Meet Zennia Nesmith

Zennia's journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite not graduating from high school initially, she seized the opportunity to complete her GED shortly after her daughter was born, enabling her to secure a decent living through hard work. When her daughter faced a traumatic brain injury from a car accident, Zennia stepped up as her devoted advocate and caregiver, demonstrating unwavering strength and compassion.

Years later, Zennia decided to pursue higher education at Chatt State, but encountered challenges when diagnosed with severe ADHD, which impacted her ability to retain information in certain classes. Drawing from her own experiences advocating for both herself and her daughter, she founded Empowered Connections, a platform dedicated to assisting individuals in navigating disability accommodations in various aspects of life, including education and career.

Despite the obstacles she faced, Zennia remained steadfast in her pursuit of personal and professional growth. Her dedication will culminate in her graduation from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga in Spring 2024, where she will earn a degree in Psychology/Africana Studies, marking a significant milestone in her remarkable journey of perseverance and empowerment.