Conversations with Zinga Hart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zinga Hart

Hi Zinga, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I work at Kent State University and first got involved to service and volunteering in the Akron community as the founding board president of Limitless Ambition. My work with Limitless Ambition led me to join Torchbearers in 2017 to expand on learning about Greater Akron and how I could back. In 2023 I was elected as the vice-president and in 2024 I took over as president.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Struggles along the way:

Limitless Ambition – starting a program from scratch and having to work to build the trust and credibility for our programs to be adopted by Akron Public Schools.

Torchbearers- Navigating and returning from the pandemic as an organization who’s fabric of existence relies on events.

Smooth:
The people of Akron who were willing to help, roll up their sleeves and contribute to seeing the mission move foward.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my work at Kent State University and with Torchbearers, I’ve had the privilege of leading initiatives that blend strategic planning, community engagement, and inclusive leadership. At Kent State, I’ve specialized in creating programs that foster student success, build professional development opportunities, and ensure equitable access to resources. I take great pride in developing collaborative partnerships with employers, local organizations, and educational stakeholders to enhance outcomes for students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

As president of Torchbearers, I led a community of over 100 volunteers focused on driving leadership and service in Northeast Ohio. This experience has been deeply rewarding, as it allowed me to work with diverse groups and ensure that our programs created lasting impact across the community. Managing a significant budget and overseeing the implementation of various initiatives, I learned the importance of building strong relationships with community leaders and organizations, which translated into tangible outcomes for the projects we spearheaded.

What sets me apart is my ability to build bridges between different groups—whether it’s students and employers, or community members and policymakers—to create solutions that have both immediate and long-term benefits. My work has always been rooted in the desire to amplify underrepresented voices and foster environments where every individual feels empowered to contribute. I thrive in roles that require strategic communication, community outreach, and a deep commitment to inclusivity.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The importance of allowing your mission and values to guide your decision making under stressful times.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://torchbearersakron.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tb_akron
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbakron