Zikora Akanegbu is a social impact leader and Urban Planning student 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 served as a Youth Advisor to the Making Caring Common Initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. As the founder and president of the Homelessness Action Project at Cornell, she mobilizes students to support individuals experiencing homelessness.
Zikora’s professional experiences:
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art: Visitor Services Associate
Cornell University College of Architecture, Art, and Planning Office of Career Development: Career Services Associate II
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
Archrival & Hollister: Field Marketing Intern
National Portrait Gallery: Teen Museum Council Member
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
AS FEATURED IN
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 50+ contributors from 10 different countries, 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 Edison, NJ; Palo Alto, California; Singapore; and Mumbai, India.
GenZHER™ has served as a launchpad for contributors, who have gone on to roles such as an Advertising Design Intern at The New York Times and Student Reporter & Podcast Researcher at PBS, while others have started their university newspaper columns. Across journalism and illustration, contributors credit GenZHER™ with providing hands-on experience. In 2022, Zikora was honored with The Diana Award, a prestigious international accolade recognizing outstanding young leaders for their impact and commitment to social change.
zakanegbu@gmail.com