her makeup collection with Tower28, shared valuable insights about mentorship. “I’ve ultimately learned that all of the skills that I thought I needed to acquire I already had,” Bravo told attendees. She emphasized that young women already possess the tools needed to pursue their goals successfully.
Expanding Leadership Team and Future Digital Platform Plans
Her Rising’s campus tour has two remaining stops at Harvard University and the University of Michigan. These events will feature leaders from the legal industry alongside local and state politicians. Later this year, the organization plans to launch a digital learning platform with guided curriculum.
The new platform will focus specifically on careers in policy and advocacy. This expansion represents Her Rising’s commitment to providing comprehensive resources for aspiring leaders. The digital format will make these resources accessible to members worldwide.
Chelsea Acheampong serves as Her Rising’s chief operations officer after attending spring events. Loretta Dossou joined as co-director of events and programming through the same pathway. Both leaders have contributed significantly to the organization’s international growth during one summer of development.
Creating Lasting Impact Through Youth Leadership Development
For young women joining Her Rising’s leadership team, the organization provides invaluable hands-on experience. They help create environments where peers feel empowered to make meaningful change. This approach develops both leadership skills and confidence among participants.
“When I was thinking about jobs I wanted immediately after graduation, I didn’t really want to be like a cog in a machine,” Acheampong explained. She sought a position where she could make significant impact early in her career. Her Rising has provided exactly that opportunity for growth and influence.
The organization’s success stems from its peer-to-peer leadership model and authentic community building. Young women see themselves reflected in the leadership and feel inspired to pursue their own goals. This representation matters deeply in creating sustainable change and breaking down barriers to leadership opportunities.
