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About Us

Dedicated to guiding young girls on their transition to womanhood through education and empowerment.

Our Vision

To be the leading, sustainable force empowering girls and women across Virginia through innovative "citizen-ready" education and robust community engagement, fostering a future where all individuals achieve their full potential and contribute to a thriving society.

Our Purpose

To empower girls and women in Virginia, guiding youth to womanhood, and providing critical solutions for those facing unemployment and homelessness, thereby disrupting generational poverty.

Our Principles/Core Values

Education
Empowerment
Personal development
Community engagement

We champion the belief that with dedication, success is attainable for all. Our year-round civics education is a core tenet, shaping "citizen-ready" individuals.

Our Philosophy

Empowerment through education, community, and civic engagement leads to self-sufficiency and breaks cycles of adversity. We believe in nurturing individual potential and fostering collective resilience.

Our Story

Founded on a deep personal commitment to break cycles of generational poverty, WED, Inc. began informally in 2013, born from the urgent calls of women seeking a path forward. Our founder, Tina L. Vick, envisioned a world where young girls transitioned into empowered women, 'citizen-ready' and equipped to navigate life's complexities. Through our Girls Camp and wellness expos, we nurture, educate, and inspire, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, success is inevitable, regardless of circumstance. We are a testament to community-driven change, fostering resilience and building brighter futures, one empowered individual at a time.

Leadership

Tina L. Vick, Founder & CEO

The Honorable Tina L. Vick was born and raised in the Southeast Community of Newport News, Virginia, where she also raised her family. She ran for Newport News City Council out of a concern for the community and a desire to help people, and she continues to implement policies and programs to enhance the lives of all Newport News residents.

Ms. Vick was inspired to establish Women's Empowerment Development, Inc. after communicating with numerous women who shared their despair due to poor decision-making and a lack of opportunities. Pleas for help with housing, education, job opportunities, and domestic violence weighed heavily on her heart. After much thought, she realized that early intervention and prevention for young girls was a key answer, leading to the creation of "Girls Camp" for girls in public housing and impoverished communities to help them avoid the pitfalls that lead to generational poverty.

Tina holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a graduate of the Alpha College of Real Estate. In addition to her 15 years on City Council, she has volunteered for numerous organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the National Council of Negro Women, and Habitat for Humanity. Councilwoman Vick remains a community leader dedicated to bettering the lives of children and ensuring the future of Newport News is filled with empowered young women.

Teunsha Vick, Chairwoman

Teunsha L. Vick is a mission-driven and results-oriented leader with over 15 years of experience in affordable housing development, strategic program management, and business operations. She is adept at leading diverse teams, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and driving initiatives that uplift underserved communities. Teunsha is a longtime resident of the East End of Newport News with a deep personal commitment to equitable redevelopment.

As a serial entrepreneur and problem solver, Teunsha has owned and operated her own businesses, including Greenyard Grill and JT's Bar & Grill. She is also a licensed real estate agent and a first-time homebuyer expert. Her professional experience includes managing homeownership and homelessness prevention programs at the Office of Human Affairs and serving as the Regional Family Services Director for Habitat for Humanity Peninsula. In these roles, she has managed regional homeownership programs, increased applications by 80% through strategic outreach, and facilitated over $4 million in residential sales.

Currently, Teunsha serves as a business consultant, where she streamlines internal systems for nonprofits and private clients to improve operational efficiency, and advises executive teams on staffing, program design, and marketing strategies. She is the Board Chair of Women's Empowerment Development, Inc. and a member of the Habitat for Humanity Family Selection Committee.

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