You Have To Take Charge! As a middle school student, Nevaeh Spillman is getting much attention for her leadership and her gridiron skills. The players from the opposing middle school teams are shocked with they see the quarterback remove her helmet and see she’s a girl! Her teammates say she has a great arm, but it’s her leadership skills they respect the most. She’s played … Continue reading Nevaeh Spillman Breaking Barriers On and Off the Football Field

Ayanna Pressley: The World Needs Your Vision   That is Ayanna’s advice to young Black women considering a career in politics. This is her story. It could be yours . . . Ayanna Pressley was destined to be a force for change. There are many ways to make a difference in the lives of others. Ayanna chose politics. Her main asset is that she cares … Continue reading Ayanna Pressley: First Black Woman to Congress from Massachusetts

Girls’ Voices Leading the Way (GVL) is a collection of stories about women and girls who overcame obstacles to become leaders in their field. GVL will inspire you to find your own pathway toward empowerment. Read our stories. Feel our strength amid struggles and find your way. Continue reading Who We Are

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes:  From the Depths of Poverty to the National Teacher of the Year to the US Congress. “There are multiple pathways to success. This idea that everything happens in perfect order and that people are perfect—I think I have showed people that it’s okay to be imperfect.”* Who among us has a perfect life?  Many of our greatest leaders had to overcome huge … Continue reading Congresswoman Jahana Hayes: From the Depths of Poverty to National Teacher of the Year to Washington

  Denene Millner, author, journalist, and publisher– Elevating black storytelling Denene Millner is a bestselling author and owner of her own publishing company, Do you have a passion for the written word?  Do you want to be a writer?  If so, this could be your story too. While reading the back of a Stevie Wonder album, nine year old Denene Millner fell in love with … Continue reading Denene Millner, Bestselling Author and Publisher: Elevating Black Storytelling

 Are you a budding entrepreneur? Rapelang Rabana’s story could be your story if you look inside for success— not outside.  Seven years after graduating with honors from the University of Cape Town with a bachelor’s degree in Business Science, Rapelang Rabana achieved global recognition as a successful entrepreneur. In 2012, Rapelang Rabana was on Oprah Magazine’s O Power List. In 2013, she was listed on … Continue reading Rapelang Rabana, Cape Town’s Internationally Acclaimed Telecommuications Entrepreneur

Stephanie Wilson, Aeronautical Engineer and NASA Astronaut Making a dream come true. “I have found my purpose in life”. Stephanie Wilson became the second African American woman in space, second to Mae Jemison. This is her story:  As a young girl, Stephanie Wilson liked to look up at the sky and wonder about outer space. In her own words she said, “Looking at the stars … Continue reading Stephanie Wilson, Astronaut: A Dream Come True

Dr. Awa Marie Coll-Seck: A Global Voice for all Women Are you drawn to the field of medicine and helping the countries of the world combat infectious diseases?  If so, Dr. Awa Marie Coll-Seck’s achievements will be an inspiration to you. Born in Senegal, Africa Dr. Awa Marie Coll Seck is a woman who is a leader in her field.  She is a renowned scientist … Continue reading Dr. Awa Marie Coll-Seck: Scientist

Phillis Wheatley: First Black Woman to Publish Poems Phillis Wheatley was born in Africa in the year 1753, was enslaved and brought to America and died a free woman and author in 1784.  From the “Gateway to Africa” known today as Senegal, to slavery in the United States, to becoming the first black woman to become a published poet, Phillis Wheatley had much to express. … Continue reading Phillis Wheatley’s Voice: From Slavery to First Female Black Published Poet

Dr. Valerie Kemp:  The Dad Whisperer–”What’s Your Plan?” Valerie Kemp unexpectedly walked into my office asking for a few minutes of my time.  Neatly groomed in a blue suit, and a determined smile, she diverted my attention from my usual tasks.  She described herself as a doctoral candidate in our university looking for a dissertation chair. She wondered if I would consider reading her thesis. … Continue reading Dr. Valerie Kemp: The Dad Whisperer “What’s Your Plan?”