Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ieshia Paige.
Hi Dr. Ieshia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Valley, Alabama, where I was raised by a single mother as the oldest of five. Growing up in a low-income household, I experienced firsthand the challenges of instability—but also the power of community. Organizations, churches, and mentors consistently showed up for my family in times of need, and those experiences shaped my desire to give back from an early age.
I began volunteering in my community as a student, serving through local organizations, schools, and service clubs. That passion followed me into college, where I attended Southern Union Community College before transferring to Alabama State University. There, I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting while working multiple jobs and continuing to lead service initiatives, including organizing donation drives and community outreach efforts.
After relocating to Houston in 2021 during the pandemic, I faced several challenges navigating my career path. Although I briefly worked in corporate accounting, I ultimately realized my purpose was rooted in people, not just profession. That led me to transition into education, where I discovered a deep passion for mentorship and student development.
Today, I have earned my doctorate in Strategic Leadership and serve as an educator and mentor. I am also the founder of Girlhood United, a mentorship and community-based organization dedicated to empowering young girls through leadership development, service, and access to resources. My journey has come full circle—from being supported by a village to becoming part of that same village for others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up, I faced a number of challenges that shaped both my resilience and my purpose. I was raised in a low-income, single-parent household as the oldest of five, which meant I took on significant responsibility at a young age. Financial instability was a constant, and my family experienced periods of homelessness, including after our home burned down twice in consecutive years.
I was also exposed to domestic violence within my household, which at one point led us to seek safety in a battered women’s shelter. Emotionally, I navigated the absence of my father for most of my life, and after briefly meeting him as a teenager, I experienced the trauma of losing him to suicide shortly after.
In school, I struggled with bullying and self-doubt, often being targeted for my appearance and background. Those experiences impacted my confidence and made me question my abilities, especially academically after being told by a teacher that I wasn’t capable. Despite this, I continued to push forward, balancing school with work to help support my family.
While these challenges were difficult, they ultimately became the foundation for my passion for service, mentorship, and community impact. They instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to creating the kind of support systems I once needed for others.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Girlhood United was created from both my lived experiences and my passion for mentorship and service. Growing up, I benefited from the support of community organizations and individuals who poured into me during some of the most challenging times in my life. I knew early on that I wanted to create something that would provide that same level of support, guidance, and opportunity for the next generation of girls.
Through Girlhood United, I have been able to turn that vision into action by developing programs and initiatives centered around mentorship, community service, leadership development, and access to resources. One of our core focuses is building meaningful mentor-mentee relationships that empower young girls to grow in confidence, academic success, and personal development.
In addition to mentorship, I have led and organized several community outreach initiatives, including back-to-school drives where we have distributed hundreds of backpacks and school supplies to families in need, as well as holiday service projects providing meals, clothing, and essential items to underserved communities. These efforts are not only about meeting immediate needs but also about creating a culture of giving, leadership, and collective responsibility among the girls we serve.
Girlhood United is more than an organization—it is a community and a movement. It represents my commitment to breaking cycles, creating opportunities, and ensuring that young girls, regardless of their background, have the support, resources, and mentorship they need to thrive and lead.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Those early experiences shaped my resilience, work ethic, and deep commitment to service. While I faced bullying and self-doubt throughout my school years, I also learned the value of perseverance and education as a pathway forward. Most importantly, I witnessed firsthand how mentorship, compassion, and access to resources can change the trajectory of a life—lessons that continue to guide everything I do today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.girlhoodunited.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ieshia_paige?igsh=Zm9wOTE3amk4c250
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ieshiapaige?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
