Emily Zhang ‘23 is the founder of the nonprofit organization, Future For Her (FFH), which is committed to empowering underprivileged young girls and broadening their academic horizons, specifically in business and STEM. Established in 2021, FFH educates girls on situations beyond the classroom, so they feel confident pursuing a college degree.

Zhang has faced many obstacles in growing the organization. However, through grit and patience, she successfully advanced FFH, finding partnerships with schools in Philadelphia and empowering a large population of underprivileged girls.

The following questions are from a conversation with Zhang, where she describes her experiences with FFH.

What are your intended mission, values, and vision for FFH?

FFH is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to empowering underserved middle school girls to pursue business in entrepreneurship and various STEM fields. The foundation shows them the opportunities the future offers, especially since women are underrepresented in business and leadership positions across the field. Teaching girls financial literacy and basic life skills, even topics as simple as taxes, is so important. For instance, the girls turn 14 soon, the legal working age in Pennsylvania. They don’t know, even as minors working, they must pay taxes. Some of these lessons are incredibly relevant in their lives right now and others gauge their interest in possibilities beyond their school doors and after graduation.

What were some of your biggest obstacles you faced when growing the organization?

Creating FFH, I faced challenges in growing the organization and garnering momentum. When I started the organization, as a noncredible sophomore, it was difficult to collaborate with colleges, school districts, and independent schools in the area. We struggled to find schools willing to work with us over a long period of time. However, growth is not a one-time thing. That is why I strived to attain a long-term partnership, reaching out to over 150 schools and universities in the Greater Philadelphia area. 

What partnerships have you formed?

FFH partners with Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School in Center City and Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School in Southwest Philadelphia. I developed a personal relationship with my girls, commuting to their schools and teaching hour-long workshops weekly. In the summer, I work with Bryn Mawr College and host camps with schools I already work with. Additionally, FFH partners with the Lower Merion Library System to host in-person camps for girls in the Main Line area.

How has FFH taught you about life outside of Baldwin? 

FFH has helped me in different ways, ranging from knowledge in business to learning patience working with my girls. One core element of the camps is guest speakers who talk about their college careers, majors, and jobs. Listening to these women is just as beneficial for my girls as it is for me to learn about the different avenues you can pursue with a degree. In terms of working with the girls, the foundation was a great opportunity for me to help the girls through their school struggles and personal hardships. It’s a great experience to learn about their lives as they learn about the possibilities outside of their doors. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a project or organization like yours?

My advice to future leaders is to not fear rejection. You may receive many rejections, cold emails, and no responses, but you cannot let that determine your future. Sometimes things don’t work out, but with passion and a vision, there are so many open doors you can explore, and eventually, something will work out.