Our Story
It started on a sunny Tuesday afternoon...
In the fall of 2014, a small group of women gathered in a gazebo along the river in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 31:26, "When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness," founders Veronica Giles and Betty Standford envisioned a place where women could connect, encourage one another, and grow together.
What began as simple conversations among friends soon blossomed into a thriving community of women committed to supporting one another through every season of life. Through shared experiences, heartfelt encouragement, and meaningful relationships, SheSpeaks became a place where women could find their voice, discover their purpose, and walk confidently in who God created them to be.
Today, that same spirit of sisterhood continues to guide us as we create opportunities for women to connect, grow, heal, and thrive—together.
A vision is born
As more women began joining them, Betty and Veronica recognized a growing need for a safe, supportive space where women could prioritize self-care, find encouragement, and build meaningful relationships. Fueled by a heart for community outreach and a desire to champion women, they founded SheSpeaks—a community built on the belief that every woman has value, purpose, and a story worth sharing. Inspired by the scripture that sparked the vision, SheSpeaks quickly became a place where women could gather, grow, and flourish together.
What started as meetings in a gazebo soon moved into a dedicated office space, creating a welcoming environment where women could develop trusting relationships, share their stories, and grow together through the wisdom of God's Word. As the community continued to flourish, SheSpeaks, Inc. was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2015. Before long, a simple vision became a movement—empowering women to discover their true identity, embrace the power of their voice, and walk confidently in their God-given purpose.
An irreplaceable role
The mission was clear: to create a welcoming community where girls and women could connect, share their stories and life experiences, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships rooted in trust. As the platform for growth and transformation, SheSpeaks empowers women to discover their true identity, gain wisdom for navigating life's unique challenges and opportunities, and confidently bloom into their God-given purpose.
These partnerships allowed SheSpeaks to move beyond conversation and into action—providing support, resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth where they were needed most. Whether serving young women preparing for their future, supporting survivors as they rebuilt their lives, or encouraging women seeking connection and purpose, SheSpeaks became a safe and trusted presence in the Tuscaloosa community.
Today, that commitment remains unchanged. SheSpeaks continues to be the platform for empowering women to find their voice, embrace their value and true identity, and step confidently into the purpose God has placed within them.
SheSpeaks, Inc. and TCTA
At SheSpeaks, Inc., we believe that education, mentorship, and meaningful community equip young people with the confidence and skills they need to succeed. Through our valued partnership with Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy's Adopt-A-School and Power Partners programs, we provide career readiness and professional development workshops for both male and female students, helping prepare them for success in college, the workforce, and beyond.
As part of our commitment to empowering young women, SheSpeaks, Inc. also awards the annual Voice of One Millennial Scholarship to a graduating female senior. Applicants are invited to submit an original essay titled "The Power of My Voice," reflecting on how their unique voice, experiences, and aspirations can make a positive impact in their community and the world. This scholarship celebrates the courage, leadership, and purpose that define the next generation of women leaders.
Our interactive workshops include résumé writing, interview preparation, workplace role-play simulations, professional communication, business etiquette, and other practical life and career skills—equipping students with the tools, confidence, and character to thrive in every season of life.
A Place to Bloom
SheSpeaks, Inc. continued to host local women from all walks of life in weekly gatherings and local programs and events. Our Local outreach programs, in partnership with Chamber organizations, have equipped women to take on economic and educational barriers as they reach for goals and dreams that they first thought had escaped them or previously not been an option. SheSpeaks' Inc. signature Te'te A Te'te conferences have afforded 160+ women the opportunity to come together in a beautiful venue, enjoy an exquisite meal, and hear from powerful speakers who encourage them to dream big and offer a different view of what is possible. In the midst of this, at the start of 2020, the Lord spoke to Veronica clarifying that SheSpeaks' platform is a place for women to connect, educate, be empowered to build trusting relationships, share their identity, and develop their purpose to bloom and be great.
An unexpected turn for the better
When the global pandemic hit home just months later, we knew that we couldn't neglect meeting together after what the Lord had recently laid on our hearts. So, in spite of the pandemic-ness of it all, we heard a whisper... our quiet Tuesday night in-person meetings turned into a virtual table and SheSpeaks version 2.0 became a roar, welcoming women from all over the United States and internationally! In 2021, our signature Te'te A Te'te conference premiered as a virtual webinar conference and SheSpeaks' social media platform was turnt up to include TikTok. In 2022, God took us to another level with the premier of the podcast SheSpeaksLove which prominently features The Women of the Bible series.
Continuing what we started!
SheSpeaks continues advocating for women in the Tuscaloosa community and is proud to carry on the initiatives that began it all, still actively collaborating with every one of the local organizations that we first identified as strategic partners. As the pandemic has waned, we have continued meeting weekly via Zoom where the women who have connected with us from around the world can still gather virtually. Locally, we have also able to launch an in-person meeting again, this time as a more in-depth event that offers women an opportunity to come together in a judgment-free zone called CrownCheck Live. International musical artist, Nimiwari, has also honored SheSpeaks by writing and producing an original theme song that communicates the heart and culture of our organization.
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To this day, SheSpeaks continues stewarding the vision of community outreach, advocating for women, and being the platform for women to connect, educate, be empowered to build trusting relationships, share identity, and develop each of our unique purposes to bloom and be great!