Girl Talk founder and executive director, Haley Kilpatrick founded an organization at just 15 years old to help middle and high school girls learn leadership skills, the value of community service, and self esteem boosting activities all through the power of student-to-student mentoring. In 2002, she started Girl Talk in her school in Albany, Georgia. Today, Girl Talk is the fastest growing nonprofit mentoring program in the country. Her program reaches middle and high school girls 24 states, Canada, the Virgin Islands and Africa - and Girl Talk is reaching over 30,000 girls. Haley is working hard to see that Girl Talk is in all 50 states by 2010.
Haley graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in Communication in December 2007. She spends most of her time dedicated to the growth and expansion of Girl Talk. When she is not working or in class, she travels around the country speaking and motivating youth, teachers and administrators on the importance of mentoring. This past year alone, she has traveled to 15 states and has spoken to over 17,000 youth and educators. She currently serves on the Girls Inc. Summit Leadership Panel, is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, works with the Georgia Department of Labor’s Workforce and serves on the Georgia Youth Entrepreneurship Panel.
Haley was recently featured on NBC’s Today Show, NBC Nightly News, CNN, Montel, and TBS. The Today’s Show told the story of Girl Talk, CNN’s had her on as one of America’s “Young People Who Rock,” and TBS (Turner Broadcasting System) and the Emmy award-winning TBS STORYLINE honored Haley with their annual TBS Pathfinder Award for Georgians who give of themselves to make a meaningful difference. Haley was selected from thousands of nominees as one of five finalists in the Voices 2006 Campaign sponsored by Charming Shoppes and was featured nationwide on the MONTEL Show. Voices honors everyday women across America for their passion, leadership and achievements as they raise their voice to create positive change. As a finalist, Haley received $20,000 to support Girl Talk!
Atlanta’s NBC affiliate 11-Alive recognized Haley with their annual Community Service Award for outstanding local volunteers who have demonstrated selfless devotion for the betterment of the community. At the ceremony, Haley was surprised with a $10,000 donation to Girl Talk by Atlanta philanthropist Charles Loudermilk. Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) presented Haley with the 2007 Southeastern United States of the NSDAR Community Service Award. This award is given each year to a native-born American citizen for outstanding contributions to their part of the country. Haley was featured on Naomi Judd’s Talk show, “Naomi’s New Morning” on the Hallmark Channel.
Jezebel Magazine named Haley as one of “Atlanta’s 50 Most Beautiful People.” She was also honored by the National Center for Rural Entrepreneurship as their Entrepreneur of the Month. The NFL’s Atlanta Falcons honored Haley with the Community Quarterback Award and she is also the recipient of The President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Some of Kilpatrick’s past honors include CosmoGIRL! Magazine’s “2004 CosmoGIRL! of the Year” and recipient of a $10,000 Maybelline New York scholarship. Haley was recognized at the Annual Born to Lead Awards along with Jessica Simpson, Chad Michael Murray, Amber Tamblyn, Raven Symone and several other celebrities and do-good teens.
American Eagle Outfitters asked Kilpatrick to be an official spokesperson for their Live Your Life Spring 2006 campaign. Haley’s face and story were featured in more than 850 American Eagle stores across the U.S. and Canada. In addition, Haley served on the panel to help select six young adults win a $25,000 prize to fulfill their lifelong dreams.
In addition to starting Girl Talk, Haley was Volunteer Albany’s Volunteer of the Year, United Way’s Southwest Chapter’s Volunteer of the Year, Miss Teen Albany, and an honors graduate of Deerfield-Windsor College Preparatory School.