Meet Jena Lee | Co-founder & President of Take Her Places

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jena Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jena, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Take Her Places is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that helps bridge educational gaps and alleviate financial barriers to education, equipping young children with the skills to become the next generation’s leaders. Initially created to help young girls, who are often at a disadvantage in education, we have expanded our impact to aim for all students facing barriers to education. Within two and a half years, we have hosted 10 free summer camps (SnD, Econ, Writing, Music, Medical, etc.), provided individualized ESL and math tutoring to 30+ students, hosted career webinar series with professionals, high school Q&As, and operated She Climbs Higher (a storybook platform to share struggles and experiences). We have had 50+ volunteers, facilitated over 1,635+ hours back to our community, supported 2,160+ kids’ education, and raised $1,000+ to fund underprivileged children’s educational resources in rural communities in the Amazon and Manaus, Brazil. Through our collaborations with Speak Up AZ, Linked With, Church of the Cross Chandler, IReach, ACP Middle School, ACP High School, and Hamilton High School, we have been able to make the impact that we have today!

We are looking to grow with the launch of our tutoring program, where we have high school & middle school students (8th grade) tutor elementary & middle school students (6-7th grade). The tutoring is completely free, and students can earn volunteer hours. If students (8-12) have an A in a subject or qualifying experience to teach, which our team decides, they can fill out a Google form on our website, where our team can match up tutors and tutees, and then we can connect the parents of the tutees with the tutors, who can get them to set up a time and tutor!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Getting our non-profit to where it is today was far from easy, but the challenges along the way taught me to truly value collaboration and the hard work it takes to create lasting change. As a high school student, navigating the complex paperwork required to form a non-profit was daunting. With the guidance of my dad and the unwavering support of our team, we tackled each step together until we officially became a non-profit, ready to make a meaningful difference in our community. Because our team is led entirely by students, we often had to work even harder to connect with schools, organizations, and partners willing to join our mission. These experiences taught me not to give up in the face of obstacles, and showed me that, with determination and teamwork, we really can make a positive impact in the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d kick off the week with milk tea from The Alley and 85°C—my absolute favorite spots for boba drinks and pastries. (All of my friends know about my milk tea addiction:)) After catching up over our drinks, we’d stroll through a nearby park—hopefully my friends are visiting during winter, where we can enjoy the cooler winter weather.

Next, we’d have lunch at Longhorn Steakhouse before spending the afternoon exploring downtown Chandler. We’d check out local shops, art, and sign up for cooking classes or pottery lessons.

To dive into my favorite cuisine, we’d visit Jin BBQ for classic Korean barbecue, then try Jin Jia and Stone Tofu for more delicious Korean food. For dinner, we’d mix it up with sushi at Mikado Sushi or Kura Sushi.

After dinner and to burn off calories, I would take my friends to play either tennis or badminton (I’m not very good at either, but I love playing with friends)

For a quieter change of pace, we’d spend some time studying or getting work done at Hayden Library at ASU or at Starbucks—both of which are among my favorite study spots.

I’d also bring them to the Church of the Cross Chandler so they can check it out!

On our last day, we’d try a new restaurant we discovered along the way or go shopping for clothes (and my friends can teach me how to dress better). For a perfect ending, we’d enjoy dessert together, sharing stories and making plans for the next visit.

Throughout the week, I’d make sure they meet some of my closest friends and family—truly some of the most interesting and supportive people I know. Eating good food and doing fun activities together with my friends sounds like an amazing week full of lasting memories!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus, who unconditionally demonstrates His unfailing love. Lord, I am humbled every day by Your presence, which fills every aspect of my life. I am so blessed to love what I do, and I give all thanks to You.

I am deeply grateful to my parents for raising me into the person I am today, and to my sister for always being by my side, no matter what.

To my mom, thank you for selflessly waking up at 3:50 every morning to pack lunch for me and my sister as your daily act of love. Your devotion, followed by your prayers for our country, reminds me of your deep care for us and your unwavering faith and patriotism.

To my dad, I am so thankful for your tireless hard work and perseverance. As the first in your family to attend university, you overcame countless financial and language barriers. Your determination inspires me never to give up on my own dreams.

To my sister, thank you for being not only my sibling but also one of my greatest friends. Your steadfast support, laughter, and joy brighten my life every single day. I am truly blessed to have you with me.

To all my teachers, thank you for shaping not just my education but also my character. I carry your lessons with me always, and I am forever grateful for your dedication.

Ms. Bateson, my Honors English 9 teacher—thank you for believing in me and recognizing my leadership both in and out of the classroom. Your encouragement gave me the confidence to lead with purpose.

Ms. Park, my AP Precalculus teacher—thank you for your patience and encouragement. You taught me that setbacks are not the end, but stepping stones, and you helped me see hope and possibility in what I could achieve.

Mrs. Lundahl, my AP Spanish Language and Literature teacher—thank you for your warm hugs and constant reassurance. Your kindness made your classroom a place of comfort and growth.

Mrs. Pollnow, my AP U.S. History teacher—I am grateful for your positive energy and for inspiring me to see history as living stories, shaped by real people and veterans whose sacrifices continue to influence our present.

Mrs. Meade, my AP Language teacher—thank you for reminding me of the power and beauty of words.

Mrs. Chen, my AP Literature teacher—thank you for igniting my appreciation for literature and its ability to connect to life.

Mrs. Berkshire, my Honors Chemistry teacher and Speech and Debate coach—thank you for the endless time, energy, and dedication you give to your students. Your commitment inspires me to challenge myself and strive for excellence in all I do.

To my counselor, Mrs. Furrow—thank you for your constant encouragement and guidance throughout my time since I was a freshman in high school.

To Mrs. Liebrock, my career specialist—I am truly thankful for your unwavering support of my passions.

To my professors from the Civic Leadership Institute—Dr. Sean Beinberg, Dr. Zachary German, and Dr. Aaron Kushner—thank you for inspiring my passion for American history and encouraging me to learn from the past to help build a brighter future for our country.

To my middle school principal, Ms. Reddy—I am grateful for the confidence you placed in me from day one and for helping me grow as a leader and as a person.

To my long-time piano teacher, Mrs. Jennifer—thank you for your love, patience, and unwavering support throughout my musical journey and personal growth.

To my pastors, Pastor David and Pastor Joseph—I am deeply thankful for the ways you have shown me God’s love and helped me grow in faith.

To the Take Her Places team—I am so grateful for each of you. We accomplished so much because we worked together as a true team.

To my best friends and peers—thank you for the joy, encouragement, and steady support you have given me. Your friendship means so much to me, and I will treasure it always.

And finally, to the many more people who have guided and supported me in ways big and small—I may not be able to list every name, but please know that I carry your kindness and influence with me always.

Instagram: take.herplaces