Zaiya Collins

About Me

Hi, I'm Zaiya Collins.

Zaiya Collins is the visionary founder of Protecting Peace, dedicated to uplifting and empowering Black girls within predominantly white institutions (PWIs). As a high school student who has attended PWIs for most of her life, Zaiya understands the unique and multifaceted challenges faced by Black girls in these environments. Her commitment to education-centric empowerment ensures that Black girls receive the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive both mentally and personally.

Professional Experience

Highlighting my diverse leadership, educational, and community-focused roles

Zaiya founded her own non-profit, Protecting Peace, a strategic initiative aimed at improved literacy and comprehension skills among underserved communities.

Founder Protecting Peace

Zaiya served as a volunteer for Sustainable and Just Future (SJF), reaching out to school districts in Texas about SJF's curriculum in sustainability and social justice initiatives.

Outreach Volunteer Sustainable and Just Future

Zaiya worked as a Junior Intern at Amagine Technologies LLC, where she developed marketing campaigns and trained new hires.

Marketing & Communications Intern Amagine Technologies

Zaiya has held the Reading and Comprehension Chair at Grace 4 Race Nonprofit, organizing book drives and literacy programs.

Reading & Comprehension Chair Grace 4 Grace Nonprofit

Leadership & Extracurriculars

Showcasing roles and extracurriculars that shaped my background and skills

01

Link Crew Leader

Chosen by school faculty for exceptional character, leadership, and academic excellence to mentor new students in their transition to FWCD.

02

Student Diversity Leadership Conference Delegate

Represented FWCD at annual conference to refine cross-cultural communication, social justice strategies, and effective allyship.

03

Varsity Boys Basketball Manager & Social Media Director

Manages team logistics, organizes practices and games, and tracks team statistics. Launched and maintains team site.

04

Varsity Cheerleader

Won 3rd place at Texas State TAPPS competition and represents FWCD at athletic and community events.

05

Elementary Tutor

Served as a summer tutor for disadvantaged elementary children to remediate gaps and prepare for upcoming school year.

06

Environmental Sustainability Ambassador

Engaged in the Senior Polo Recycling/Repurposing Program and started my own non-profit, Protecting Peace.

Academic
Achievements

Recognizing the awards and honors I’ve earned throughout the years

College Board African American Achievement Award
Ranked in the Top 10% of PSAT test takers in Texas
National English Honor Society
Recognized for excellence and a passion for English literature and language arts
Grace Prep Freshman Rank #1
Achieved valedictorian ranking as a freshman at Grace Preparatory Academy

Explore the whole journey here