For nearly two decades, Girl Talk Inc. has been changing lives across Knoxville. The nonprofit isn’t new, but it has reached a milestone that founder and executive director Denetria Moore calls a dream come true — the opening of the Girl Talk House.
Located at 2017 Bowling Ave., the Girl Talk House gives the organization a permanent home where girls can learn, grow and build brighter futures together.
Founded in 2006, Girl Talk was created to empower girls by reducing the likelihood of teen pregnancy while helping them succeed in school and beyond. Today, the organization offers mentorship, leadership development, academic support, career and college readiness, financial literacy, life skills training and opportunities that help girls develop confidence and healthy relationships.
“Our vision is to create a community where women and girls come together in a safe environment to share hope, grace, support, love and experiences,” Moore said. “When girls are equipped with the right support and opportunities, they become strong, confident, educated women who are ready to change the world.”
The organization’s mission is deeply personal for Moore.
“I founded Girl Talk because I wanted to create the kind of support system I needed as an adolescent and young adult,” she said. “I struggled with low self-esteem and often looked to relationships for validation and acceptance. At 19, I became pregnant with my daughter, Tailynn.”
Moore credits the mentors, family members and friends who believed in her with helping rewrite her story.
“My journey could have looked very different if it hadn’t been for the people who supported and encouraged me,” she said. “With their help, I graduated as a single mother with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.”
That experience became the foundation for Girl Talk’s mission — ensuring other young women have the guidance and encouragement they need to discover their potential.
The opening of the Girl Talk House represents far more than a new address. It fulfills a long-held vision of creating a welcoming place where girls can find mentorship, build lifelong skills and prepare for successful futures. After years of serving the Knoxville community, Girl Talk now has a permanent home to continue inspiring the next generation of confident young women.
Coming Tuesday: KnoxTNToday will share the personal story of one young woman whose life was transformed through Girl Talk, offering a firsthand look at the lasting impact the organization continues to make in our community.
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