Our Mission
We seek to activate the voices of little women through virtual coaching, mentorship, and teaching the art of public speaking.
Our Why
Did you know?
The confidence of young girls between the ages of 8-13 drops by 30%
7 out of 10 reports having low self-esteem and low confidence.
Public speaking is among one of the top fears.
Our Framework
The 3 C’s
CLARITY ● COMMUNICATION ● CONFIDENCE
We believe a healthy self-concept is an important aspect of honing voice and clear, confident, communication. We use a social emotional learning (SEL) based model encompassing nutrition and physical fitness; emotional wellness; spiritual health; and social awareness to produce the desired outcome of what we deem as the 3 C’s.
Our little women walk away understanding who they are (CLARITY), expressing who they are (COMMUNICATION), and exuding who they are (CONFIDENCE).
“I launched this organization because I remember what it was like to be soft spoken and unheard. I had things I wanted to share but didn't have the full confidence. Now, as an adult with three of my own little women, it's my priority to help them and the next generation grow in the power and confidence of their own voice.”
- Amber Williams, Founder
How It Began
It all began in 2021 as Little Women: Celebrating Unique, a virtual educational series for young girls, hosted during women’s history month. That was the catalyst for what is now Little Women Speak! Inc. (LWS!). First established in Southern California as a nonprofit organization in 2022, we provide online and in-person engagement.
Currently, in year two, we plan to accomplish our mission with a committed virtual team of professional women located across the United States. Our long-term goal is to replicate our Southern California model across America, becoming a multi-site, multi-state organization.
Meet Our Team
Amber is a visionary leader, speaker, and advocate with a profound understanding of the multifaceted roles that shape women’s lives. With a rich tapestry of experiences encompassing leadership management, marriage, and parenting, Amber has cultivated a fervent desire to empower women to go hard after their passions. With over 20 years of experience as a professional and creative speaker, her journey has led her to recognize the significance of grit, unwavering identity, and the authentic stories that unite us all. As a firm believer in the transformative power of determination, self-discovery, and the narratives that shape us, Amber is committed to fostering a community where young women and seasoned women rise together.
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | CA
As an accomplished first-generation Latina, she holds an Associate Degree in Arts, Humanities, and Philosophy from Moreno Valley College, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Redlands, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Arizona State University. Her educational journey, which commenced in 2010, signifies her enduring commitment to being a lifelong learner.
Currently serving as an Administrative Assistant at a Riverside-based charter school, she passionately addresses the social-emotional needs of TK-6th-grade students through her expertise in Behavioral Science and Special Education. In 2021, she founded Code-Switching Behaviorist, a platform aimed at offering bilingual (English and Spanish) resources and training in the field of ABA, striving to support Hispanic families and individuals.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT | CA
Patrice J. Horton, a native of Dallas, Texas, Patrice moved to Houston, Texas, to attend law school at Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. Patrice was licensed to practice law in November 2012 and has practiced family law for the majority of her career. During her time as a family law practitioner, Patrice has participated in numerous trials, contested hearings, mediations, and arbitrations. Patrice focuses on delivering exceptional customer service to all clients and managing client expectations for the best outcomes. Patrice has a love for mentoring young ladies to help them achieve any goal they set. Patrice truly believes that she is living proof that you can accomplish anything you pray and work hard for.
In her free time, Patrice loves to spend time at home with her amazing husband, her beautiful son, and her beagle fur baby. She is a huge fan of the Game of Thrones television series and Chick-Fil-A.
BOARD MEMBER & SECRETARY | TX
Ms. Deborah Elaine Gaddy-Robertson is a Double Certified Life Coach, Visionary Specialist, Motivational Speaker, and Author. She also holds a BPS (Bachelor of Professional Studies) from the University of Memphis, and an Executive MBA from Strayer University’s Award-Winning Jack Welch Management Institute. She is the owner of Epiphany Life Coaching and Training, LLC, The Unveiling, and Divine Spirited Occasions. She is also a Life Coach, Executive Administrative Assistant, and Regional Care and Support Coordinator at The Life Church, Mid South. She is a proud mother of three, and adoring grandmother of three. She is delighted to be a Board Member, Virtual Coach, for Little Women Speak, Inc.
TREASURER & VIRTUAL COACH | TN
In private practice, Jeanice is a family law attorney in Houston, Texas. She believes that everyone has to support children to grow and flourish, and there is no limit to a child’s potential. Jeanice is the proud aunt of seven (four nieces and three nephews). Her greatest joy is being the dog mom to Duchess, a four-year-old Boxer. In her spare time, she is an adjunct professor, a community servant, and a volunteer in various leadership and committee roles.
BOARD MEMBER & VIRTUAL COACH | TX
Olivia Boone, a proud HBCU graduate, transformative servant leader, and certified project manager/engineer, boasts a diverse background spanning semiconductors, oil and gas, software, and energy. Her global perspective, garnered from international work assignments in sales engineering leadership, enriches her approach. As the first in her family to graduate from college, Olivia's upbringing on the south side of Peoria, IL, instilled in her a strong work ethic. Armed with degrees in computer engineering and biochemistry, along with executive education from Harvard, Olivia has garnered awards for her consistent pursuit of excellence. Her initiatives like Girls Like Me STEM and Black Girls Do Science, coupled with her role at CORE Alliance Partners, spotlight her dedication to empowering underserved communities in STEM and driving positive change.
BOARD MEMBER | TX
Veronica is a distinguished Human Resources professional with over 20 years of diverse strategic experience across matrix organizations and industries such as paper, consumer packaging, food & beverage, and automotive. With a proven track record, Veronica has excelled in developing key HR strategies that enhance organizations' leadership capabilities, performance shaping, talent growth, and engagement driving. Her expertise as a change agent and adept problem solver is evidenced by her adept use of lean processes and tools to drive impactful transformations. Veronica's commitment to fostering positive change and her skillful approach to problem-solving have consistently delivered operational efficiency and sustainable growth in every endeavor she undertakes.
BOARD MEMBER | TN
Dr. Shanell L. McGoy is a distinguished professional with a passion for public health and social equity. Holding a dual Ph.D. and MPH degree, she stands at the intersection of academia and community advocacy. With a career marked by her commitment to advancing health outcomes for underserved populations, Dr. McGoy has spearheaded numerous research initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities.
As an accomplished author and speaker, she shares her expertise in health equity, policy, and cultural competence with diverse audiences, igniting conversations and driving positive change. Her leadership extends to her role as an educator, where she nurtures the next generation of public health leaders, instilling in them the values of inclusivity and empathy. With an unwavering dedication to her field, she continues to shape healthier, more equitable communities through her research, advocacy, and education efforts.
BOARD MEMBER | GA
Adrianne Fluellen is a program & event producer based in LA. A Los Angeles native, Adrianne attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and also holds a Master’s degree in Telecommunications and Critical Studies of Film & TV from California State University, Los Angeles. She serves as a new member on the Board of Directors of the African Alumni Association at LMU, and recently concluded her term on the LMU Alumni Association Board. Adrianne is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, serving the Inglewood, CA community via the Theta Upsilon Sigma Alumnae Chapter, where she currently serves as the 2nd Vice President and the long-time chair of Operation Big Bookbag, her favorite program of the organization. Adrianne loves dogs, cooking, music, and film. She resides in Inglewood, CA with her husband.
BOARD MEMBER | CA
An energy executive with experience optimizing growth and profitability through expertise in management, strategic planning, and sales. An innovative team leader with experience developing high performance teams during turnaround and high growth periods. Expert at capitalizing networks, liaisons, and business connections to create business opportunities.
BOARD MEMBER | TX
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & VIRTUAL COACH | TX
For over 15 years, Christin has been a noteworthy leader in the Houston Diabetes community. Upon obtaining her Certified Diabetes Care Education Specialist (CDCES) certification and a Masters in Food and Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University, she has worked to provide diabetes education to Texas Children’s hospital and at Diabetes America. After transitioning to a career in sales, Christin has gained experience in both device and pharmaceutical sales in diabetes while holding committee chair positions in the Houston area chapter of ADCES. She loves spending her time mentoring children and young adults. She is actively involved in her church youth group. Christin has a beautiful Maltese “Mimi”, and the newest edition of her family “Fozzy Bear’ a beautiful brown and fluffy Goldendoodle. She is excited to be a mentor with Little Women Speak! and is eager to see how God can use her to advance the lives of little women.
Tajuana Herrell, the visionary founder of Financial Aid Frenzy, is driven by her roles as a devoted mother, accounts receivable professional, and graduate of Columbia College Chicago. Her diverse experiences have converged to shape a trailblazing approach to higher education funding through her startup business Financial Aid Frenzy, a tailored crowdfunding ecosystem, where students are empowered to curate a community of ardent supporters who share their vision. Her journey from a college graduate to entrepreneur exemplifies her commitment to facilitating equitable access to education, providing hope for countless students in pursuit of brighter futures.
PROGRAMMING | TX
Tina was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she spent the summers working in the family construction business which heightened her creativity and love for art and construction. After receiving her bachelors in architecture at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, she decided to take her talents to Houston, TX where she obtained her master’s in architecture. While currently working at an architecture firm, she’s made time to be active and creative with her daughters who seem to have the same love she has for art and STEM. Her near future goals are becoming a licensed architect and continuing other passions she has including photography and party planning.
VIRTUAL COACH | TX
Samantha Washington
Samantha holds a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University specializing in mental health with a clinical social work license in Kentucky and Georgia. Over the last 14 years she has worked as a social worker for the Department of Veteran Affairs spanning multiple populations including inmates, those living with HIV/AIDS, children, and women. She is happily married to her best bud and is a mother of five wonderful children. Her passion is helping brown girls find their voices AND themselves, and to go on to do wonderful things with their newfound superpowers! It is an honor to be part of the mission of Little Women Speak!
VIRTUAL COACH | GA
Join Our Mission
Interested in learning how you can get involved? Contact us! We’d love to chat with you about volunteer opportunities or ways we can partner with you to support little women finding their voice!