Our Change Maker: Amaya Banks – Founder & Executive Director

Meet the visionary behind Empower Her Rise, Inc — Amaya Banks. - First Generation . Her story is just the beginning of a movement rooted in community, action and empowerment .

As a first-generation college graduate from Detroit, Michigan, I know firsthand what it means to navigate life, education, and career pathways without a clear roadmap. I’ve walked the path of uncertainty, carried the weight of representation, and learned how powerful it can be to have a community believe in you. That’s why I created Empower Her Rise, Inc. to build a community and to give back to the communities that shaped me.

Empower Her Rise is more than a nonprofit. It’s a movement rooted in community, action, and empowerment, and it was born from a passion to uplift women from underserved and underrepresented communities. Especially those who, like me, have had to carve their own way forward.

Through this work, I’m committed to creating a community for woman in law, leadership and higher education.

Equipping them with tools, mentorship, and opportunities that will help them succeed not only academically and professionally, but personally. Whether it’s navigating the path to college, preparing for a career in law, to use their voice and serve their communities.

I graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Political Science, and I work in the legal profession with plans to attend law school.

Empower Her Rise isn’t just about creating professional success, It’s about building a collective. It’s about creating a space where women are empowered to lead, serve, and step boldly in their journey. It’s about breaking down the barriers that have historically held our communities back and replacing them with networks of support, shared knowledge, and empowerment.

Every workshop, every mentorship, and every event we host is a step toward. My hope is that through this work, we’re not only preparing the next generation of leaders, advocates, and professionals. we’re reminding them that they belong.

Because when one woman rises, we all rise.