Young Leader Balances Cornell Studies with Global Nonprofit Work
Cherie Animashaun is only 20 years old, yet she is already leading a powerful global movement. While studying at Cornell University, she also runs Her Rising, a nonprofit with more than 5,000 student members and 90 chapters across the United States, Nigeria, Uganda, and India.
Her Rising equips young women of color with the tools to succeed in politics, media, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Despite her demanding college workload, Animashaun manages daily responsibilities like organizing events, applying for grants, and even creating viral videos to spread her mission. “The biggest thing has been like, ‘How can I democratize opportunity and resources?’” she explained.
From Evanston Roots to a Global Stage
Animashaun grew up in Evanston, Illinois. She was only 12 when she began shaping the idea that would become Her Rising. By 16, she had launched the group in her hometown and hosted annual Girls Who Lead conferences to bring young women together.
She was motivated by what she saw around her. “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, so I wanted to tackle that with my nonprofit,” she said.
Girls Who Lead Events Inspire Students Nationwide
Today, Her Rising is known for its Girls Who Lead Campus Tour. The series brings women leaders and policymakers to universities, teaching young women how to lobby, network, and build confidence as speakers. The events create a supportive space where students can learn directly from powerful role models.
This summer, Her Rising also hosted its first Gen Z Town Hall, which sold out in just six hours. Attendees heard from California congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, UN advisor Samia Shell, and Dr. Kwamme Anderson from the Congressional Black Caucus Leadership Institute. For many participants, it was the first time they found a community focused on Black women in leadership.
Building Confidence in Media and Advocacy
Her Rising’s work extends beyond politics. At a recent event in Brooklyn, dozens of young women gathered for Girls Who Lead in Media. They asked questions to actress Navia Robinson, producer Carmen Cee, and beauty influencer Toni Bravo about how to succeed in creative industries.
Bravo, who launched her first makeup collection with Tower28, shared her advice. “I’ve ultimately learned that all of the skills that I thought I needed to acquire I already had,” she said. Her words encouraged attendees to trust their abilities and boldly step into leadership roles.
Expanding Her Rising’s Global Reach
The nonprofit is not slowing down. The campus tour still has stops at Harvard University and the University of Michigan, where students will meet leaders in law and politics. Later this year, Her Rising will launch a digital learning platform to give young women even more access to career guidance in policy and advocacy.
Animashaun also surrounds herself with a strong team. Chelsea Acheampong, the organization’s chief operations officer, and Loretta Dossou, co-director of events, both started as event attendees before joining the leadership team. “This organization has given me the chance to make impact early on,” Acheampong said.
A Generation Rising Together
At just 20, Animashaun has built more than a nonprofit. She has sparked a global movement that helps young Black women and girls believe in their power to lead. Her Rising continues to create spaces where they can dream bigger, work together, and step into leadership roles across every industry.
