Ricquel Archer | Women of Impact 2026

RICQUEL ARCHER

Founder and CEO

Create + Collaborate

I am the Founder and CEO of Create + Collaborate, a nonprofit supporting first-generation college students from high school through career. What began in 2020 as one Amazon wishlist has grown into a movement providing mentorship, leadership development and essential resources to hundreds of students.

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

I started to change one life and realized it was changing mine too.

Biggest challenges in my career

Continuing when things are hard. Leadership means showing up anyway.

My first job and what it taught me

At Boys & Girls Club Stop Six — I learned legacy through mentorship.

A nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Create + Collaborate.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

The people — our students, volunteers and partners.

Best career moment so far

Watching our first students graduate college.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Wearing every hat and figuring it out in real time.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

Working out and maintaining a consistent routine.

Best advice I ever received

You’re the point guard — control the pace.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

It takes strategy, discipline and sustainability — not just passion.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

Pray and reconnect with a student to refocus on my why.

IN THE DETAILS