ABOUT US
With more than 30 years of combined experience, The Girls Cooperative founded by Toya Russell-Phillips and Nikki Williams Rucker responds to the growing need of a coordinated effort to advocate for and further support organizations serving girls.
Working together, the goal is to:
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Host annual professional and organizational development
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Host an annual fundraising event that benefits all members of the cooperative
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Host an annual girls empowerment weekend
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We strongly believe that working together to address the issues and concerns specifically affecting girls is vital to their health, wellness and ultimately their success. We are sending a clarion call to all community providers who service girls residing in communities in Metro Atlanta and surrounding areas. Recent data specific to girls residing in Atlanta reports: increased depression, increased aggression and violent behavior, low academic performance, increased sexually transmitted diseases, safety concerns in attending school and more.
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Collectively, we can build an alliance that will strengthen our organizations, apply for and take advantage of community and financial resources and empower girls!
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OUR MISSION
To create a diverse coalition of girl-focused organizations whose sole purpose is to uplift, inspire, and support girls in underserved communities.
WHO WE ARE
Nikki Williams Rucker is a native of Chicago Illinois, now living in the suburbs of Georgia. She is a wife and mother of two with 16 years of experience as an English Teacher. Throughout her career she has witnessed the struggles and trauma African American girls face and wanted to help them create a new narrative. In an effort to do so, she founded the female focused organization, The MSK (My Sister's Keeper) Experience .
​In her spare time, she loves to write. Nikki published a book of poetry, Spoken Word, in 2017. These writings are an expression of her experiences related to love, life, and faith. The betterment of communities and writing has always been her passion and sharing it with others her dream.
Nikki Williams Rucker
Mrs. Russell-Phillips was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Toya completed both of her degrees while working full-time and attending school full-time. Already working
in the non-profit sector, she didn’t realize it at the time however it would become her life’s work. Meeting her
MENTOR at her very first “real” job, her pathway of success had begun. Twelve years and three jobs later, her
and her MENTOR won an Emmy® Award, managed and operated three non-profit corporations in Michigan
successfully.
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Moving to Atlanta in 2011, Toya embarked on a new pathway, with 20 years of non-profit experience, she
started a non-profit consulting firm and was introduced to B’Fly Girls, Inc., ultimately becoming the Executive Director.
Realizing her fullest potential and honoring what she is called to do, combining experience and expertise. Mrs. Toya Russell-Phillips is now the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Board President of a new innovative experience in girls’ programming Girls of Excellence, Inc.
Toya Russell-Phillips
JOIN US
Membership Criteria
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Serve Girls of all ages
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Geographically located in metro Atlanta and surrounding areas
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Must have 501c3 in good standing
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Must sign non compete agreement and Intellectual property agreement
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Commit to a monthly meeting
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$200 annual membership fee (payment plan options available)
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Membership Benefits
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Participation in the annual fundraising event
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Participation in the annual Empowerment Weekend
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Listed in our Digital Community Resource Guide
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Option for full page listing for an additional fee $75
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Non-members $100
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Access to Cooperative Fund
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(2) Member representatives
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Access to The Girls Cooperative Scholarship Fund
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Can serve on an Advisory Group or Strategic Action Team
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Professional Learning and Organizational Development
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Organizational highlights on social media
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Volunteer Opportunities Listing on website
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