Girlfriends Coffee Talk Founders
(L to R) Pat Smith, Carra Scott and Donna Richardson Joyner

Girlfriends, nationally renowned fitness expert Donna Richardson Joyner, corporate executive Carra Scott and former 1st runner-up to Miss USA Pat Smith, wife of  former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, founded Girlfriends Coffee Talk Foundation in May 2001. Through Girlfriends Coffee Talk, our mission is to promote literacy and well being among women and young girls of color by providing forums that enable them to collaborate and celebrate sisterhood. These include hosted local literary events with celebrity authors as well as workouts and wellness walks that provide free health screenings.  We help women form book and wellness clubs across the country and use the proceeds to award scholarships to young girls for establishing and maintaining book and wellness clubs that are mentored by the adult clubs.

Studies show that parents are the most important teachers of their children and if we can strengthen their minds and spirits through reading, they will in turn share the enthusiasm with their children. The foundation of a child's education is built upon solid reading and writing skills. Therefore more moms who read will teach their children, by example, the importance of literacy.  Additionally, studies continue to show that good health is deteriorating in the African American and Hispanic communities.  According to the American Heart Association, over 50% of women of Color are overweight and the death rate from heart disease is 67% higher than that of Caucasian women.  Increased awareness of good health and practicing prevention is imperative to keep these numbers from reaching epidemic proportions.

Our goal is to share with women and girls the nurturing and empowering experience fostered by our camaraderie and love for reading and wellness. Our involvement in book clubs and wellness clubs has been a great way to bond with other women to strengthen our minds, bodies and spirits.  We welcome you to join our Girlfriends Coffee Talk movement by allowing us to help you form your own book or wellness club.