Obama Leader Teirra Scott on Empowering Urban Girls to Thrive
Teirra Scott (‘15 Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana), founder of Goddess Mentoring, was recently selected as an Obama Leader. We spoke with her about how TFA played a role in her passion for education equity and leadership.
Teirra Scott ('15 Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana), Obama Leader and Founder of Goddess Mentoring
Walk us through your career path and how you ended up where you are today. How did TFA play a role in that journey?
After graduating from Howard University in 2015, I joined Teach For America as a corps member, returning to my home in Chicago to teach in the very neighborhoods that shaped me. This wasn’t just a job for me—it was a mission. For six years, I poured my heart into my classroom, determined to make sure every child I taught saw their potential and knew they were worthy of success.
Teach For America ignited my passion for educational equity and leadership. During my time with TFA, I took on leadership roles, serving as a School Leader and Leadership Coach during TFA’s summer training institute. These experiences were pivotal, helping me understand the power of mentorship, community, and the importance of developing the next generation of educators. After my time in the classroom, I transitioned into a full-time role with TFA as the Director of Leadership Development, where I was able to amplify my impact on a broader scale.
“Teach For America ignited my passion for educational equity and leadership. This wasn’t just a job for me—it was a mission.”
Teach For America transformed my understanding of systemic challenges and deepened my commitment to creating change, which ultimately led to the founding of Goddess Mentoring. TFA’s focus on leadership, service, and the potential of every child resonates deeply with the work I do today, empowering urban girls to break generational cycles and step into their power.
You were selected as an Obama Leader! Tell us a little about the program and what progress or growth you hope to see from being a part of this global cohort of leaders.
Being selected as a 2024-2025 Obama Foundation Leader is truly an honor. This prestigious program, organized by the Obama Foundation, is highly competitive. From a pool of more than 6,000 applicants from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the U.S., I am honored to be part of a global cohort of 205 leaders dedicated to making a lasting impact in our communities and beyond.
Over the next six months, we will engage with the Foundation’s 'Hope to Action' curriculum, inspired by President Obama’s approach to leadership. This is a chance to reflect on my values, refine my skills, and learn from some of the brightest minds working on critical issues like democracy, civic engagement, climate change, and education.
Through the Obama Foundation Leaders program, I hope to deepen my understanding of community-driven leadership and broaden the scope of Goddess Mentoring to have a national footprint. I also aim to focus on delegating leadership within my organization and developing more holistic strategies for supporting young girls across Chicago and beyond. The program’s mentorship, resources, and network will undoubtedly accelerate my personal and professional growth, allowing me to scale my vision and impact.
Tell us about founding Goddess Mentoring and what issues you are hoping to solve.
I founded Goddess Mentoring to address the systemic barriers that urban girls face in achieving and sustaining success. Growing up on Chicago's West Side, I experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating life with limited resources and support. These barriers often trap young women in cycles of underachievement, limiting their potential and opportunities. Goddess Mentoring exists to break those cycles by providing young women with the tools, guidance, and resources they need to thrive and create pathways to lasting success.
“Goddess Mentoring exists to break those cycles by providing young women with the tools, guidance, and resources they need to thrive and create pathways to lasting success. ”
At Goddess Mentoring, we prioritize holistic development—self and leadership growth, community service, financial literacy, and health and wellness. These pillars are not just about achieving success—they’re about sustaining it. Our mission is to empower girls to understand their worth, develop their potential, and become leaders who not only achieve their goals but inspire others to do the same. We’re fostering future leaders who will pay their success forward, creating true generational change. By equipping girls with these tools, we are breaking the cycles that have held communities of color back for far too long, ensuring that the success they build today transforms the future.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What are you hoping to achieve?
In five years, I see myself continuing to lead Goddess Mentoring as one of the leading mentoring programs in Chicago, with community centers serving as safe havens for young women across the city. I also plan to expand my two other businesses: CuuuTeee Dance Fitness, which promotes physical wellness through high-energy dance for people of all shapes and sizes, and Teirra Scott Educational Consulting, which partners with schools to provide leadership development for students and professional growth for educators.
More than anything, I pray to achieve a lasting impact by living a life rooted in service. My goal is to create meaningful change, providing individuals with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to transform not only their lives but the lives of those around them. I aim to touch individuals, homes, communities, cities, and, eventually, the world—leading with purpose and a heart dedicated to service every step of the way.