February 2026 Blog Post
Finding Your Voice, Owning Your Story: Deirra Williams’ Journey of Resilience and Purpose
Deirra Williams, proudly serving as Miss Black Missouri USA,
is a powerful example of what it means to lead with heart, resilience, and
purpose. As both a student and a community leader, Deirra uses her platform to
uplift voices that are often unheard—and to remind young women everywhere that
their stories matter.
Growing up in the foster care system, Deirra learned early
that life doesn’t always follow a straight or easy path. But she also learned
something just as important: your mistakes do not define you. What
defines you is how you keep showing up, how you keep believing in yourself, and
how you choose to move forward—even when the road feels uncertain.
Today, Deirra is most proud of one thing above all else: never
giving up. Like so many, she has faced moments that felt like rock bottom.
Times when giving up might have seemed easier than pushing through. But she
reminds us that even the hardest seasons are temporary—and that growth often
begins right where we think we’ve hit the end.
Through her work as the founder of Verlinda’s Village,
Deirra focuses on bridging the gap between access and opportunity—especially
for students and young women experiencing housing insecurity and other barriers
to success. Her advocacy extends far beyond the crown. It’s rooted in lived
experience, deep empathy, and a commitment to creating real, lasting change in
her community.
One of Deirra’s most meaningful takeaways from connecting
with Girls in the Know was finding a space where she truly felt she belonged.
She describes it as a friendly, welcoming environment—one where it felt
comfortable to talk openly with others, where everyone cared about each other’s
perspectives, and where differences were valued rather than minimized.
“I found somewhere I belonged—where I could make a real
community impact and didn’t have to water myself down to be a part of it.”
That sense of belonging matters. Especially for girls who
are still discovering who they are and where they fit in the world.
Deirra also offers a gentle but powerful reminder to young
people everywhere: live in the moment and don’t rush getting older.
Every stage of life has something to teach us. Confidence grows with time, and
there’s no need to hurry past the moments that are shaping you into who you are
becoming.
As Miss Black Missouri USA, Deirra represents resilience,
grace, and self-belief. Her message is clear: you are worthy, your voice is
powerful, and no matter where you start, greatness is possible. When girls are
given the space to be fully themselves—and the support to believe in their own
stories—they don’t just grow. They lead.
And that is where true impact begins.
October Blog Post
Interns Katie and Grace: Students of Empowerment
When we were deciding where to complete our social work internships, we knew it was
important to partner with an organization that touches lives and makes a difference—that
is what Girls in the Know does. We are two students from Saint Louis University’s social
work program, and we have been with Girls in the Know since August. During our time here,
we have had the privilege of seeing how this organization empowers young girls to be their
best, most confident selves. Preteen girls are at a pivotal moment in their lives—they are
not quite adults, but not quite children. Girls in the Know gives them the resources to grow
into strong, informed, and independent young women.
We have been able to witness the organization’s impact in spaces from small, class-based
workshops to larger, community-wide events. Constantly, we have found ourselves
expressing to one another that “this is something I could have used when I was a pre-teen
girl.” And it’s true. Even as young women, we have found the Girls in the Know curriculum
to be relevant and supportive. It’s cathartic, even, being in spaces with experts on
empowerment and body image, who know how to guide girls through an extremely
challenging transitional period of their lives. Seeing girls grow more confident in their
understanding of themselves in real time is empowering for us as much as it is for them,
and we are proud to be a part of the legacy Girls in the Know is leaving in the Saint Louis community.
Girls in the Know Interns
September Blog Post
Empowering Girls to Know Their Worth
Empowering young girls to know their worth, trust their instincts, and speak their truth—that’s the mission of Girls in the Know, and it’s one I believe in deeply. I first learned about this incredible nonprofit when my daughter was in elementary school at Ladue. A group of moms had heard about the Empowerment Workshop Series, a program designed to create safe, open spaces where girls—and their trusted adults—could learn about important topics like puberty, body image, online safety, and social media.
Like many moms, I knew there were things my daughter didn’t always want to talk to me about. But after attending the series together, we both found the speakers to be incredibly informative and engaging. These were conversations that mattered, presented in a way that felt respectful, empowering, and real. Years later, when she was in high school, my daughter admitted just how much those early workshops helped her navigate challenges—especially when it came to understanding the risks of online interactions. That kind of impact is what makes Girls in the Know so special.
My involvement with the organization has only grown since then. I’ve been honored to emcee their events, share their stories through my work at FOX 2, and last year, I was incredibly proud to be named the honoree at the Girls in the Know Empowerment Brunch. It was humbling to stand alongside so many strong, passionate advocates for girls’ health, safety, and confidence.
What I love most about Girls in the Know is its unwavering commitment to helping girls understand one fundamental truth: they are enough. In a world that often sends mixed or unrealistic messages, this organization creates space for girls to learn, ask questions, and be heard—without shame or fear.
If you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply someone who believes in the power of confident, informed young women, I encourage you to support Girls in the Know. Whether it’s:
- Attending a workshop
- Making a donation
- Sharing their mission with others
Your involvement can help change the course of a young girl’s life. Because when girls are empowered with knowledge, confidence, and support—they become unstoppable.
Fox 2 News Reporter
August Blog Post
Be Safe & Make Good Chices
As I was raising my daughters, I always told them, “Be safe and make good choices.” I said this every time I dropped them off somewhere I wasn’t going to be—whether it was school, a friend’s house, or an activity. When I came to Girls in the Know, I brought that same philosophy with me. I wanted girls to have the knowledge and confidence to develop a strong sense of self and to know, without a doubt, that they are enough.
Pre-teen girls are at a stage where they crave independence. Their friends’ opinions often start to matter more than the adults in their lives. We hope that when girls seek answers, the advice they receive is accurate and empowering—and that’s where Girls in the Know comes in.
Through our programs, girls learn how to make good decisions, understand proper nutrition, develop safety strategies like using a code word to communicate to trusted adults their level of comfort, and navigate the changes happening in their bodies. All of this is taught by experts in their fields, giving girls the chance to ask questions, learn the facts, and even share this knowledge with friends.
My hope is that Girls in the Know continues to grow, reaching more girls and spreading our mission: to empower them to embrace a strong sense of self. Today’s girls can be and do anything they want—they just need to feel empowered to go for it.
Serving as Program Director has allowed me to carry forward my personal mission of helping girls be safe and make good choices. As I step into the next chapter of my career, I carry with me the reminder that I am enough to take on greater responsibilities and new challenges. Girls in the Know has reinforced this truth every day, and I hope you also feel inspired to follow your own dreams.
Girls in the Know
Previous Program Director
July Blog Post
I Want My Daughter to Know She Belongs
Growing up, I was always on the move. I started with dance and gymnastics, played tennis, and fell in love with golf at the age of eight. Eventually, basketball and golf became my focus—sports shaped almost every part of who I am.
For a long time, I thought I’d become a sports agent. In high school, I was surrounded by athletes and dreamed of representing them. But during college, I interned with Michigan Athletics and discovered something deeper: a passion for leadership. I was drawn to the strategy, the decision-making, the impact that happens behind the scenes. I wanted to be part of that bigger picture.
I also grew up reading the sports section like it was my homework. I studied trades, deals, team dynamics—everything. My mom used to tease me and say, “Read something else!” I’d always respond, “I’m going to make this matter.” And I did.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to grow up with powerful women in my life—my mom, grandmothers, aunts, and godmothers—who showed me how to lead with both strength and grace. Now, as a mother myself, I want my daughter to carry those same lessons. She already knows that Mommy leads an athletic department, and that means everything to me.
The road hasn’t always been straight. In 2016, I left a job that was draining the life out of me. I was newly married and unsure of what came next. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I cried. I doubted myself. But I trusted my work, and I leaned on my support system to carry me forward.
As a woman of color in college athletics, I’ve had to fight to be heard—sometimes, I still do. But I know my work speaks for itself, and that holds power. I’ve learned to put myself in the rooms where decisions are made, even when I’m the only one who looks like me. And when the door isn’t open, I find a way in.
If I could tell my 12-year-old self, anything, it would be this: trust yourself. Do what brings you joy. Follow that feeling and protect it fiercely.
To every girl reading this: confidence isn’t just about what you can do. It’s about knowing your worth and showing up—fully. You don’t need permission to lead. You don’t have to wait your turn. You are enough. Just as you are. And you belong in every room you walk into.
First Female Athletic Director Maryville University
June Blog Post
Empowered Women in STEM:
Bridging Gaps and Building Futures
STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, encompasses fields often surrounded by stereotypes that can discourage girls from pursuing these careers.
My name is Amaya Wiekerson, a Computer Science major at Washington University of St. Louis with a minor in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS). I am passionate about advocacy work, and I aspire to have a direct impact on individuals. As an intern at Girls in the Know (GITK) I have been provided valuable work that allows me to directly impact the education available to girls about their bodies, their safety, and their health.
When people hear terms like “engineer,” “STEM,” or “science,” they might picture someone who is technically skilled, but lacks creativity or social abilities. However, this is a misconception far from the truth. Engineering and other STEM fields require a blend of technical expertise, creativity, emotional intelligence, and social skills. GITK provides the support and resources needed to help girls develop these skills and break down these harmful stereotypes.
Studying both Computer Science and WGSS has helped me discover more about myself as a Black woman in Engineering; as well as what it means to be a woman studying Computer Science. This understanding is crucial for any woman pursuing a STEM career, and it’s something GITK is passionate about fostering in young women. Through our Empowerment Workshop, GITK builds confidence in young girls’ ability to follow their dreams, allowing them to grasp a better sense of self and confidence in who they are.
A colleague of mine, and fellow STEM major and GITK intern, Sam Battaglia, shared with me her experience as a woman pursuing a degree in Biology:
Sam Battaglia, B.S. of Science in Biology and Environmental Science, MPH/MSW Candidate:
“When I was paired with different lab partners, my measurements and calculations were double-checked. They would say ‘just to make sure we do it right.’”
Sam also faced skepticism about her choice to pursue Biology.
“Constantly being questioned in my field of study if I was “sure” about science was a norm for me during Undergrad.”
By sharing these experiences, we can better understand the challenges women face in STEM and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment. Empowering women in these fields is not just about breaking stigmas but also about recognizing the diverse strengths and perspectives they bring to the table. Together, we can redefine what it means to be a scientist, engineer, or technologist, by embracing creativity, empathy, and collaboration as essential components of success in STEM.
Girls in the Know is working towards changing the narrative and changing it whole-heartedly, because there is space for women at every table.
Never be ashamed of who you are or who you want to be. Own it and own it proudly.
B.S Computer Science & GITK Program Intern
B.S. of Science in Biology and Environmental Science, MPH/MSW Candidate & GITK Program Intern
May 2025 Blog Post
Empowerment Lies in Every Girl
The very heart of empowerment lies in every girl knowing her value and worth in this world.
My greatest wish is for girls to shine—freely and fearlessly—without insecurity. As a woman, and especially as a mother of three daughters, I deeply understand the importance of investing our time and energy into shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
Now, as the new Executive Director, I am honored and excited to continue advancing the mission of Girls in the Know. The organization has done an incredible job growing its workshops, and the potential for future impact is immense. We have a unique opportunity to reach girls across all communities—beyond geographic or social boundaries—creating safe spaces for conversations that matter, with people from all walks of life.
My biggest piece of advice for any girl or woman: let go of what others think. Don’t let that inner dialogue—those imagined judgments from the person next to you—consume your confidence. Because the truth is, they’re likely just as focused on their own insecurities.
So, to every girl out there: You are enough. Completely. Fully. Just the way you are.
My hope is that everyone who encounters this program—whether they walk away from it or remain part of it—carries that truth with them and shares it with others.
Executive Director, GITK
April 2025 Blog Post
Saundra Barker - Unhealthy and Health Relationships
For over 40 years, I dedicated my life to social work, helping children and families heal from trauma and discover their own strength. Throughout these years, one thing has always. been clear – healthy relationships start with self-love.
When I worked as a therapist, one of the most heartbreaking patterns I noticed with younger girls was their willingness to give away their power. They would silence their inner voices, ignore their gut feelings, all to fit in, to be loved and to be liked by others.
My advice is simple but powerful. Find your power and don’t give it away. Ask yourself what you feel in your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, honor that feeling. I often ask girls, “What if one of your friends said these same things to you? How would you respond?”. Be your own best friend. Look at yourself with the same compassion and love that you would offer someone you care about. The strongest relationships we have in life should lift your power, not take it away from you. Therefore, by learning to check in with your gut feeling and listen to what you discover there, you build a foundation of self-love that cannot be replaced.
When I think about what makes a relationship truly healthy, it all starts with how much you like yourself. We can choose to love ourselves enough to know when something is not right for us. Healthy relationships include support and celebrating each other’s wins, communication and fun. It should not feel like work. And remember, that feeling safe, emotionally, physically and mentally is always our main priority.
I’ve seen so many young women, especially in middle school, being afraid of standing out because it makes them vulnerable. But loving yourself means being brave enough to say, “I don’t want to be part of this group if it doesn’t feel right”.
When you’re struggling to leave a relationship that hurts you, first acknowledge if you’re truly ready. Recognizing “this feels bad to me” is a powerful first step and should not be taken for granted. Ask yourself what you’re actually getting from this relationship. When nothing positive comes to mind, the path forward becomes clearer. For young women especially, the fear of missing out or being disconnected from social circles at school can be hard. But here’s what I’ve learned working with girls, we can’t just take something away without replacing it. When you leave that unhealthy connection behind, you need something meaningful to fill that space. Explore what truly makes you passionate. Discover new activities and people that energize rather than drain you. When you build that life for yourself, you’ll find the strength to walk away from relationships that hurt you.
Unhealthy relationships thrive when we feel empty inside. The path forward is not just about walking away but about walking towards something that fills you up.
Parents and trusted adults – be the one who reminds her of her worth. Remember that healing begins when we replace what’s harmful with what brings passion and purpose.
Trust your gut. Find your power. And never give it away.
Retired Chief Program Officer
at Saint Louis Counseling
March 2025 Blog Post
Sarah Robinson – U.S. ARMY & MILITARY POLICER OFFICER
I grew up in a small town in Missouri, and there wasn’t anything special about me or my family – we weren’t extraordinary in any way. But what made me special, was the choices I made. I chose to help people.
Speaking as someone who has lots of experience in the mindset of self-defense, I want to claim how the most important aspect of self-defense is precisely that – mindset! You can learn all the moves in the world, but if you cannot pull them out in a crisis, they are useless. So, to all the women and girls out there who want to protect themselves—remember, humans have instincts, and if you’re a young woman, you have them too. Think about it: even a baby lion is still a lion, and it can defend itself when needed. It’s not about how big or strong you look—it’s about how you use what you’ve got.
If we cannot see it coming, we cannot defend ourselves. Therefore, we all need to practice our situational awareness. My biggest advice is to use your 5 senses. Practice perceiving information in your environment. Stay out of your phone, be aware of your exits but also recognize who is paying attention to you – who is not acting natural and normal? As women, we have a very strong intuition. Trust your gut; intuition is always a response to something, but most importantly, it always has your best interest in mind.
It is very easy to think that it could not happen to you and therefore not consider what you would do. Put yourself in the situation, if you were the bad guy – how would I attack me right now? I want to encourage you to train your mind. Courage and response take practice. You don’t always have to practice in the physical arena but rather engage your thoughts and train your mind. Imagine how your muscles would feel, how it would smell and how it would sound. By doing so you will be able to feel your stress response and from there you can train it.
Everything is a choice, and you can choose who you want to be. Do you want to be a survivor, do you want to be a hero, or do you want to be an easy target? I promise you; it is empowering to take your first steps into becoming someone who can defend themselves.
U.S. Army & Military Policer Officer
February Blog Post
Danni Adams & Body Image
I have not always been confident. I still do not always feel confident. Feeling confident is not a constant but rather a taught behavior. If I feel sad, I let myself feel sad. If I must cry, I let myself cry, but the most important part is how we choose to respond to our insecurities. It took me a while, but I have developed tools that remind me how to be confident. I have a community that loves me for everything I am; I have people that tell me to keep going, a support system that sees me for me. As a young girl, you don’t always have that, but that is what makes Girls in the Know so special – it offers a community to share and to be vulnerable, two of the most important aspects of our growth as people.
When I started sharing my journey and message about body image on Instagram, I wanted to show that confidence takes time – it grows when people feel encouraged and validated. I wanted to give people something that evoked these feelings. I wanted people to look at me and think, “she’s showing me that I can be creative and beautiful, even if I do not fit society’s expectations.” I wanted people to see me as someone who truly sees them for who they are.
For a long time, I was very intentional about who I let be part of my platform. I advise you to choose your people. As I set out to help people reimagine beauty, I wanted my community to be filled with those who want to learn, develop and grow. I decided to challenge the norm. I wrote out my captions as “America’s ugly child” – not because I think I am ugly, but it made people think. It made people question, “why do I judge her this way?”
I want to tell you that you are not alone. From the old to the young, you are not alone. I want to tell you that the pressure will always be there because society’s beauty standards will always change. So, create and practice seeing you for you. Practice looking in the mirror, say something positive, touch and feel your body, and stay thankful that your body is what keeps you alive. Your uniqueness is what makes you special – and we need uniqueness of beauty to learn and grow from each other. No matter what society tells you, the perfect kind of beauty does not exist. Be okay with being different. Be your own type of art in the gallery. In the end, being beautiful does not guarantee safety, respect or success. But the goodness you put into the world – that’s what truly lasts.
