A pioneering nonprofit, She’s Not Here, is set to launch a dedicated all-female ride-sharing service via a new app in spring 2026. Originating from a direct-messaging system on Instagram in 2022, the organization aims to provide a safer transportation alternative for women on and around the Carolina campus, addressing concerns about walking alone late at night.
Key Takeaways
- She’s Not Here began in 2022 as an Instagram-based service and will launch a dedicated app in spring 2026.
- The service prioritizes safety and comfort for women by offering rides driven by women.
- The organization has partnered with UNC’s TechX for app development and the UNC School of Law’s community development law clinic for nonprofit status.
- Drivers work shifts Thursday through Sunday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and receive 100% of their ride earnings.
- The nonprofit aims to expand its services to the broader Chapel Hill community.
Genesis and Growth
Founded by students who recognized a critical need within the Carolina community, She’s Not Here initially operated through direct messages on Instagram, mirroring the functionality of popular ride-sharing platforms. This grassroots approach allowed women to book rides, ensuring they had a secure way to get home from late-night activities.
The organization has since evolved into a formal nonprofit, a transition facilitated by the UNC School of Law’s community development law clinic. Law students provided invaluable assistance in establishing the organization as a corporation, setting up a board of directors, and securing tax-exempt status. This collaboration offered law students practical experience while providing essential legal guidance to the She’s Not Here team.
Technological Advancement
The upcoming app, slated for release in spring 2026, is being developed in partnership with TechX, a student organization specializing in app and software development. The app will feature user-friendly navigation, allowing passengers to select their current location, input their destination, and book rides seamlessly. It will also offer the convenience of scheduling rides in advance, potentially at a lower cost.
Community Impact and Future Expansion
She’s Not Here has garnered significant support and momentum within the student body, with many expressing enthusiasm for the app’s launch and the increased accessibility it promises. The organization’s vice president, Aditi Yerra, highlighted the strong community that has formed around the service, noting the high demand from both potential riders and drivers.
Currently, drivers operate in two-to-three-hour shifts from Thursday to Sunday, between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. The organization ensures drivers receive their full earnings from each ride, providing a valuable opportunity for students to earn extra income. With the app’s release, She’s Not Here plans to extend its services beyond the campus to encompass the wider Chapel Hill community, further solidifying its commitment to women’s safety and empowerment.
Sources
- Nonprofit provides all-female ride-sharing service at Carolina, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
