Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Nelson.
Hi Tiffany, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
City Girls Who Walk Houston was inspired by the original City Girls Who Walk in New York City in early 2022. We loved the simplicity of the idea: women coming together to walk, connect, and build community. We knew Houston women would embrace something similar.
At first, we waited for someone else to bring the idea to life in Houston. Then we realized that if we wanted to see it happen, we had to take the first step ourselves.
We announced on Instagram that we’d meet at Wortham Fountain on May 1, 2022, at 9 a.m. and waited to see who would show up. To our delight, 18 women joined us! We walked, connected, and and began building something truly meaningful.
Soon, the messages started pouring in: “When’s the next walk?” Our answer was simple: “Sunday morning!” And the following week, even more women showed up.
Nearly five years later, what began as a simple invitation to walk has blossomed into a vibrant, diverse community built around connection, friendship, and shared experiences. Today, our gatherings extend well beyond our weekly walks to include weekly coffee meet-ups, monthly brunches and book clubs, and enrichment activities ranging from dance lessons and yoga classes to educational opportunities through City Girls University.
Through community partnerships and collaborations, we continue to create opportunities for women to explore new interests, discover new places, and experience Houston in authentic ways. Just as importantly, our community brings together women who have called Houston home for decades and those who are new to the city and looking for community, friendship, and a sense of belonging.
At its heart, City Girls Who Walk Houston is about so much more than walking. It’s about creating space for women to meet, grow, learn, and build genuine connections—one walk, one conversation, and one shared experience at a time.
And to think, it all started with one idea, one Instagram post, and 18 women willing to show up.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building City Girls Who Walk Houston from one idea to a community of 40,000 women has been an extraordinary journey filled with challenges, growth, and an abundance of rewards. What began with 18 women meeting for a Sunday morning walk has grown into a vibrant community that brings women together from all walks of life through friendship, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging.
Growing a community of this size takes heart, vision, consistency, and a willingness to evolve. It means learning how to serve a multicultural group of women with different interests, backgrounds, and expectations while preserving the welcoming spirit that brought us together in the first place. It requires thoughtful planning, creative programming, strong partnerships, and a commitment to making women feel seen, included, and valued. There are certainly challenges along the way, but each one offers an opportunity to learn, improve, and build something even stronger.
And the rewards? They are immeasurable. They’re found in the friendships formed, the woman who finds her footing in a new city, the longtime Houstonian who discovers something new about her hometown, and the women who walk in as strangers and leave as friends. They’re reflected in the conversations over coffee, the laughter at brunch, the discoveries made through City Girls University, and the shared experiences that remind us how much richer life can be when we find our people.
Perhaps the greatest reward is knowing that something as simple as taking a walk can create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the walking trails. City Girls Who Walk Houston is a reminder that community doesn’t happen overnight; it grows when people show up, make room for one another, and continue to invest in something bigger than themselves.
As we look ahead, we remain excited about what’s possible. Forty thousand women represent not just a milestone, but thousands of stories, perspectives, friendships, and opportunities to make a difference. Our journey continues, guided by the belief that when women come together, we can create something truly special—not only for ourselves, but for the city we call home.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At its heart, City Girls Who Walk Houston is built on a belief I have always held: people thrive when they feel welcomed, included, and connected. I grew up in a family where hospitality meant making others feel valued and cared for, and that upbringing continues to shape my approach to community-building. I love Houston—its diversity, culture, neighborhoods, and, above all, its people. I wanted to create opportunities for women to experience the city, meet one another, and discover the joy of belonging to a community.
Through City Girls, I strive to make it easier for women to take that first step, whether it’s joining a walk alone, attending a book club, trying a new activity, or meeting someone over coffee. I believe these seemingly small moments can lead to lasting friendships, personal growth, and a genuine sense of belonging.
One of my greatest joys is seeing women become more connected to both the city and one another. Houston is an extraordinary place, but finding your people in a big city can be challenging. City Girls creates a welcoming starting point for women to build friendships, discover new interests, and explore Houston in ways they might not have otherwise. There is something especially rewarding about watching strangers become friends—and then seeing those women extend the same welcome to someone new.
What sets City Girls Who Walk Houston apart is that we’re about more than walking and organizing events; we’re creating pathways to community. Our walks are just the beginning. Through social gatherings, enrichment activities, and educational initiatives we help women discover new experiences and build relationships at their own pace.
I love Houston, and I want others to love it, too, not just for what the city offers, but for the people, experiences, and possibilities they can discover here. If City Girls Who Walk Houston can help women feel more at home, one walk, one conversation, and one new friendship at a time, then we’re doing something truly worthwhile.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice on networking is to lead with genuine curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to build relationships without expecting anything in return. Be intentional about connecting with people whose work and values you admire, and remember that meaningful relationships grow through consistency, mutual respect, and showing up for one another.
Finding a mentor begins with identifying someone who inspires you—someone with integrity, who follows through on their commitments, and who leads with openness and inclusivity. Look for people whose actions align with their words and who make others feel valued. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, and learn from their experiences.
I’ve found that some of the most rewarding opportunities come from authentic relationships and a genuine desire to connect, contribute, and support others. Be the kind of person you’d want to know, and remember that mentorship and networking are two-way streets. We all have something to learn and something to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/girls-who-give
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citygirlswhowalkhou/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/city-girls-who-walk-houston/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@citygirlswhowalkhouston
