This blog was written by ZsaVette “Zsa” Ellis Eze, an AWF donor, volunteer, and Inspire Atlanta Class of 2023 graduate. 

There’s this saying, “I don’t look like what I’ve been through.”

I faced housing insecurity during my senior year of college as a single mom.

I’ve always believed in the power of being the change I want to see in the world. This belief aligns profoundly with the mission of the Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF), which emphasizes empowering women and girls through strategic investments in support systems essential for creating lasting change. 

As a proud alumna of the Inspire Atlanta 2023 cohort, I was offered a platform to deepen my community involvement beyond just physical efforts, helping me refine strategy development and enhance my understanding of corporate social responsibility and fundraising.

I’ve personally experienced the transformative power of programs aimed at uplifting women and girls. While pursuing my bachelor’s degree as a single mother, I leaned heavily on government and county resources that provided essential support, such as food, childcare, and utility subsidies. 

However, the unsung heroes of my journey were the remarkable women at my university who guided me toward additional scholarships and after-school care options available on campus. Their support was invaluable, and I believe they were motivated to help because they saw my unwavering dedication to obtaining my degree for a better life for my son and myself.

These experiences reinforced the power of community and the collective efforts needed to uplift one another. Programs that amplify women’s education and passion, like those offered by AWF, have set me on a path of growth and achievement. 

Workforce development is crucial in improving the lives of women and girls. Contrary to the “pipeline problem” myth, numerous talented women are ready to contribute to today’s economy. Our focus should be refining their skills, fostering early career connections, and supporting them throughout their careers.

During the Inspire [Atlanta] cohort program, we participated in a profound poverty simulation. It was an eye-opening experience, but for me, it was not merely an exercise. Among the participants, I noticed a range of reactions. Some women approached it lightly, perhaps viewing it as just another activity that required strategic thinking skills. However, for others like me, who have lived through similar circumstances, it evoked deep emotions. I had to leave the room as memories of being a single mother, scared, unhoused, and unemployed, brought tears to my eyes, and I needed to excuse myself.

During that difficult time, we relied on government programs (TANF and Food Stamps) and friends for shelter and basic resources. How did this happen, you might ask? I only needed three more courses to graduate, and none of them were offered at night or online. So, I saved up as much money as I could, resigned from my job as a Project Coordinator at a software company, and chose not to renew my apartment lease. 

A friend said we could stay with them for three months of my last semester. Obviously, that did not work out, and my son and I had to move to a motel with a mini kitchen. I’m sure you all can imagine the type of individuals and criminal activity that happens in these types of places. Certainly not a safe place for a young woman and child. Surviving on 99-cent microwave meals, I often prioritized my son’s needs over my own when we got low on food.

 At the conclusion of the poverty simulation, all the women had a deeper understanding and empathy for those living in poverty, particularly women supporting their families and children. I truly believe that if I had known about AWF and its partners, our situation might have been different.

This journey underscores the importance of communities and organizations like AWF that strive to make a difference in the lives of women and girls. I encourage other women to consider joining future Inspire Atlanta cohorts to contribute to this vital mission. 

Even if you can’t join Inspire, I challenge each of you, regardless of where you stand in life, to embrace the power of being the change you wish to see in the world. Whether through small acts of kindness, volunteering, or advocating for causes you believe in, every action counts. 

Your efforts can create ripples of positivity and empowerment, inspiring others to join in the mission of uplifting women and girls. Together, we can build a community that fosters growth, understanding, and lasting change for everyone.

As a college graduate and career woman today, Zsa’s hard work and dedication paid off. She is currently the associate vice president of Technology and Operations at Synchrony. During her Inspire Atlanta class, Zsa raised more than $25,000, which went towards programs directly benefitting women struggling to overcome everyday challenges of childcare, housing, and education. Zsa continues to be actively involved in AWF as a volunteer and an alumna of Inspire Atlanta, where she returns as a guest speaker and participates in the poverty simulation course. We are tremendously grateful for her continued support of our mission and her inspiration to others. 

Inspire recently wrapped up its 7th successful year, and we are now taking nominations for the Class of 2025! Learn more and nominate someone here: https://www.atlantawomen.org/what-you-can-do/inspire-atlanta/

Give to support AWF’s grantmaking for women and girls impacted by poverty.