Today we’d like to introduce you to Teri Thompson.
Hi Teri, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story started in the grind of the courtroom. I have been a trial lawyer for over 32 years. Specifically, I have represented hundreds of juvenile and adult offenders, and over 40 indigent men and women facing the death penalty in Georgia and around the country. My passion for representing those who society has written off turned into fierce advocacy. I showed up in court arguing on their behalf and I met them face-to-face in the dark pit of the jails. I wanted to know their stories, their dreams, and their fears.
This purpose-filled work began my journey into an award-winning children’s book author. Representing individuals at their lowest points triggered me to reach deeper. I wanted to know my client’s stories, their dreams, and their fears. Based on the many conversations and contact with my clients, I quickly learned that in the midst of the tragedies that formed their lives were voices that wanted to be heard and individuals who wanted to be seen.
My children’s books focus on self-esteem, self-love, and self-confidence. These are the cornerstones of our lives that can propel us to greatness.
In addition to becoming an author, I also founded a nonprofit organization in 2025, Justice Redefined, that provides educational support, mental health resources, and entrepreneurial skills to teen girls. Justice Redefined focuses on limiting entry into the criminal justice system.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Roads are rarely smooth, but the jagged edges of my journey lets me know I am on the right path. The jagged edges look like telephone calls and emails to area schools and after school programs being unanswered. Jagged edges also look like limited funds and unexpected expenses to complete the goals.
One of the most frequent struggles has been limited time. Because I still maintain my death penalty cases, I find that a lot of my hours are focused on that area instead of my books and my nonprofit.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a creative, I am the founder of Zella Publishing, LLC., an independent producer of books that address culture and diversity. I have published the children’s book series, Adventures with Kai, which has notable titles as Kinky, Curly, Mine, Kai Learns Ai… and Herself, and Sun-Kissed. All of my children’s book focus on self-esteem.
In addition to this collection, I authored Girls Who Rise: Empowering Girls for Leadership. Through compelling insights, candid truths, and stories that feel like conversations with your bravest self, Girls Who Rise reveals what leadership looks like girls, teens, and adults finally stop shrinking, stop asking for permission, and start taking up the space they were born to occupy. It speaks to every girl who once dreamed big, the woman who’s rebuilding her power, and the leader who’s evolving into her next, more expansive chapter of her life.
It is actually hard to identify what I am most proud of because each book is an absolute dream come true. Each book is not just a publication but a movement on its own. My first, Kinky, Curly, Mine received accolades far and wide because it captures the heart of a little girl who is unsure of her physical appearance but learns to love everything about herself.
My next venture, Kai Learns Ai…and Herself, also addresses self-esteem head on. As Kai learns about robotics and Ai, she feel unsure as she compares herself to her classmates. These themes are timely and my works are definitely game-changers for young children who struggle with insecurities at school.
My most recent book, Girls Who Rise, is more than a book. It is a movement. It empowers, it challenges, and sets goals for every reader.
What sets me apart from other authors is the authenticity of my work. My work is born from my relationships with those that society rejects. I know firsthand the experiences that led my clients to be involved in the cycle of criminal justice, what was missing from those puerile, young years, and what needs to be addressed now to change the landscape.
Both my books as well as my program, Justice Redefined, creates stronger humans, which in turn creates stronger communities.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am a podcast fanatic. I watch everyone from “Good Mornings” with Curly Nikki to the Maxwell Leadership Podcasts, to “Boss Moves” with Myron Golden, to “The School of Greatness” by Lewis Howes.
Pricing:
- My E-Book: Girls Who Rise: Self Esteem Workbook for Teen Girls is complimentary.
- My Book: Girls Who Rise: Empowering Girls to Become Leaders is available for preorder for $24.99
- My MasterClass (3 hours) for Teen Girls is $299 (scholarships available)
- My Retreat: Girls Who Rise (3 day conference) at a selected resort for teens and their parents or guardians
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.girlswhorise.com and https://www.terithompsonllc.com/
- Instagram: @terileethompson
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/terileethompson
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terithompsonllc/
- Other: and www.zellapublishing.com
Image Credits
www.rhaynacphotography.com
