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Listen, Explore, Together, Share
What happens when we listen to each other? When we hear a quote that resonates with us and our lived experiences? Or when we hear a story similar to our own? or the exact opposite of your own? What are you listening for?
Explore your thoughts, experiences, and feelings. How have they impacted who you are? How can you help others explore too? What do you need to re-examine? Or examine for the first time?
Connect. Support. Network. We don’t get through life living in a bubble. Social interaction is the glue of our being. Who is apart of your circle of support? Girl, let’s talk is a safe space to collaboratively learn, grow, and heal.
Storytelling is powerful. Share your story. Share your wisdom. Share how you felt, feel, and want to feel. Share what you’ve overcome and the endeavors that stand in front of you. Celebrate what you deem worthy of celebration. Allow others to share with you too.
Truth, Authenticity, Love, Kindness
No one can narrate your story for you unless you allow them too. Speak your truth.
Be accountable and gracious with yourself. Your true self requires you to be ALL that you are.
Always move from place of love instead of fear or desperation. This takes practice. But it is already in you.
Be kind to your self FIRST. Be kind to others. This creates safety for yourself and those you care about.
Girl, let's talk. is founded on the timeless principles: L.E.T.S. T.A.L.K.
I’m Rachel Alford, a mentor, wellness advocate, and founder of Girl, let’s talk. ®, a brand dedicated to centering mental and emotional well-being, real conversations, and community healing.
With more than thirteen years of leadership experience in higher education and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals not just succeed academically or professionally but thrive mentally and emotionally. My background in advising, counseling, and program development has taught me the importance of creating spaces where vulnerability, authenticity, and self-awareness are valued and nurtured.
I launched Girl, let’s talk. because I witnessed and experienced firsthand how many people, especially Black women, navigate circumstances and environments that often disregard their mental and emotional well-being. I’ve created a space that acknowledges those realities while offering hope, tools, and strategies for holistic well-being.
Whether through workshops like Self-Awareness Matters and The Conversation Party, community initiatives like the annual Walk for Wellness, or through meaningful collaborations with other wellness leaders, the goal remains the same:
To encourage healing, self-awareness, and connection, one conversation at a time.
At Girl, let’s talk, we believe that when women feel empowered to heal and grow, entire communities are transformed. I’m honored to walk alongside you on this journey.
Notable initiatives and accomplishments:
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Established and now directs a peer mentoring program for Master of Public Health (MPH) students in the Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences (BSHES) department at the Rollins School of Public
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Presented at the 2023 Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Annual Meeting
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Received the 2023 Staff DEI Leadership Award from the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
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Was nominated for the 2023 Outstanding Woman of Color Award by the Women of Color Initiative (WOCI) Atlanta Collaborative in Higher Education
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Serves on the BSHES DEI Working Group