Meet Delores Pressley of She Elevates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Delores Pressley

DeLores, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m DeLores Pressley, a Confidence Strategist, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Life Coach. For over three decades, I’ve been on a mission to help people find their leadership voice, build confidence, and step into the best version of themselves. I’m also the President of DeLores Pressley Worldwide and the Founder and Executive Director of She Elevates, a nonprofit that empowers girls to see themselves as leaders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs.

My journey started in the classroom as an elementary school teacher. From there, I entered the plus-size fashion and modeling industry, where I became a pioneer, challenging norms and redefining what confidence looks like. Those experiences taught me how to stand tall and use my voice, and now I help others do the same. I started one of the first plus-size model agencies in the United States.

Writing has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve had the opportunity to share my insights through books like Clean Out the Closets of Your Life, Believe in the Power of You, and Empower, as well as countless articles on confidence and empowerment. I am working on a new book for children to be released in early 2025. It is about helping children with self-esteem and live their best life. I was teased relentlessly as a child for being overweight.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible organizations like Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, and Kellogg. I’ve also been honored to receive awards like the Women’s Impact Award and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama. Those moments remind me that the work I do matters. What really lights me up is connecting with people, whether it’s on stage, through She Elevates, or one-on-one, helping them realize they have the power to lead, influence, and live boldly.

I am grateful for so many opportunities to appear in national media outlets like Oprah and Entertainment Tonight as an advocate for empowering girls and women.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge along the way has shaped me into the person I am today. One of my earliest struggles came when I entered the plus-size fashion and modeling industry. At the time, the world wasn’t ready to embrace diverse body types, and I often faced rejection simply because I didn’t fit the traditional mold. It was tough, but I refused to let those barriers define me. Instead, I used them as fuel to prove that confidence and beauty come in all forms.

Building my speaking and coaching career also came with its own set of challenges. Being a Black woman in predominantly white, male-dominated spaces meant I had to work twice as hard to earn a seat at the table. Early on, I sometimes questioned if I truly belonged in those rooms, but I learned to silence that doubt and lean into my strengths.

Building She Elevates has been an incredible journey filled with both challenges and triumph alike. Turning a vision into reality is never easy, and even today, we face ongoing hurdles like securing funding resources and expanding our reach. Growth comes with tough decisions, but every challenge fuels my determination to keep going and help our girls. What keeps me inspired is seeing the transformation in the girls we serve—their confidence, their excitement, and the way they begin to believe in their potential.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
She Elevates is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and equipping young girls, ages 8 to 15, to envision themselves as future business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Founded on the belief that every girl has the potential to lead, She Elevates provides a transformative environment where confidence, creativity, and leadership thrive.

Through its signature programs, including the She Elevates Academy, Think Tank, She Elevates LIFE events, and the Annual Awards Gala, the organization fosters a community that celebrates ambition and nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit. The She Elevates Academy offers girls the chance to learn practical skills such as business planning, public speaking, financial literacy, and problem-solving, all while encouraging them to dream big and take charge of their futures.

The nonprofit’s Think Tank sessions are dynamic events designed to engage young minds in innovative problem-solving and collaboration. These interactive workshops allow participants to connect with mentors, discover their passions, and gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship.

She Elevates LIFE is a comprehensive life skills curriculum tailored for at-risk girls. The program covers a range of topics, including confidence, communication, decision-making, financial literacy, and conflict resolution.

She Elevates also takes pride in honoring women leaders and community changemakers at its Annual Awards Gala. This inspiring event showcases the success stories of accomplished women and highlights the impactful work being done to uplift the next generation.

Under the visionary leadership of founder DeLores Pressley, She Elevates is more than a program; it is a movement. By breaking barriers and building confidence, She Elevates empowers girls to embrace their unique voices, lead with purpose, and make lasting contributions to their communities.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see a shift toward more intentional leadership development, particularly for women and girls. Organizations are beginning to recognize that investing in confidence-building and leadership skills at an early age is essential for fostering future innovators, CEOs, and changemakers. Just imagine a world of confident girls turning into confident women. In the speaking and coaching industries, I see a growing demand for authenticity and relatability. Audiences want more than just inspiration—they’re looking for actionable strategies and real-life stories that resonate with their experiences. For She Elevates, I see a future where programs like ours play a key role in shaping a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. I see She Elevates having chapters across the country.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sheelevates.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheelevates_org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheElevates
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1EFF8XTaJ38Zu2RjBTPu-A