Today we’d like to introduce you to Denetria Moore.
Hi Denetria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Girl Talk was founded in 2006 by Denetria “Dee Dee” Moore, who wanted to develop a program that prevented girls from experiencing what she experienced as an adolescent. Denetria became pregnant with her daughter at the tender age of 19, while she was in college at the University of Tennessee- Knoxville. If it had not been for mentors in her life, her family, and friends who supported her, she would not have graduated as a single mother with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Like many other teens, Denetria struggled with her self-image and loving herself and her desire is to inspire other young ladies to love themselves just the way God made them. “If I can get a girl to see the value in herself, then she will begin to see the value in her future. If she is focused on her future, she will make the right choices to produce a positive one”, says Denetria. Girl Talk was founded to give girls hope, a family, a place to fit in, a place to feel safe, and a place to seek refuge.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. Building a nonprofit from the ground up is already a significant challenge, and doing so as a double minority adds even more obstacles to navigate. When Girl Talk was founded, we had no startup funding—our budget was literally zero. Every step forward required an immense amount of grit, resourcefulness, and determination.
We had to build trust in the community, secure funding without traditional backing, and constantly prove the value of our mission. There were times when we didn’t know how we would cover basic expenses, and yet we pressed on—believing in the vision and the impact we knew Girl Talk could have. The journey has been marked by perseverance, sacrifice, and faith—but also by incredible growth and deeply rewarding outcomes.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Girl Talk is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls to become their best selves by reducing the likelihood of teen pregnancy and increasing the likelihood of educational advancement. Our work is rooted in the belief that when girls are equipped with the right tools, guidance, and support, they can defy limitations and create a powerful future for themselves.
We specialize in mentorship, life skills development, and educational preparation through three core programs:
1:1 Mentoring & Signature Events – Each girl is paired with a mentor and participates in experiences like curriculum-based sleepovers, college and career tours, and life-skills workshops that address social pressures, mental health, and decision-making.
School & Site-Based Program – We bring Girl Talk curriculum to girls in Knox County Schools through weekly after-school sessions focused on confidence, healthy relationships, bullying prevention, and college and career inspiration.
Girl Talk Life Prep Academy – A targeted program for high school students that prepares them for life after graduation, including college, careers, and general adult readiness like financial literacy and independent living.
What sets Girl Talk apart is our holistic and faith-based approach. We’re not just teaching life skills—we’re walking alongside girls as they grow into strong, confident, and educated women. Our core belief is that a young woman’s worth is not defined by her circumstances, but by her identity and purpose. We are proud to create safe, grace-filled spaces for girls to connect, grow, and dream big.
Brand-wise, what we’re most proud of is the transformation we see in our girls. From first-generation college students to confident leaders in their communities, our participants become living proof of the impact Girl Talk makes.
We want readers to know that Girl Talk is more than a program—it’s a movement. One that is changing the trajectory of girls’ lives by preparing them to thrive in whatever path they choose. Whether it’s school, career, or life in general, Girl Talk girls are ready to change the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.girltalkinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girltalkincknox/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GirlTalkIncKnox/
- LinkedIn: Girl Talk Inc Knoxville
