The Voice of Thema Campbell

As the Children’s Village begins its first month of programming, I continue the conversation on safe spaces for youth with my longtime friend, Thema Campbell, founder and CEO of Girl Power Rocks. For more than two decades, Thema has worked to mentor and uplift “at-promise” girls, equipping them with the skills, support, and confidence to thrive. In this episode, Thema reflects on her upbringing in Mama Hattie’s house in Georgia, where every child had a place of belonging, and how that shaped her vision for Girl Power Rocks. We explore the organization’s journey from humble beginnings to a citywide network of after-school programs, mentoring circles, and now the ambitious Mama Hattie’s House project—a future home for girls aging out of foster care. Recorded right as the Children’s Village opened its doors, this conversation highlights how organizations like Lotus House and Girl Power are working in tandem to ensure Miami’s children not only survive but soar. Thema’s story is a moving reminder that when girls are lifted up, entire communities rise with them.