Today we’d like to introduce you to Berverley Chengetai.
Hi Berverley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey with Rising Queens Foundation began from a very personal place. Growing up, I saw firsthand how a lack of mentorship, confidence, and access to opportunities can limit a girl’s potential. As I got older, I found myself naturally supporting young girls in my community, helping with school, offering guidance, and encouraging them to dream bigger. Over time, I realized this wasn’t just something I enjoyed doing; it was my purpose.
That purpose led me to first register Rising Queens in South Africa, where I was able to successfully assist over 500 girls each year. Through partnerships, including our collaboration with Ibbamo Foundation, we provided school stationery, scholarships, library books, and other essential support to help girls stay motivated and equipped for their education.
Soon after I moved to the United States, I wasn’t able to secure the assistance needed to continue supporting the South African communities directly, but I quickly began to notice similar gaps among teenage girls here. Many lacked mentorship, exposure to real career paths, and hands-on experiences that help them build confidence and direction.
That realization reignited everything Rising Queens stood for.
In 2022, I registered Rising Queens Foundation again in the U.S., determined to bring the mission to life here. Since then, we’ve grown into an organization serving girls across Houston, Richmond, Katy, and surrounding areas, offering hands-on career experiences, job shadowing, digital skills training, and mentorship programs designed to give teenage girls the tools and confidence they need to succeed.
What began as a personal calling has become a growing movement. Every girl who finds her voice, discovers a career path, or gains confidence reminds me why this journey matters. From South Africa to the United States, every step has shaped Rising Queens into what it is today; and we’re only getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all, the journey has been meaningful, but far from smooth.
One of the biggest challenges came during the transition from South Africa to the United States. Back home, I had a strong support system and partnerships, and our programs were already reaching hundreds of girls each year. When I moved to the U.S., I essentially had to start from scratch, rebuilding networks, learning a new nonprofit landscape, and trying to secure support without the familiarity and connections I once had.
My journey with Rising Queens Foundation began from a very personal place. Growing up, I saw firsthand how a lack of mentorship, confidence, and access to opportunities can limit a girl’s potential. As I got older, I naturally found myself supporting young girls in my community; helping with school, offering guidance, and encouraging them to dream bigger. Over time, I realized this wasn’t just something I enjoyed doing; it was my purpose.
But purpose doesn’t always mean the path is smooth. The journey has been meaningful, but it certainly hasn’t been easy. One of the biggest challenges is funding and resources. I always knew the kind of impact I wanted Rising Queens Foundation to have, but convincing others to believe in that vision; especially before we had an established track record here in the U.S; required time, patience, and a great deal of perseverance. There were moments when progress felt slow and the mission felt bigger than what I could carry alone.
Another significant challenge was balancing everything at once. I’m currently back in school pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration because I want to be fully equipped to serve my new community and understand the systems, policies, and structures that affect the girls we work with. At the same time, I had to learn the administrative side of running a nonprofit in a new country, adapt to a different culture, build partnerships from scratch, and still remain hands-on with the girls we serve. There were days I wondered if I could truly rebuild what I had started in South Africa.
But every obstacle strengthened the foundation of Rising Queens. Each setback pushed me to think creatively, stay committed to the mission, and build a team that shares the same passion for empowering girls. So no, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but every bump has made Rising Queens stronger, more resilient, and deeply rooted in purpose.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m currently fully dedicated to leading Rising Queens Foundation, while also serving as the Marketing Director of a roofing tech company. Balancing these two roles allows me to merge my professional expertise in digital marketing, strategy, and communications with my passion for empowering teenage girls.
I’m also back in school pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration. Going back to school has strengthened my leadership and organizational management skills, helping me run the foundation more effectively and maximize our long-term impact.
Juggling a nonprofit, a corporate leadership position, and my education hasn’t been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Each role brings unique insights that enhance the other. I apply real-world business experience, strategic thinking, and a results-driven mindset to everything we do at Rising Queens. This combination ensures that our programs remain impactful, sustainable, and deeply meaningful for the girls we serve.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Absolutely; finding the right mentor and building a strong network can be life-changing.
For me, the key has always been clarity and persistence. First, know what you want to learn or achieve. If you’re looking for guidance in a specific field, identify people who are already doing what you aspire to do. Don’t be afraid to reach out; even a brief email or message can open doors.
Networking isn’t just about asking for help; it’s about building genuine relationships. Attend events, workshops, or online forums where people in your field gather. Be curious, ask thoughtful questions, and offer value whenever you can. I’ve found that when you show authentic interest in others’ work, people are often willing to share advice, resources, or even open doors for opportunities.
Mentorship has also been invaluable for me. Early in my career, I sought out mentors who could challenge me, offer guidance, and hold me accountable. Some were formal relationships; others developed naturally through work or volunteering. What worked best was showing commitment, being prepared, and taking action on their advice — mentors appreciate when their guidance is applied.
Ultimately, networking and mentorship are ongoing processes. Stay consistent, be authentic, and don’t be discouraged if it takes time; the connections you build can shape both your personal growth and professional journey in ways you can’t always anticipate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.risingqueensfoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingqueensfoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risingqueensfoundation
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/68746199/admin/dashboard/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RisingQueensFoundation
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/rising-queens-foundation-richmond
- Other: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-rising-queens-paintball-challenge
Image Credits
Rising Queens Foundation Team
