Today we’d like to introduce you to Latoya Gibson.
Latoya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our Story – Girls With Goals
Girls With Goals was founded in 2020, born out of a simple but powerful desire to give back. In the beginning, we weren’t sure how—but we knew we wanted to make a difference.
The journey began when my daughter participated in a pageant. Watching her prepare, take on challenges, and step outside her comfort zone was inspiring. Though she didn’t win, the experience left her feeling empowered, excited, and proud. But one thing stood out to me—she was one of only three minority girls in the entire pageant. I couldn’t help but ask, why?
That moment sparked something in me. I started speaking with past and present contestants and pageant queens, researching the pageant world in depth. What I discovered was undeniable: minority girls are significantly underrepresented in pageantry.
Was it the cost? A lack of relatability? Or simply a lack of awareness of the benefits and opportunities pageants provide?
With those questions in mind, an idea was born—to create a scholarship pageant that would open doors for girls from all backgrounds. Although I was stepping into unfamiliar territory as a nurse practitioner, I leaned into my passion—and our first pageant, Miss Teen Personality, was born.
Since then, we’ve hosted six incredible pageants, impacted the lives of over 100 young women, and awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships. What began as a spark has turned into a movement.
Our Mission
At Girls With Goals, our mission is to inspire, encourage, and empower girls of all nationalities to become the change they wish to see in the world.
Through the power of pageantry, we focus on:
Building self-confidence and self-esteem
Fostering discipline and leadership
Teaching the importance of service
Promoting positivity, self-expression, and sisterhood
We believe every girl deserves the opportunity to shine, to lead, and to be seen. Pageantry is more than a crown—it’s a platform for growth, transformation, and empowerment.
Our motto says it all:
“Goals Beyond the Crown.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running an organization like Girls With Goals comes with its rewards—but also its challenges. Two of the most significant areas we continue to navigate each year are funding and recruitment.
1. Funding Our Initiatives:
In the beginning, our pageants were entirely self-funded. But as the organization grew, we quickly realized that relying solely on personal resources was not financially sustainable. Through experience and maturation, we learned the importance of community involvement.
Today, we support our initiatives through:
-Community contributions
– Ad sales in event programs
-Fundraising efforts
-Ticket sales for pageant events
However, continued growth and impact require consistent, reliable support. Every contribution—big or small—directly fuels our mission and helps us offer scholarships, mentorship, and transformative experiences for young girls.
2. Changing the Narrative: Recruitment Challenges:
Recruiting participants is an ongoing challenge due to the stigmas and misconceptions often associated with pageantry. Many people still view pageants as superficial or exclusive—but our mission is the exact opposite.
At Girls With Goals, we work hard to showcase the positive, empowering aspects of pageantry:
– Confidence-building
– Personal development
– Community service
– Leadership training
– Scholarship opportunities
Our goal is to break down barriers and educate families about the benefits of pageant participation—especially for girls who may not see themselves reflected in traditional pageant spaces
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Adult Health, but I wear many hats—including wife, mother, and founder of Girls With Goals. While my professional path is rooted in healthcare, my heart has always been deeply committed to service, empowerment, and growth.
Those who know me best would probably describe me as witty, direct, and unapologetically driven. I believe in saying what needs to be said—with kindness, but also with clarity.
My proudest role by far is being a wife and a mom to two beautiful girls who constantly remind me why I do what I do. They’re my daily motivation, my reason to keep pushing, and the spark behind the creation of Girls With Goals.
What sets me apart? I’m not afraid to fail. In fact, I embrace failure—because I believe it’s in those moments of challenge that we experience the most growth. Whether in healthcare or youth development, I lead with passion, resilience, and a belief that every girl deserves the chance to rise.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Professionally I rely on a few trusted clinical apps to stay sharp and deliver the best possible care. I’m passionate about staying informed, efficient and current in health care space. Outside of work I enjoy unwinding with a good podcast or catching some inspiring content.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://girlswithgoals.net
- Instagram: girlswithgoalssc
- Facebook: GirlswithGoals-llc-Southcarolina
