Zikora Akanegbu is a social impact leader and Urban Planning student in her final year at Cornell University who is drawn to work at the point of access.

Zikora’s professional experiences and research interests are guided by a clear and consistent commitment to expanding access to education and employment, which are often seen as the cornerstones of community life. Today as both are being reshaped and, in some cases, dismantled altogether, it is more important than ever to examine these interconnected sectors. This is why she is drawn to work at the point of access. Professionally, Zikora strives to support programs that ensure that access to education and employment is not just a concept, but a reality for individuals and communities.

Zikora has held internships at:

  • 826DC: Educational Programming Intern

  • HopeWorks of Howard County Domestic Violence Center: Fundraising & Development Intern

  • The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: Prospect Development Intern

  • FLX Law: Legal Intern (public defense law)

  • CASH Campaign of Maryland: Youth Financial Stability Intern

Zikora has spoken at:

  • National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) 2025 National Conference & Exhibition

  • Harvard University 2025 Scholarship & Social Justice Undergraduate Research Conference

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AS FEATURED IN

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Book cover titled "The Politics of Genz" by Melissa Deckman, with a subtitle "How the Youngest Voters Will Shape Our Democracy," featuring diverse young women on the cover.
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Founder, Advisor, & Social Impact Leader

At just 15, Zikora founded GenZHER™, a global digital publication created to amplify youth perspectives on current events and social issues. What began as a small passion project grew into a platform that reached 103 countries and published over 440 articles. Leading a team of contributors from across the world, she built a platform grounded in collaboration. Even in 2020, during a pandemic, she was creating access for girls across the world. She empowered teenage girls to publish their writing and establish chapters in Singapore, Mumbai, and Edison, New Jersey.

Zikora has served as a Youth Advisor to Hollister Co. and to the Making Caring Common Initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In 2022, she was honored with The Diana Award, an international recognition celebrating young people who create positive social change through their leadership. As the founder and president of the Homelessness Action Project at Cornell, she mobilizes students to support individuals experiencing homelessness.

Zikora speaks often about the value and influence of her generation, guiding institutions to think boldly about youth engagement. She views young people not as future stakeholders, but as active collaborators in shaping the systems that impact their lives. Through her research and advisory work, she helps organizations create inclusive, accountable frameworks and practices that effectively serve and reflect the communities they engage.

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Navigating the Field of Urban Planning: Resources for Students

Zikora entered the field of urban planning driven by a commitment to social equity. To help others explore and engage with the field, she has curated a set of resources.

View Resources

Follow her Work

zakanegbu@gmail.com