Nthabiseng Kgafela

What does your company do?

Raising Queens Foundation was born from a deep desire to see young women rise—not just in confidence, but in purpose. We are a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering women and youth through education, personal development, and the restoration of self-worth. We create safe, nurturing spaces where girls and young women feel seen, heard, and valued. Spaces where they’re reminded that their dreams are valid, their voices matter, and their lives can shift the world around them. At the heart of our work is a mission to break cycles of poverty, of silence, of feeling less than. We walk alongside the next generation, offering mentorship, tools, and opportunities to help them lead with courage and transform their communities from within. One of our proudest initiatives is Raise the Bar—a female-only networking and empowerment series that connects women to possibility. It’s a space where friendships are born, inspiration flows, and women are reminded they don’t have to do life alone. We are more than an organisation. We are a movement. A sisterhood. A reminder that when you raise a woman, you raise a nation.

What is your biggest success?

My greatest achievement has been founding and growing Raising Queens Foundation into a thriving community that empowers young women and youth to realise their potential. Starting from a simple vision to create safe spaces for education and personal development, we have built programmes like Raise the Bar, a female-only networking initiative that connects women to mentorship, opportunities, and support. Seeing young women transform their lives, gain confidence, and step into leadership roles within their communities is incredibly rewarding. This journey has not only impacted others but has also shaped me into a resilient and purpose-driven leader. The Foundation’s growth and the tangible changes in the lives of our beneficiaries stand as my proudest accomplishments. Knowing that we are breaking cycles of poverty and dis-empowerment, one empowered woman at a time, fuels my passion every day.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced as a young woman leading a nonprofit is overcoming scepticism and doubt—both from others and sometimes within myself. In a space where leadership is often dominated by older, more established voices, I’ve had to work twice as hard to prove my credibility and vision. Limited resources and funding challenges also make it difficult to scale our impact quickly. However, these obstacles have only strengthened my resilience and deepened my commitment to our mission. I’ve learned to trust my voice, build a supportive network, and stay focused on the transformative impact we are creating for women and youth. Every challenge has been a lesson in perseverance, and I am motivated by the lives we touch to keep pushing forward.