Episode 15 of The LeadHer Shift features Vonetta Pierce, from battling imposter syndrome to building a multi-state mentoring movement for girls, who shares her raw truths, leadership lessons, and how rest became her resistance.

In This Episode

What does it mean to lead yourself before leading others?

In this powerful episode, Alian Ollivierre sits down with educator, counsellor, author, and Founder of Get a Grip for Teens, Vonetta Pierce, to explore what 30 years in education has taught her about leadership, confidence, community, and the courage to rest. 

The discussions explored: 

• Why your impact matters, even when you don’t see it yet;

• The hidden cost of shrinking to fit in;

• How Black women leaders can own their brilliance unapologetically;

• Why comparison is the thief of joy;

• The importance of community, collaboration & self-care; and,

• What it really takes to nurture the next generation of girls.

Whether you’re an educator, a mentor, or a woman rising in leadership, this conversation is your reminder: 

Your voice matters. Your leadership matters. You are not alone.

If this conversation spoke to you, share it. Let another woman know she’s not alone, and her leadership still matters. And, subscribe to the podcast to stay connected.

About Vonetta Pierce

Vonetta C. Pierce is a Philadelphia native with nearly three decades of experience in education. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, earning a B.A. in Spanish, and holds two master’s degrees—an M.Ed. in Foreign Language Education from Temple University and an M.Ed. in School Counseling from Wilmington University. After more than twenty years as a Spanish teacher, she now serves as a dedicated school counsellor, guiding students toward academic, personal, and emotional success.

Vonetta’s journey is one of resilience and faith. As a burn survivor and overcomer of life’s challenges, Vonetta draws on her personal testimony to inspire others. Vonetta is also an accomplished author. Her books for adolescents led to the creation of her mentoring group.

In 2017, she founded Get a G.R.I.P. (Girls Reaching their Ideal Potential) Teen Mentoring, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to enriching and empowering the lives of teen girls through leadership, education, and character-building activities. With chapters in Delaware and Pennsylvania, her programme continues to impact and inspire young women in the community to rise above challenges and embrace their potential.

Below is a quote that embody the essence of who inspires her as a leader:

“Surround yourself only with people who will lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey

About LeadHer Shift

LeadHer Shift is a series featuring dynamic women, their experiences, and insights.

These are women of all demographics, experience levels, and cultures, who have, in their own ways, accomplished or been challenged by some form of leadership role and skill, within their lifetime, including leading themselves.

If you would like to be featured please send us a message.