LEARNING. LEADING. SHAPING WHAT'S NEXT.
I believe every learner deserves access to high-quality resources and culturally responsive guidance that helps them feel seen, heard, and prepared to navigate college, career, and life with confidence
— Rahkal Shelton Roberson, Founder, Gen Z Pathfinder
Who We Are
Gen Z Pathfinder (formerly Black Girl College Prep®) is a future-ready approach to college, career, and life planning. It is designed to help students clarify their direction, build real-world readiness skills, explore pathways, and plan for what’s next.
We guide students toward their next steps, whether academic, personal, or professional, with culturally responsive, skill-building, and holistic support that helps them see their strengths, experiences, and backgrounds as valuable.
We believe learners deserve more than a checklist; they deserve a plan that is grounded in purpose. We provide real-world tools, trusted guidance, and supportive systems for college and career preparation, personal development, and life design that lead to long-term growth and success.
Mission
We equip students, along with their families, educators, and the systems that support them, with culturally responsive tools and planning frameworks to navigate education, career, and life transitions with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Vision
We envision a future where learners, regardless of background, neighborhood, or starting point, have access to high-quality resources and planning support that recognize their strengths, honor their experiences, and prepare them to pursue and design a meaningful life.
What We Stand For
We are committed to improving academic performance and personal development while bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world readiness for learners in middle school and beyond through our unique PREP Framework. We believe today’s learners need more than grades or credentials—they need clarity, options, and support systems for a rapidly changing world.
Our work is grounded in a commitment to assist with:
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Purpose-driven, informed decision-making
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Holistic planning across education, career, and life pathways
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Family and community engagement as essential to sustained success
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Centering culture, identity, and lived experience in all we do
Meet the Founder
Rahkal Shelton Roberson is the founder of Gen Z Pathfinder.
With over 15 years of experience, she supports students and young professionals through a culturally responsive approach. Her mission is to empower learners and the systems around them, inspiring the next generation to navigate their paths confidently.
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Short Bio
Rahkal Shelton Roberson is a first-generation college graduate, founder of Gen Z Pathfinder (formally Black Girl College Prep), and a Certified Professional Life Coach, Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP), and Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) with more than 15 years of experience supporting students, families, and educators across public school districts in Chicago, Houston, Washington, D.C., and metro Atlanta.
Her work focuses on helping students, young professionals, and the families who support them navigate academic, personal, and career decisions with clarity, confidence, and intention. Known for her ability to connect authentically with Gen Z and emerging adults, Rahkal blends strategic planning, career services expertise, and culturally responsive coaching to support meaningful, future-ready pathways.
Rahkal is a published author with work featured in Forbes, HuffPost, WGN, and other national and regional outlets.
Education
Affiliations
Master of Arts, Media Communications & Training
Governors State University
Bachelor of Arts, Communications
Texas Southern University
CPLC, Certified Professional Life Coach
Certified Life Coach Institute
CCSP, Certified Career Service Provider
National Career Development Association
GCDF, Global Career Development Facilitator
Center For Credentialing & Education
Please reach out directly to request a full Curriculum Vitae.
President
Texas Southern University, Atlanta Alumni Association
National Association of Colleges and Employers
Member
Georgia Association of Colleges and Employers
Member
Women in Technology
Member
