2017 Nursing graduate serves as Affinity Residential Care MN CEO • Donated $25,000 to create new named scholarship: Parents in Healthcare Scholarship by Affinity Care • New Inver Hills Foundation Board member
Zahnia Harut, 32, graduated with an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Nursing from Inver Hills Community College in 2017. Zahnia continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) from Concordia University, St. Paul, in 2020 and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from Hawaiʻi Pacific University in Honolulu 2024.
Today, she serves as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Affinity Residential Care MN, a licensed home and community-based services provider focused on residential and in-home support for individuals in the Twin Cities metro area.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role as CEO is the ability to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives,” Zahnia said. “Whether it’s providing employment opportunities that help individuals grow in their careers or offering housing solutions that create stability and security, I take pride in knowing that Affinity Residential Care is changing lives daily. Seeing the direct positive effect of our work in the community fuels my passion and keeps me motivated every day.”
Zahnia just recently joined the Inver Hills Foundation Board. She also donated $25,000 to the college to create a new named scholarship: Parents in Healthcare Scholarship by Affinity Care.
“Joining the board and establishing this scholarship reflect my deep belief in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen our community,” Zahnia said. “It’s a way to give back and help open doors for students who just need a chance to succeed.”
Zahnia Harut: Nursing philosophy
“Everyone is deserving of a meaningful life.”
Zahnia Harut, MSN-PMHNP
Inver Hills Community College 2017 Alumna
Affinity Residential Care CEO
More about Zahnia…
Originally from Minneapolis, Zahnia graduated from the School of Environmental Studies in Apple Valley, Minnesota, Class of 2010. Before taking on her CEO role at Affinity Residential Care, she served as an administrative nursing supervisor at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul. Before that, she worked as a registered nurse in orthopedics at Hennepin Healthcare Hospital in Minneapolis.
Zahnia’s volunteer work includes serving as the Residential Providers Association of Minnesota (RPAMN) board chair. She is also a member of the state’s Waiver Reimagine Committee.
Family is the center of gravity in Zahnia’s life. She’s married and her husband, Tochukwu Duru, who goes by TC, is an engineer for Kohler Energy. Zahnia and TC have one daughter, Azaela.
“I am a devoted wife and a proud mother of one,” she reported. “Additionally, I am an auntie to two wonderful nieces/nephews and the oldest sister of two siblings. My family is my anchor and my greatest source of strength and inspiration.”
As a child, Zahnia enjoyed bike riding and skating with her dad. “Those moments hold a special place in my heart, as they were filled with joy, bonding, and a sense of freedom,” she said. “Today, I still cherish activities that allow me to be active and enjoy the outdoors.”
Zahnia resides with her family in Rosemount, Minnesota.
Zahnia Harut: In her own words
My name is Zahnia, and I am a proud mother to my daughter, Azaela. My nursing journey began in the fall of 2016 when I was a single mother living in public housing and working two jobs. Attending school while juggling these responsibilities wasn’t easy, but I am incredibly grateful for the scholarship I received through Inver Hills, which made it possible for me to pursue my education.
At 27, I founded Affinity Residential Care (Affinity Care)—a business rooted in my family’s legacy. Originally established in the 1990s by my aunt, Affinity Care had long been a vital service in the community. When she was ready to step back, I saw an opportunity to build upon her foundation and carry the vision forward. As a registered nurse and now a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I used my clinical expertise and leadership skills to expand and enhance the business into what it is today.
Now, as CEO, I lead a team of over 100 employees who provide daily care and essential services to more than 200 individuals. My passion for this work extends far beyond direct care—I am also an active advocate and key stakeholder in community policy development, particularly in housing and services for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, I am committed to mentoring and equipping other providers to run their businesses sustainably and successfully, ensuring long-term community impact.
Zahnia family, life, and Inver Hills gallery
Zahnia Harut • Q & A
What did you like best about your time at Inver Hills?
I truly enjoyed the camaraderie among my study group and fellow nursing student colleagues. The support, shared experiences, and encouragement we provided each other made a challenging program feel more manageable and fulfilling. I also really enjoyed the instructors during my period. They were experienced and dedicated nurses who had serious passion and sincerely cared for the experience they gave us students.
How did your studies at Inver Hills prepare you for transfer to Concordia University?
The Nursing program at Inver Hills was rigorous and intense, which helped me develop the discipline and critical thinking skills necessary for success at Concordia University. The high academic standards and hands-on learning experiences at Inver Hills gave me the confidence and preparedness to transition smoothly into my next academic journey.
What motivated you to choose nursing as your career focus?
I’ve always had a deep passion for helping and caring for others. I shadowed a nurse in the 11th grade and around that time, my aunt encouraged me to go to nursing school as well. Knowing that I could make a tangible difference in people’s lives—whether through direct patient care, advocacy, or leadership—was what solidified my decision to pursue nursing. It is a career that aligns with my values, provides endless opportunities for growth, and allows me to serve my community in impactful ways.
Three words that describe you as a chief executive officer (CEO):
DEDICATED. EMPOWERING. DRIVEN.
What advice would you give Inver Hills alumni about staying engaged with the college?
Be a lifelong learner and never give up. My journey wasn’t easy—I started nursing school as a single mother living in low-income housing, balancing two jobs while pursuing my education. It was far from ideal, but I was determined to improve my circumstances and build a better future for myself and my child. No matter what challenges come your way, remain focused, seek support when needed, and continue to push forward. Your perseverance will pay off.
What advice would you give students thinking about pursuing careers in the nursing field?
Nursing has been one of the best career choices I’ve ever made. It has opened doors to endless possibilities, allowing me to be diverse in my roles and experiences. The profession is incredibly rewarding, offering opportunities to work in various settings and make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether you choose bedside care, administration, education, or entrepreneurship, nursing provides a foundation that can take you anywhere.
Three words that describe you as psychiatric nurse practitioner:
ATTENTIVE. PATIENT. INTUITIVE.
What person(s) has influenced your life the most and why?
As a young child, my parents played a crucial role in shaping my identity and self-worth as an African American woman in this society. They ensured that I was exposed to programs and experiences that reinforced my confidence and sense of belonging.
Specifically, my father has been a constant source of strength and guidance in my life. His unwavering support and encouragement have shaped my resilience and determination. My mother, on the other hand, instilled in me the values of professionalism and strategic thinking. She taught me how to navigate business spaces with confidence and wisdom, ensuring that I always seek deeper knowledge and strive for excellence in all that I do. Their influence continues to inspire me in my personal and professional journey.
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
For terminal illnesses to not exist.
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
PERSEVERENCE
Zahnia Harut • 11 Answers
- Favorite sport or physical activity: Tennis and pickleball
Place you would most like to visit: Pyramids in Egypt- Most exciting thing you’ve ever done: Ecotraveling through Costa Rica in the wild
- Three things you would do if you won a $1 billion lottery: 1) Create a school 2) Building infrastructure in highly populated African American areas 3)
Buy a private island - Best book or movie you’ve read or seen lately: The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers’ Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success by Dan Sullivan and Ben Hardy
- Time period you would explore if you could time travel: 500 AD
- One thing you most want to accomplish in life: Create
Dream occupation: Astronaut- Person you would most like to meet: Janice Bryant Howroyd is the first African-American woman to build and own a billion-dollar company
- Skill you would most like to learn and master: Pickleball
- Most important issue or problem facing humankind: The threat of another pandemic and that we have not advanced in technology far enough such as airplane automation and car automation that is not gasoline-powered; public transit system, etc.
Learn more about the Nursing program at Inver Hills by contacting:
Admissions Team
admissions@inverhills.edu
651-450-3902
866-576-0689
College Center
- Want more information? Fill out an inquiry form.
- Ready to apply? Fill out an application.
- Want to virtually visit campus? Check out our upcoming visit opportunities.
- Can’t make it to campus? Take our virtual tour.
Want to connect with an advisor? Check out our virtual drop-in hours or email admissions@inverhills.edu to request a campus-based or phone appointment.
Learn more about the Inver Hills Foundation by contacting a foundation staff member:
Kimberly Shaff
Executive Director of Foundations and Community Relations
Inver Hills Community College and Dakota County Technical College
kshaff@inverhills.edu
651-450-3512
Amy Countryman
Development Director
Inver Hills Foundation
amy.countryman@inverhills.edu
651-450-3407
Michelle Kleeberger
Foundation Accountant
Inver Hills Community College and Dakota County Technical College
michelle.kleeberger@inverhills.edu
651-450-3643
Solina Hammerschmidt
Foundation Administrative Specialist
Inver Hills Community College and Dakota County Technical College
solina.hammerschmidt@inverhills.edu
651-450-3645
More about Nursing at Inver Hills…
Nursing is an exceptionally rewarding career where you can make a real difference in people’s lives. Our graduates exceed the national NCLEX-RN pass rate and go on to enjoy great job security as registered nurses (RNs) in this high-demand field.
Nursing is a competitive application process that requires a separate nursing application in addition to applying for admission to Inver Hills. Learn more on the Program Details page, linked above, along with new program curriculum starting Fall 2024.
Awards
Nursing A.S. (Traditional Track): 64 credits
Nursing Mobility A.S. (Licensed Practical Nurse): 64 credits
Nursing Assistant certificate: 5 creditsNursing Program Planning Guide
Why study Nursing at Inver Hills?
The numbers tell the story.
Our student success is plain to see. Inver Hills nursing graduates are primed for success, achieving nearly 5 percent higher NCLEX-RN pass rates than the national average. More than 90 percent of our graduates find employment as RNs within one year of earning their A.S. degrees.Be surefooted and confident on your pathway.
Many students enroll at Inver Hills and complete prerequisite courses before applying to the Nursing program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.Nurses make a genuine difference.
Nurses give medicine a human face. They truly care about their patients. They go above and beyond to make sure their patients feel safe and secure during an often very difficult and frightening time in their lives. Nurses are kindness personified in the healthcare system.You can enter the field in more than one way.
You can earn a Nursing Assistant certificate by completing one 5-credit course. You’ll get the training you need to enter the healthcare field as a nursing assistant or home health aide, and also be prepared to take the state registry exam for certification. The Nursing Traditional Track A.S. and Nursing Mobility–LPN A.S. are degrees that prepare you for a fulfilling career as a professional registered nurse.Nurses are in huge demand.
The ongoing nursing shortage brings job security and great wages to this career path. RNs in the seven-county, Twin Cities metro area earn a median wage approaching $43 an hour. Top earners make nearly $50 an hour. Nurses with advanced degrees make even more: nurse anesthetists in Minnesota earn a median wage topping $100 an hour.Nursing is the job of a lifetime.
As a professional nurse, you’ll be able to focus your skill development on a particular specialty. RNs with career specializations expand their job opportunities, work-setting options, and scope of patient care. On top of that, nursing is a very high-wage career with a growth rate consistently well above the statewide average. Minnesota will need nearly 50,000 new RNs to meet market demand between 2018–2028.Career Opportunities
Registered nurses (RNs) collaborate as integral members of healthcare teams across a variety of medical settings. As hands-on health professionals, nurses provide essential, personalized care to patients as individuals. Nurses are critical to the healing process while serving as patient, family, and community advocates.
Nurses are required to earn state licensure by taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Prospective licensed practical nurses (LPNs) take the NCLEX-PN; prospective registered nurses (RNs) take the NCLEX-RN. Registered nurses (RNs) with career specializations expand their job opportunities, work-setting options and scope of patient care. You can earn new credentials through educational programs and on-the-job training.
LEARN MORE…
Registered Nurses
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Registered Nurse is a Bright Outlook Occupation. 🌞
Reported job titles
- Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR)
- Charge Nurse
- Emergency Department RN (Emergency Department Registered Nurse)
- Oncology RN (Oncology Registered Nurse)
- Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN)
- Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
- Relief Charge Nurse
- School Nurse
- Staff Nurse
- Staff RN (Staff Registered Nurse)
Information on related jobs
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse SpecialistsWAGES
Minnesota
Workers on average earn $97,300
10 percent of workers earn $73,050 or less
10 percent of workers earn $120,420 or moreUnited States
Workers on average earn $86,070
10 percent of workers earn $63,720 or less
10 percent of workers earn $132,680 or more2023 Wage Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Trends: Minnesota
Employment(2020): 71,780 employees employees
Projected employment (2030): 76,540 employees
Projected growth (2020–2030): 7%
Projected annual job openings (2020–2030): 4,320Occupational Trends: United States
Employment (2023): 3,300,100 employees
Projected employment (2033): 3,497,300 employees
Projected growth (2023–2033): 6 percent: Faster than average
Projected annual job openings(2023–2033): 194,500Visit O*NET OnLine for comprehensive information about the occupation:
Registered NursesSOURCE: O*NET OnLine: Registered Nurses
