Girls Who Rise
Empowering Girls to Become Leaders
A leadership guide that helps girls recognize their strengths, navigate challenges, and step forward with confidence, courage, and purpose.
Before the Gavel Falls
Teri Lee Thompson’s guide for parents, educators, and mentors who want to recognize warning signs and support girls before crisis becomes court involvement.
US$29.99
Free U.S. shippingApplicable tax added at checkout
Secure checkout with Stripe
Meet Teri Lee Thompson.
For more than three decades, Teri has worked in criminal defense, federal capital litigation, and legal education. Listening to the lives behind the case files led her toward another kind of advocacy: helping young people find confidence and support earlier.
Through her books and Zella Publishing, she creates stories that celebrate culture and help children—especially Black children and girls—see themselves as capable, worthy, and ready to lead.
Professional affiliations
- Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL)
- Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA)
Books for growing voices.
Leadership for girls, affirming stories for children, and shared journeys of change. Explore Teri’s own books alongside collections featuring her voice.
Browse all books & projects
Adventures with Kai: Kinky, Curly, Mine
A story about natural hair, self-love, and celebrating what makes you unique.
Featuring Teri Lee Thompson
Voices of Change, Vol. 2
Inspirational Journeys Across Borders
A collection of perspectives created to challenge assumptions, encourage reflection, and move readers toward meaningful change.
In conversation with Teri.
From Court TV to conversations about Black youth and self-love, Teri brings legal experience and a commitment to early support into the public conversation.
Speaking topics & all appearances
Support that starts early.
Justice Redefined™ is Teri’s early-intervention and youth-support initiative, connecting literacy, technology, leadership, and culturally responsive mentorship.
- Imagine Me
- Reading, technology, and positive self-image for girls ages six through nine.
- G.L.O.
- Grow. Lead. Overcome. Literacy, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills for preteen and teen girls.
Oyedeji Grammar School
Supporter · Oyedeji, Nigeria
Support for young scholars in a rural community where some girls miss school because their families cannot afford necessary menstrual products.
Spelman College Speech and Debate
Volunteer coach
Coaching students on a nationally recognized team as they strengthen research, argument, confidence, and public voice.
Bring Teri into the conversation.
Planning a discussion about youth leadership, identity, or early intervention? Get in touch about speaking engagements, book conversations, and community collaborations.
Discuss a collaborationFor legal matters, contact the law office.