Those with a negative impression of Generation Y—who think they lack drive, focus, and ambition—probably haven’t met Moria Bowman.

The 14-year-old came up with an idea for an app to make ridesharing safer for passengers, and a version designed specifically with the safety of girls and women in mind.

Bowman said she started working on the idea for the app after learning and growing concerned about passengers and drivers who end up in dangerous situations and women who are sexually assaulted during ridesharing.

The ninth-grader who is homeschooled said she uses ridesharing services “every now and then,” and that the transportation service can be dangerous.

“Sometimes I hear about these sexual assault cases, and that’s scary,” said Bowman.

On its website Zinger is described as “the fast, affordable and secure way to ride.” Bowman said male and female drivers with the best reviews and driving records are recruited and made available to rideshare users via the Zinger app.

For a more selective experience, there’s Zinger SAFe, which allows female passengers to select only female drivers with good reviews and driving records. Zinger drivers are screened, and “the best of the best” are chosen, she said. Bowman shared her idea with her father, Matt Bowman, a retired Army lieutenant commander, who she described as having “lots of connections.” Matt Bowman said his daughter has a history of enterprising efforts including involvement in Girl Scouts projects and creating a video and digital content for Black farmers in Florida.

“Even though she is my daughter, she is a person I admire for her smarts, focus, and interest in solving problems,” said Matt Bowman, adding that he’s “always amazed” by Moria’s views and concerns. “We are working with people from around the world—Africa, UK, Europe, India, America,” she said. She credits Wale Abba as the programming expert who brought the app to life.

In November, Zinger and Zinger SAFe were released through Google Play and Apple’s app store. She estimates that the free app has been downloaded about 100 times as of early January 2020.

“We have integrated safety into your Zingerapp experience, and this goes beyond your trip, from the latest technology to rules and guidelines with the goal of making your trip a pleasant one,” states the Zingerapp website.

The service has been in test mode in Gainesville, FL, with a planned rollout in the first quarter of 2020. Sonia Kumar, chief operating officer of Zinger, said after getting a foothold in Florida, the company plans to make the app available throughout the region before moving on to other states.

“My vision has been clear from the beginning…to help women and other individuals feel safe,” said Kumar. “From the beginning, we want our riders and drivers to feel safe.”

Kumar said drivers are put through a rigorous review. “We give our drivers the best company culture, so they feel supported, so they know they are not alone,” she said. In addition to background checks and reviews of driving records, Zingerapp also conducts ride-along with prospective drivers and requires participation in driving refresher courses.

Kumar added that working with a young entrepreneur like Moria has been inspiring.

“She may be small in stature, but she has a huge idea that will help the whole nation,” said Kumar. “It’s very commendable for a teenager.”

Moria currently has her future ambitions focused on pursuing a career in health care—possibly in nursing, anesthesiology, or pharmacy. “I like helping people,” she said.