Keischa J. Higdon

One of the Founders and full-time CEO of Sisters Together Achieving Results, Inc., (STAR, Inc.) Keischa J. Higdon, a native of Rochester is the visionary and driving force behind STAR, Inc.

Keischa's high school experience in the Rochester Debutante's Club (RDC) had a life-changing affect. She made her debut into society May 1985. Following the death of founder of (RDC) and mentor, Francis Castleberry, Keischa experienced an epiphany and decided to make a commitment to work with marginalized urban females. The future of these young women and their successes might otherwise be compromised by conditions of ignorance, poverty, racism and other societal impediments. She felt she could invest her skills and education to maximize their potential.

The Mission of STAR, Inc. is to mentor young women in grades 9 - 12 in life skills utilizing preventive strategies to enrich their quality of life. STAR, Inc. aims to positively impact disenfranchised youth, families, and communities by producing educational and informational avenues which address urban issues. It entails a twelve-month program that utilizes intensive, focused, and sustained prevention and intervention approaches. It is designed to empower female adolescents with the knowledge, skills and abilities to transition successfully into adulthood. Girls completing the program will be equipped with the tools necessary to effect positive change in their lives and communities, motivated by empowerment, not fear. This program teaches teamwork, leadership, values, responsibility and practical life skills. Girls meet twice a month September through June, participating in skill based workshops gaining interactive social skill. The research based curriculum is designed to increase knowledge in 11 challenge areas: Personal Development, Personal Health, Hygiene, Creating Positive Relationships, Political Literacy, Business Literacy, Economic Literacy, Conflict Resolution, the Power of Creativity, Community Service and Career Development.

Keischa maintains a positive public image and is persistent in networking around the country and within the local Rochester community. Keischa is a member of the East Henrietta Road Church of Christ. A 1996 graduate of the United Way's African American Leadership Development program Keischa received a Public Speaking certificate from Dale Carnegie in 1997. She is also a member of RCTV 15, Black Women's Leadership Program, Women's Foundation, Association of Fundraising Professionals, National Council of Negro Women, Inc., & the City of Rochester's Pillars of Hope. .Keischa obtained her Masters degree in management and a concentration in not for profit organizations from Roberts Wesleyan in 2002.