Community Builder of the Year

Kenya
McKnight

ZaRah Wellness Center

Kenya McKnight, owner of the ZaRah Wellness Center and CEO of the Black Women's Wealth Alliance, has been named MEDA's Community Builder of the Year. In 2018, Kenya envisioned ZaRah as a space to extend naturopathic services to Black women. The events of 2020, including the pandemic and George Floyd's murder, underscored the urgent need for cultural and economic healing.

Growing up in North Minneapolis, Kenya recognized the importance of creating a safe, healing environment in her community.

“The most radical thing I can do is to help free our minds.”

Kenya McKnight

In 2021, she became the first Black owner of the historic building at 1200 West Broadway. The ZaRah Wellness Center offers a range of services, including a salt room, meditation spaces, an apothecary, and massage therapy, promoting wellness and economic empowerment for Black women.

Kenya faced significant challenges in refinancing her loan, which is when MEDA stepped in to help. By recognizing the profound impact of her work in the community, MEDA helped her to refinance her loan which enabled Kenya to maintain ownership and continue her mission. Her dedication to community building and giving back exemplify her role as a community builder.