Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Simmons.
Hi Kelly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey began with a simple but deep passion for the “underdog.” In a world that can often be loud and overwhelming, I saw too many young women in our community struggling to find their place and, more importantly, losing their voices. I’ve always believed that everyone has the potential to be the real MVP of their own life—sometimes, we just haven’t been given the playbook or the permission to unleash that side of ourselves.
I founded Women of Virtue Emerging (WOVE) to bridge that gap. My goal was to create a space where young women aren’t just seen, but truly understood. We focus on the belief that purpose isn’t something you find “out there”; it’s something you cultivate from within once you recognize your own value.
My core program is built around intensive 8-week sessions designed to be a transformative experience. During this time, each young lady works through a curriculum that challenges her to:
Identify her worth: Moving past societal labels to see her inherent value.
Find her voice: Learning how to communicate her needs and her vision for the future.
Define her purpose: Turning her passions into a concrete life plan.
At WOVE, we don’t just provide a class; we provide a community. Whether it’s through our focus on self-esteem or building practical skills like financial literacy, we are dedicated to ensuring that no young woman feels like she has to navigate her journey alone. We are here to help them realize that they were never just “the underdog”—they were the MVP all along.
Women of Virtue Emerging has been around for over 7 years. We operated under Ourfathers House, a nonprofit that ended its agency in 2023, and I launched Women Of Virtue as its own nonprofit, and here we are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the most immediate challenges was finding a physical space that felt like a good fit without a huge weekly fee. I wanted the environment to be welcoming and secure. Navigating the world of commercial real estate and community center fees was eye-opening. We needed a place that believed in our mission enough to offer affordable fees, allowing us to keep our focus on the students and our mission.
Securing funds to launch WOVE was a lesson in persistence. When you are a new organization, you are often asking people to invest in a vision before you have years of data to show. From drafting bylaws to seeking out donors who understood the value of the “underdog,” every dollar was fought for. It required transparency, a clear business plan, and the courage to keep asking even after hearing “not right now.”
Standing Out.
In a digital age, the challenge wasn’t just existing—it was being heard. We had to find a way to make WOVE stand out among countless other programs. We did this by staying true to our unique “MVP” philosophy and our specialized 8-week curriculum.
Reaching the Young Ladies Who Need Us Most was a challenge I accepted.
Perhaps the most delicate challenge was outreach. The young women who need a safe space the most are often the ones who have learned to be the most guarded. We had to build trust before they even walked through the door. This meant:
Meeting them where they are: Going into the heart of the community. Speaking to parents, educators, and community leaders.
I focused on showing them that WOVE isn’t just a class, it’s a sisterhood. I shared my lived experience with them.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is centered on the “Four Pillars of Excellence”: Self-Esteem, Accountability, Social Etiquette, and Financial Literacy. Through Women of Virtue Emerging (WOVE), I facilitate 8-week empowerment sessions for young women. This isn’t just about lecturing; it’s about mentorship. We provide a curriculum that helps them navigate the transition from girlhood to womanhood with confidence, teaching them how to manage their money, how to carry themselves with grace, and how to take ownership of their future.
I believe WOVE stands out because of our “Underdog to MVP” philosophy. Many programs focus solely on academic success or general behavior. We focus on the spirit. We specialize in reaching the young ladies who feel invisible or haven’t found their “lane” yet. We don’t just give them a safe space; we give them a platform to find their voice. Our small group settings ensure that no one is just a number; every young lady is treated as the MVP of her own life.
I am most proud of the transformation. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a young woman walk into the first week with her head down and her voice quiet, and then watching her stand tall by week eight, articulating her life purpose and understanding her worth. Knowing that we are planting seeds of financial literacy and self-respect that will grow for generations—that is the “win” I work for every day.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you cannot rush transformation. When I started, I wanted to change every young lady’s life overnight. I learned that building trust takes time, especially with young women who have felt let down by society. I’ve learned to celebrate the “small wins”—a student finally making eye contact, or another finally speaking up during a session. Growth is a marathon, not a sprint.
2.
Starting a non-profit involves hearing “no” a lot—whether it’s for funding, space, or partnerships. I learned that a “no” isn’t a stop sign; it’s just a sign to find another way. It taught me to be resourceful and to stand firm in my worth. I had to practice exactly what I teach: I had to be my own MVP and advocate for my vision even when others didn’t see it yet.
3.
I learned that as a leader, I have to take care of myself and build a team I can lean on. I used to think I had to do it all alone to prove my passion. But I realized that for WOVE to be a “safe space” for others, I had to create a healthy environment for myself too. Leadership is about collaboration, not just individual effort.
Pricing:
- All Classes are free.
Contact Info:
- Website: Http://wovemo.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576618186682
- Other: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/Q6HK5AME7V57S
