Meet the Founder

Nija Starke

Founder & Executive Director, The Nija Foundation
As a survivor of both domestic violence and incarceration, I didn’t just create The Nija Foundation—I lived the very story that inspired it.
This organization was born from pain, resilience, and a deep calling to make a difference. I know what it feels like to be silenced, overlooked, and judged by experiences that most people will never truly understand. I also know the strength it takes to rise, rebuild, and reclaim your life when the system—and the world—has counted you out.

The Nija Foundation is not just a nonprofit. It’s a lifeline. A voice for the voiceless. A safe space where stories like mine—and so many others—are not just heard, but honored.

We focus on:
  • Domestic violence
  • Women’s incarceration
  • The struggles of mothering from behind bars
  • The journey of healing and reintegration after release
This work is personal. It’s sacred. Every woman we support, every life we help restore, is part of a bigger purpose. My hope is that no one walks the road I did feeling alone. Through The Nija Foundation, I’m here to walk it with them—and help light the way forward.
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