Denetria D. Moore – Founder / Executive Director
Denetria or “Mrs. Dee Dee” as she is affectionately known as to the girls, is the founder and Executive Director of Girl Talk, Inc. She is the wife of Kenny Moore, the mother of a beautiful daughter, Tailynn and son, Zion, who is in Heaven. She is a native of Memphis, TN and a 2007 graduate of the University of Tennessee with a B. A. in Sociology. Denetria founded GIRL TALK in the living room of her East Knoxville apartment in 2006.
With a burden to prevent teens from making the same mistakes she herself made as a young woman, Denetria began mentoring girls and within a short time GIRL TALK was born. Becoming a single mother at 19, Denetria’s theory is that “if I can teach girls to love themselves and not seek validation from a guy, I can prevent her from going down the road that I went down.”
Her vision for the organization is to see young women excel beyond their dreams and to increase the self-worth of young ladies so that they can reach their full potential in life and be the best that they can be.
Email Denetria
Kiandra Mercer – 12th Grade Life Prep Coordinator
Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Kiandra moved to Knoxville in 2019 to attend the University of Tennessee, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Social Work (2023) and Master of Science in Social Work (2024). Driven by a passion to pour back into young girls the wisdom and lessons she’s gained through her own life experiences, Kiandra joined the Girl Talk family in October 2025. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, shopping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Email Kiandra
Cass Taylor – Team Lead & 9th and 10th Life Prep Program Coordinator
Born and raised in Tennessee, Cass has lived in East, Middle, and West Tennessee, giving her a deep appreciation for the communities and people across the state.
Cass earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Tennessee Tech University and brings seven years of experience working in nonprofit organizations and with teens. Her background includes relationship building, team leadership, and creating spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and connected.
Passionate about helping girls discover who they were created to be, Cass believes that meaningful relationships have the power to change lives. She is known for her high energy, creativity, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Through her work, she strives to encourage, develop, and empower others to reach their full potential.
When she’s not at Girl Talk, Cass enjoys photography, meeting friends for coffee, spending time with her nieces and nephews, and embracing life as a proud cat mom.
Email Cass
Lauren Cox – Development Director
A Knoxville native, Lauren graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She spent seventeen years building a career in local government parks and recreation, where she developed extensive experience in staff development, grant writing, budgeting, master planning, and organizational policy development. Her work has been grounded in ethical decision-making, strategic planning, and a commitment to financial sustainability that ensures programs serve communities with both integrity and long-term impact.
Lauren joined the Girl Talk family in January 2024 and is honored to help advance the organization’s vision by strengthening its funding strategies, operational systems, and implementation efforts. She is passionate about building structures that allow mission-driven work to thrive responsibly and sustainably for years to come.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys hiking, camping, and fishing. She loves spending time with her husband, Joshua, and their son, Mason—whether exploring the Great Smoky Mountains or cheering Mason on in his latest theater performance.
Maya Brown – Program Director
Maya was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. She graduated with an Associates of Applied Science in Human Services from Pellissippi State Community College. Maya has always had a heart for people, particularly one that believes in the act of empowering and uplifting young girls. While Maya is new to the Girl Talk staff, she’s not new to Girl Talk and is very familiar with the work of the organization! Maya attended a Desire To Inspire event 2 years ago, fell in love with the mission of Girl Talk and has been a committed 1:1 mentor ever since. Her motto is to “grow through what you go through” and then use your growth and knowledge to invest in others.
Maya is very family oriented. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, Milani, crafting, shopping and working out. She’s adventurous, outgoing, likes a challenge, and loves a good laugh.
Email Maya
Hannah Gillespie – Operations Coordinator
Email Hannah
Dacia Upton – Middle School 1:1 Mentoring Coordinator
Email Dacia
Nichole Inman – Director of Community Engagement
Nichole was born and raised in Knoxville and graduated from Carson-Newman University with a degree in Elementary Education. She has a career background in education, children’s ministry, and volunteer coordination. Passionate about people and their stories, Nichole strives to ensure that everyone she works with feels seen, heard, and loved.
Nichole joined the Girl Talk team in July 2024 and is excited to collaborate with women dedicated to helping young women in our city reach their full potential.
In her free time, Nichole enjoys being with her husband and two kids, Jaxson and Harper. She loves hosting family and friends at home and enjoys crafting, thrifting, reading, decorating, and building relationships with those around her.
Email Nichole
Tailynn Moore – High School 1:1 Mentoring Coordinator
Tailynn is a Knoxville native who has been part of Girl Talk since she was 9 years old, participating in both the 1:1 Mentoring and Life Prep Academy programs. Having experienced the impact of the organization firsthand, she is passionate about empowering and supporting the next generation of girls as they grow in confidence, leadership, and self-worth. In 2020, she joined the Girl Talk, Inc. staff as a part-time Program Assistant, and in 2024, she transitioned into the role of 1:1 High School Coordinator, supporting girls in 10th through 12th grade.
Tailynn recently earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work there. She enjoys traveling, coaching volleyball, and spending time with family and friends. Tailynn is grateful for the opportunity to give back to a program that played such a meaningful role in her own life and is dedicated to building authentic, supportive relationships that empower each girl to discover her strengths, navigate challenges, and reach her fullest potential.
Email Tailynn
Kyniya Hutchinson – 11th Grade Life Prep Coordinator
Kyniya Hutchinson is a Knoxville native and proud graduate of Austin-East Magnet High School, Class of 2022. Her journey with Girl Talk began long before she joined the staff. From 2019 to 2022, she was a part of the Life Prep Academy. Kyniya went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned her B.S. in Journalism and Electronic Media with a concentration in Leadership and Enterprise, a minor in Business Administration, and her M.S. in Communication and Information with a concentration in Strategic and Digital Communication.
Kyniya is the founder and creative director of her graphic design and branding business, where she brings visions to life through creativity and storytelling. In 2025, she also launched her journal, Everything in Time, a reflection of her personal journey, healing, and learning to trust God’s timing.
Outside of her professional work, Kyniya is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a recipient of the 2021 East Tennessee Student of the Year Distinguished African American Award. In her free time, she finds joy in the simple things, long walks, journaling, good food, and intentional time with her family.
Throughout her academic journey, she learned the importance of faith, perseverance, and community. She knows that God has carried her through every season of her life, and she hopes her testimony can serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration for others pursuing their own dreams. Kyniya hopes, more than anything, to be a living reminder that their goals are not just possible. They are promised.
Email Kyniya
Denetria D. Moore- Founder / Executive Director
Denetria or “Mrs. Dee Dee” as she is affectionately known as to the girls, is the founder and Executive Director of Girl Talk, Inc. She is the wife of Kenny Moore, the mother of a beautiful daughter, Tailynn and son, Zion, who is in Heaven. She is a native of Memphis, TN and a 2007 graduate of the University of Tennessee with a B. A. in Sociology. Denetria founded GIRL TALK in the living room of her East Knoxville apartment in 2006.
With a burden to prevent teens from making the same mistakes she herself made as a young woman, Denetria began mentoring girls and within a short time GIRL TALK was born. Becoming a single mother at 19, Denetria’s theory is that “if I can teach girls to love themselves and not seek validation from a guy, I can prevent her from going down the road that I went down.”
Her vision for the organization is to see young women excel beyond their dreams and to increase the self-worth of young ladies so that they can reach their full potential in life and be the best that they can be.
Email Denetria
Lauren Cox – Development Director
A Knoxville native, Lauren graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She spent seventeen years building a career in local government parks and recreation, where she developed extensive experience in staff development, grant writing, budgeting, master planning, and organizational policy development. Her work has been grounded in ethical decision-making, strategic planning, and a commitment to financial sustainability that ensures programs serve communities with both integrity and long-term impact.
Lauren joined the Girl Talk family in January 2024 and is honored to help advance the organization’s vision by strengthening its funding strategies, operational systems, and implementation efforts. She is passionate about building structures that allow mission-driven work to thrive responsibly and sustainably for years to come.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys hiking, camping, and fishing. She loves spending time with her husband, Joshua, and their son, Mason—whether exploring the Great Smoky Mountains or cheering Mason on in his latest theater performance.
Email Lauren
Maya Brown- Program Director
Maya was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. She graduated with an Associates of Applied Science in Human Services from Pellissippi State Community College. Maya has always had a heart for people, particularly one that believes in the act of empowering and uplifting young girls. While Maya is new to the Girl Talk staff, she’s not new to Girl Talk and is very familiar with the work of the organization! Maya attended a Desire To Inspire event 2 years ago, fell in love with the mission of Girl Talk and has been a committed 1:1 mentor ever since. Her motto is to “grow through what you go through” and then use your growth and knowledge to invest in others.
Maya is very family oriented. She enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter Tyson and Milani, crafting, shopping and working out. She’s adventurous, outgoing, likes a challenge, and loves a good laugh.
Email Maya
Cass Taylor- Team Lead & 9th and 10th Life Prep Program Coordinator
Born and raised in Tennessee, Cass has lived in East, Middle, and West Tennessee, giving her a deep appreciation for the communities and people across the state.
Cass earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Tennessee Tech University and brings seven years of experience working in nonprofit organizations and with teens. Her background includes relationship building, team leadership, and creating spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and connected.
Passionate about helping girls discover who they were created to be, Cass believes that meaningful relationships have the power to change lives. She is known for her high energy, creativity, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Through her work, she strives to encourage, develop, and empower others to reach their full potential.
When she’s not at Girl Talk, Cass enjoys photography, meeting friends for coffee, spending time with her nieces and nephews, and embracing life as a proud cat mom.
Email Cass
Hannah Gillespie – Operations Coordinator
Email Hannah
Dacia Upton – Middle School 1:1 Mentoring Coordinator
Email Dacia
Nichole Inman – Director of Community Engagement
Nichole was born and raised in Knoxville and graduated from Carson-Newman University with a degree in Elementary Education. She has a career background in education, children’s ministry, and volunteer coordination. Passionate about people and their stories, Nichole strives to ensure that everyone she works with feels seen, heard, and loved.
Nichole joined the Girl Talk team in July 2024 and is excited to collaborate with women dedicated to helping young women in our city reach their full potential.
In her free time, Nichole enjoys being with her husband and two kids, Jaxson and Harper. She loves hosting family and friends at home and enjoys crafting, thrifting, reading, decorating, and building relationships with those around her.
Email Nichole
Tailynn Moore- High School 1:1 Mentoring Coordinator
Tailynn is a Knoxville native who has been part of Girl Talk since she was 9 years old, participating in both the 1:1 Mentoring and Life Prep Academy programs. Having experienced the impact of the organization firsthand, she is passionate about empowering and supporting the next generation of girls as they grow in confidence, leadership, and self-worth. In 2020, she joined the Girl Talk, Inc. staff as a part-time Program Assistant, and in 2024, she transitioned into the role of 1:1 High School Coordinator, supporting girls in 10th through 12th grade.
Tailynn recently earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work there. She enjoys traveling, coaching volleyball, and spending time with family and friends. Tailynn is grateful for the opportunity to give back to a program that played such a meaningful role in her own life and is dedicated to building authentic, supportive relationships that empower each girl to discover her strengths, navigate challenges, and reach her fullest potential.
Email Tailynn
Kiandra Mercer -12th Grade Life Prep Coordinator
Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Kiandra moved to Knoxville in 2019 to attend the University of Tennessee, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Social Work (2023) and Master of Science in Social Work (2024). Driven by a passion to pour back into young girls the wisdom and lessons she’s gained through her own life experiences, Kiandra joined the Girl Talk family in October 2025. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, shopping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Email Kiandra
Kyniya Hutchinson – 11th Grade Life Prep Coordinator
Kyniya Hutchinson is a Knoxville native and proud graduate of Austin-East Magnet High School, Class of 2022. Her journey with Girl Talk began long before she joined the staff. From 2019 to 2022, she was a part of the Life Prep Academy. Kyniya went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned her B.S. in Journalism and Electronic Media with a concentration in Leadership and Enterprise, a minor in Business Administration, and her M.S. in Communication and Information with a concentration in Strategic and Digital Communication.
Kyniya is the founder and creative director of her graphic design and branding business, where she brings visions to life through creativity and storytelling. In 2025, she also launched her journal, Everything in Time, a reflection of her personal journey, healing, and learning to trust God’s timing.
Outside of her professional work, Kyniya is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a recipient of the 2021 East Tennessee Student of the Year Distinguished African American Award. In her free time, she finds joy in the simple things, long walks, journaling, good food, and intentional time with her family.
Throughout her academic journey, she learned the importance of faith, perseverance, and community. She knows that God has carried her through every season of her life, and she hopes her testimony can serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration for others pursuing their own dreams. Kyniya hopes, more than anything, to be a living reminder that their goals are not just possible. They are promised.
Email Kyniya
Board of Directors
Drew Carson, Sr., Armor Strategies, Y-12
Angela Conner, Truist Bank
Kristin Farley, The City of Knoxville
Louise Frazier, Blue Ridge Realty, Inc.
Hyatt Holbrook, Blue Ridge Realty – Treasurer
Cammy Kromer, Ferrara Candy Company
Deborah Lee, SouthEast Bank
Robert Loggins, Bush Bros. – Board Chair
Bridgett McMahan, BESCO
LaKenya Middlebrook, City of Knoxville
Jill Neace, Coulter & Justice, P.C. – Secretary
Dr. Javiette Samuel, University of Tennessee Department of Access and Engagement
Jennifer Swanson, Pet Safe Brands
Dr. Shenika Welch-Charles, University Women’s Specialist
