HER STORY
Founder & CEO, HER ZONE INC. | Empowerment Champion| Stage 4 Cancer Survivor
About Me: I am Serena Rochell Gatlin, a Connecticut native and founder of HER ZONE, INC. A PROUD Black woman. Mother. Native American. Career-woman. Smart. Savvy. Advocate. Entrepreneur. A believer in kindness. Early in my childhood, I was shuffled on-and-off throughout the Foster Care System. In fear of embarrassment, or judgment I tucked this part of my life away. I often doubted my self-worth and capabilities which played a significant role in my shattered confidence. I was a teen mother and subconsciously allowed my experiences to dictate my life-quest and buried what authentically would shape my passion and purpose.
On the surface I appeared confident, however, internally, I felt unrelatable to everyone around me, and this led me to become a mentor to young women transitioning from the criminal justice system returning to society. I learned so much about myself through these young women. Their transparency inspired me to embrace my story and gave me the courage and confidence to appreciate the life lessons as an education that would influence and uplift others. Every struggle and victory endured was the authentic navigation of who I am today. I finally found my voice and reason.
Empowering Young Women: HER ZONE INC. manifested from my personal and professional life journey combating negative experiences, challenges, and stereotypes I triumphed through as a Black woman. Today, young women continue to face the challenges I experienced as a young girl. In addition to my love for advocacy, I am passionate about empowering young women to recognize their worth, potential and value. With positive reinforcement, guidance, and love, I believe every woman can achieve self-measured success. HER ZONE INC. will provide a platform for disadvantaged young women to become courageous leaders of their lives.
Sisterhood: HER ZONE INC. is more than an organization; it is a SAFE space dedicated to celebrating the greatness of our culture. Together we will cultivate a world of inspiration and love where every young woman is treated equal while embracing her differences, authenticity, and creative greatness. Most importantly I need young women to know, I WAS HER. I AM HER. SHE IS ME. A GIFT. A TREASURE. UNIQUE. A SUCCESS.
HER COMMITMENT
-
To honor, support and respect the Mission, Vision, Goal and sisterhood of HER ZONE, INC in a safe and healthy environment.
-
To EMPOWHER, value her, and learn from her as a leader.
-
To exude authenticity and confidence as your leader.
-
To be inclusive, build honest friendships and relationships.
-
To take positive and fun risks that will expand and elevate HER personal and professional development.
-
To respect the creative views and opinions of others.
-
Encourage HER to be the BEST strong, smart, resilient, honest and bold versions of herself.
Serena R. Gatlin, FOUNDHER & CEO
HER ZONE, INC. is a Connecticut-based 501c3 nonprofit organization that aims to empower young women-of-color aged 13-18 in under-resourced communities, in the judicial system, and transitioning from incarceration into society. Our grassroots initiative is dedicated to improving the mental, physical, and economic wellness of these young women.