Nzingha is a young girl from North Philadelphia who sees possibilities everywhere and believes there is almost always a way to fix, create, explore, or reimagine what’s in front of her. The book is also a special mother-daughter creative collaboration, co-illustrated by Bolakale’s 10-year-old daughter, Ahni Bolakale.

The world of Nzingha extends beyond the pages of the book. Trisheena also created Nzingha Reads!, a literacy enrichment program rooted in experiential learning, art, creativity, and real-world connections. The program encourages children to do more than simply read—to explore, imagine, create, and discover themselves through literacy.

This fall, Nzingha Reads! will be presented at the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) International Conference in Estes Park, Colorado, November 12–15, 2026. Trisheena alongside Ahni will share how literature, creativity, and hands-on experiences can come together to create meaningful opportunities for literacy and discovery.