Dr. Zakeya Foster shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Zakeya, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’ve been called to help women heal from emotional wounds, break destructive cycles, and step into their power—spiritually, mentally, and financially. For years, I tiptoed around it, afraid of the vulnerability and visibility it required. I didn’t want to be defined by my pain or carry the weight of other people’s expectations. But I’m not afraid anymore. I’ve embraced that my story, my faith, and my expertise are the very tools I’ve been given to create change. Now, I stand in that calling boldly, building platforms, leading movements, and empowering women to reclaim their lives and build legacies. Every trial I’ve endured has become proof that transformation is possible.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
II’m Dr. Zakeya Foster, a woman who has turned her pain into purpose and her purpose into a movement. For over 20 years, I’ve mentored teenagers, guiding them through life’s challenges and, most recently, teaching personal finance to help them build strong foundations for their futures. I’m also the founder of Girl Talk Global and Born to Win University, where I help women heal from emotional trauma, rebuild their confidence, and create businesses that generate both income and impact. What makes my work unique is that I combine deep emotional healing with practical, real-world strategies. I know firsthand that success means nothing if you’re still broken on the inside. My story is one of survival, faith, and determination, and now I’m committed to helping others break cycles, reclaim their voice, and build legacies they’re proud of.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with God, and how deeply personal it has become over the years. As I’ve matured, I’ve come to understand that God is the connector of everything in my life. It’s not just about what happens inside the four walls of a church; it’s about walking with Him in every season, every decision, and every assignment. I’ve learned that purpose isn’t confined to Sunday mornings; it’s woven into the way I build, serve, and live daily.
When I look back, I can see how even the most difficult moments were preparing me for something greater. The closed doors, the heartbreaks, the unexpected opportunities, God was there, connecting the dots in ways I couldn’t see at the time. This personal relationship has grounded me, given me the courage to step into rooms I never imagined I’d be in, and reminded me that my worth is not defined by titles or accomplishments, but by the One who created me. It’s this perspective that fuels everything I do, from mentoring teens to empowering women to heal and build legacies. My life is proof that when you trust God’s connections, nothing is wasted.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been plenty of moments when I’ve thought about giving up. Especially when I was diagnosed with depression. Some days, the obstacles felt like they would never end. There were times when people I expected to support me were silent, and when my vision felt bigger than my capacity. I remember sitting alone more than once, wondering if it was even worth it to keep pushing. But there’s always been this voice inside me—quiet at times, but steady—that says, “If you keep going, you’ll get there.”
I’ve learned that the road to purpose is never smooth. It’s filled with detours, delays, and days when progress feels invisible. But over time, I realized something powerful: the only time I truly fail is when I quit. That truth became my anchor. No matter how many times I’ve stumbled, cried, or questioned myself, I’ve chosen to get back up. Because every step forward—no matter how small—is proof that I’m still in the fight, and I know that one day I’ll look back and see it was all worth it.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am passionate about growth and creating real, lasting impact. One mission I will never walk away from is shifting the narrative of mental health in the African American community and our churches. For too long, we’ve accepted lifestyles built on struggle, stress, and survival, wearing them like badges of honor when, in truth, they’ve been slowly breaking us.
I believe mental health should be about mental wellness, about thriving, not just getting through the day. It’s about giving ourselves permission to rest, to heal, to seek help without shame. I’m committed to breaking the stigma, rewriting the script, and building a culture where wholeness is the standard. No matter how long it takes, I’ll keep showing up, speaking out, and doing the work until mental wellness becomes our norm, not our exception.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would immediately stop caring what people think. I would stop shrinking, second-guessing, and over-explaining myself to people who were never meant to understand my vision. I’d stop wasting time on things that don’t align with my purpose. I’d say “no” without guilt and “yes” to myself more boldly and more often. Because when you realize how precious time really is, you stop living for approval and start living for alignment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zakeyafoster.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zakeyafoster/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zakeyafoster/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ZakeyaFoster
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zakeyaafoster
