MinneapoliMedia’s The Power of Her: A Spotlight on Women Building Legacy, Leadership, and Liberation in Minnesota

MinneapoliMedia’s The Power of Her: A Spotlight on Women Building Legacy, Leadership, and Liberation in Minnesota

Exclusive Interview with Ms. Neda Kellogg, Founder and Executive Director of Project DIVA International Interview by Tom Akaolisa, MinneapoliMedia

It’s a crisp autumn day when I finally connect with Ms. Neda Kellogg, the visionary Founder and Executive Director of Project DIVA International — an organization dedicated to guiding girls from middle school through high school toward self-awareness, emotional mastery, and financial literacy. Though she’s born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Project DIVA International is deeply rooted in the Minnesota community, where Ms. Kellogg has lived for the past 19 years.

“I’m at home in Omaha,” she tells me with a smile. “But I’ll be up in Minnesota tomorrow — just for the day this time.”

I laugh, grateful for the time she’s carved out of her busy schedule. “Thank you so much for meeting with me, Ms. Neda,” I say. “I know how much you have going on, and I just wish more people knew about the incredible work you’re doing.”

“Oh, it’s my pleasure,” she replies warmly. “I’m honored to hang out with you. This is so fun.”

That joy and grounded energy define Ms. Kellogg — a woman who carries both her own story of steadfastness and the stories of countless young women she has helped along the way.

On the Origins of Project DIVA International

When asked what inspired her to create Project DIVA, Neda pauses for a moment, reflecting deeply.

“My mother was diagnosed with catatonic schizophrenia when I was young,” she begins. “Those middle and high school years were confusing — I didn’t have the emotional tools to understand what I was going through. I eventually went to live with my father, but that loss and longing stayed with me. No one ever asked me how I was really doing.”

After leaving home at 18 and experiencing a period of homelessness, Neda found stability through the guidance of a cousin who taught her how to budget and live independently. Later, as a salon owner, she began noticing mothers expressing concern for their daughters — struggles that mirrored her own experiences as a young girl.

“That’s when I realized I needed to do something,” she says. “I wanted to help girls talk about what they were going through — emotionally, mentally, spiritually — and help them transition into adulthood with self-awareness and grace.”

What began as an after-school initiative has grown into a thriving nonprofit that, nearly two decades later, has supported more than 5,000 girls through its unique approach to behavioral stability through personal development, leadership, and financial intelligence.

On Redefining Empowerment

At Project DIVA, language matters.

“We’ve moved from using the word ‘empowerment’ to ‘inspiration,’” Neda explains. “Because it has to come from within first. We guide girls to self-discover toward results. It’s about creating a safe environment for them to rediscover who they really are.”

The organization avoids traditional labels like “program” or “Black girls,” opting instead for more inclusive, affirming language that recognizes the diversity and brilliance of every participant.

“We often say ‘melanated girls,’” she adds. “Because there are so many beautiful shades and experiences among us, and this language recognizes the full diversity and brilliance of every participant.”

Ultimately, Project DIVA’s goal is simple yet profound: to build generational legacies of inspired girls who make informed emotional, mental, and financial decisions as they step into adulthood.

On Coaching, Not Mentoring

Project DIVA’s model operates on a school-year cycle, beginning each August with a family retreat and culminating in spring celebrations.

“We don’t mentor — we coach,” Neda emphasizes. “Mentorship can sometimes be passive. Coaching means movement. It’s about helping each girl move from point A to point B in her own growth.”

Their curriculum centers on three pillars:

• Financial Intelligence – developing financial curiosity and discipline around an emergency fund, a lifestyle fund, and their retirement fund.
• Emotional Fitness – cultivating emotional regulation, confidence, and self-awareness.
• Mental Fitness – building strong habits, goal-setting, and focus to sustain success.

“If they understand these three,” Neda says, “they can navigate life with grace, clarity, and power.”

A Story That Reflects the Mission

When asked about a student who embodies Project DIVA’s mission, Neda lights up.

“Dallas,” she says affectionately. “We’ve been part of her life since she was in middle school. Like me, she experienced her mother’s emotional challenges. Over time, we built this beautiful bond — coaching her through those tough moments, reminding her that her feelings were valid, and helping her choose how she wanted to respond.”

Dallas went on to earn a full-ride college scholarship, studied abroad in Africa, and still calls Neda regularly.

“She texted me from Africa!” Neda laughs. “It’s incredible to see how far she’s come — emotionally grounded, financially smart, and leading with heart. That’s the kind of impact we’re here to make.”

On Leadership and the Challenges of Growth

Sustaining a nonprofit, Neda admits, comes with its share of obstacles.

“The biggest challenge? Imposter syndrome — and not having the network,” she says candidly. “A lot of executive directors start with strong networks that open doors. I didn’t have that. I had to remind myself that I’m still that woman — the one with a vision that’s going to happen regardless.”

That self-awareness now informs how she leads.

“We teach our girls the power of networking early — showing them how to ask for others to invest in them - expanding their circles. That’s how we change the game.”

On the Future: The Self-Mastery Campus

Looking ahead, Neda’s vision is bold.

“Our goal is to build a Self-Mastery Campus and Roller Skating Rink,” she says, eyes bright. “It’ll be a hub for young people to connect intellectually — to talk politics, money, vision, and community building. We have parks for sports, but not enough spaces for ideas.”

The skating rink, she explains, will serve as a social bridge — where fun meets purpose, and intergenerational community connections can thrive.

“It’ll be a space where kids and adults learn, collaborate, and celebrate together.”

On Staying Grounded and Inspired

When I ask how she stays motivated, Neda smiles knowingly.

“Quiet time with myself,” she says. “That’s where I cry, yell, reflect, and recharge. That’s where I get my next steps. I come out of that space powerful.”

Her support system also plays a crucial role — from her father and Aunt Trish to her sons, cousins, and “the girls” who check in on her regularly.

“We’re all doing it together,” she says. “It’s like one big energy ball moving toward goals.”

She laughs when she talks about her newest passion — aviation.

“I’m slow-rolling my private pilot’s license,” she says proudly. “I love science and weather. Most of our girls don’t know a pilot, so I decided — I’ll be her for them. I want them to see that you never stop learning or pursuing your dreams.”

On Legacy and Liberation

As our conversation winds down, I ask what guiding principle she hopes every young woman carries from her work. She pauses, then speaks with quiet conviction.

“Slow down to get to know who you really are,” she says. “A lot of us are on autopilot, living with ideas others told us about ourselves. But when you slow down, life becomes more like heaven on Earth. You reconnect with that brilliant child within — and you start living out loud.”

Closing Remarks

“Neda, speaking with you today has been more than an interview — it’s been a lesson in purpose, faith, and intentional leadership lived out loud. Your story is powerful, but it’s the way you pour that power into others that truly defines your legacy.”

“On behalf of MinneapoliMedia, thank you for your time, your authenticity, and your unwavering commitment to guiding young women toward self-mastery. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon to continue this conversation — because your story, and the stories you inspire, are far from finished.”

“Anytime,” she says, smiling. “Create a phenomenal rest of your day — and the rest of your week.”

“See you soon,” I reply. “And thank you again, Ms. Neda.”

MinneapoliMedia