Hi, I’m ‘Tine Zekis (she/her)—short for Christine, pronounced “teen.” I’m an educator-turned-software-engineer-turned-coach, and I help Black women build income with intention—through career strategy, business growth, and bold negotiation.

My journey started in the classroom. I was a high school math teacher, working long hours and still struggling to make ends meet. A chance subbing assignment in an AP Computer Science class sparked something—and not long after, I made the leap into tech. I graduated from a coding bootcamp, landed my first job as a software engineer, and

negotiated my starting salary and vacation—because I refused to be underpaid.

Over the next few years, I moved through four tech companies, negotiating every time I leveled up. Within two years, I doubled my teacher salary. Four years in, I tripled it. I became the sole breadwinner for my family of four—earning well, working flexibly, and finally breathing easier.

But I didn’t stop there. I’ve always believed in lifting as I climb, so I began coaching other Black women—first through salary negotiations, and eventually through launching businesses, pivoting careers, and building lives designed for freedom.

That’s how Getting Black Women Paid was born.

What started with career coaching has grown into a space where Black women can claim our time, our energy, and our earnings—whether that means negotiating a raise or launching something brand new.

Let’s take the next steps—on your terms.