June 5, 2025 - Women's Journal

Tiffany Gilmore Is Balancing Motherhood and a Mission to Transform Education

Women's Journal Staff on June 5, 2025

By: Natalie Johnson

At first glance, Tiffany Gilmore’s life might sound impossible. She’s a mother of three, a wife, a daughter, a founder, a CEO, a superintendent, a doctoral candidate, and a fearless entrepreneur. But when you sit with her story, it becomes clear — impossible is exactly what she was born to challenge.

Raised by a single mother in the vibrant neighborhoods of Compton and Carson, California, Tiffany learned early on that Black women make a way, even when there isn’t one. Her grandmother, an entrepreneur in her own right, passed down lessons in hustle, faith, and perseverance that Tiffany still draws on daily.

Today, she’s the founder, CEO, and Superintendent of Garvey Allen STEAM Academy, a groundbreaking public charter school located in Moreno Valley. She also runs two businesses — The D.O.P.E. Educator, which provides resources for equity-focused educators, and Educated Threads, an apparel brand that turns affirmations into wearable activism.

But behind the titles and accolades is a woman navigating the same push and pull familiar to many working mothers. The early mornings before school drop-offs. The late nights catching up on emails while packing lunches. The juggling act of pouring into students, staff, and her own children — all while fighting to make generational change.

“My life is full, but it’s rooted in purpose,” Tiffany says. “I don’t do balance. I do alignment. If it’s not aligned with my values, my family, or my mission to open schools and close prisons, it doesn’t get my energy.”

That mission — to create culturally affirming schools that serve Black and Brown students with excellence — didn’t come from theory. It came from lived experience. Tiffany grew up navigating public schools that were under-resourced, overcrowded, and indifferent to the potential of students who looked like her. Still, she excelled. From Broadacres Elementary to Curtiss Magnet Junior High, then to the nationally recognized King/Drew Medical Magnet High School, Tiffany broke molds. And she kept going.

She earned a Bachelor’s in English and Communications from Cal State Dominguez Hills, followed by a Master’s in Secondary Education from Pepperdine University and a second Master’s in Educational Administration from National University. She is now completing her doctorate at Grand Canyon University, with her dissertation the final step.

After nearly 20 years in public education — where she led equity-focused initiatives and dramatically reduced suspension rates for Black students — Tiffany made a courageous leap. She left her district role and set out to build the kind of school our children deserve.

Garvey Allen STEAM Academy was born out of that leap. It’s not just a school, it’s a movement. Focused on STEM and the arts, it allows students to thrive academically without sacrificing their identity. Tiffany refers to them as “Achievers” — a nod to the excellence they carry and the greatness they are expected to pursue.

What makes her story even more remarkable is that she may be the youngest Black woman in California to found a charter school, a milestone that deserves both celebration and support. And while the multi-million dollar campus is still under construction, Tiffany’s vision is already transforming lives.

She recently launched a $500,000 GoFundMe campaign to help complete the buildout — a call to action for those who believe in educational equity and the limitless potential of Black youth. The funds will go toward outfitting classrooms with smart technology, building out STEM labs, creating outdoor learning spaces, and offering scholarships for families in need.

But for Tiffany, it’s never just about funding. It’s about investing in futures.

“We can’t keep waiting on systems that weren’t built for us to suddenly save our children,” she says. “We have to build what they need now. That’s what I’m doing with Garvey Allen.”

Despite the scope of her work, Tiffany remains deeply grounded in family. Her college sweetheart is her husband and biggest supporter. Her children inspire her daily. And her mother’s influence is still present in every decision she makes.

“My kids are watching me. So are other people’s kids. I want them to know that it’s possible to lead, to love, to build, and to serve — all at once,” she says.

In Tiffany Gilmore’s world, the lines between educator, entrepreneur, and mom are not separate roles. They are strands of the same braid, woven together with intention, fire, and deep care for her community.

She is building more than a school. She is building legacy. One child, one classroom, one bold decision at a time.

To support Garvey Allen STEAM Academy’s campus completion, visit:
https://gofund.me/5275a6e7

To learn more about Tiffany and her work, visit:
www.garveyallenacademy.com

First-Generation Entrepreneurs Launch Premium Non-Alcoholic Beverage Brand Without Outside Funding

Women's Journal Staff on June 5, 2025

Stursi founders leverage creative resourcefulness to overcome industry barriers, securing grants while maintaining full ownership

Baltimore, MD., (June, 2025) – Two first-generation entrepreneurs have successfully launched a premium non-alcoholic beverage brand without traditional venture capital funding, challenging industry norms that typically require substantial upfront investment.

Lexx Mills and Livv Mills, co-founders of Stursi, entered the beverage industry without family wealth or insider connections. Industry consultants routinely advise aspiring beverage entrepreneurs that launching requires a minimum $150,000 investment to cover formulation, branding and initial production costs.

Rather than seek outside investors, the founders developed an alternative approach that allowed them to maintain full ownership while building their brand.

Livv Mills, who serves as Chief Creative Officer, handled product formulation and brand development internally, eliminating the need for external consultants and agencies. Mills brings over a decade of mixology expertise and holds a Certified Specialist of Spirits credential. Her hospitality career includes leadership roles as bar manager, director and consultant, and she was part of the opening team for four restaurants. She also operates a web design studio, combining visual storytelling and brand strategy skills.

This decision saved the company more than $150,000 in typical startup costs while maintaining complete creative control over the product and brand identity.

Lexx Mills, CEO and co-founder, pursued grant funding and pitch competitions, securing over $60,000 in awards to support the company’s launch. Mills previously served as Director of Economic Inclusion & Impact at Johns Hopkins, where she led initiatives to leverage the institution’s economic power to drive growth, employment and investment in Baltimore. She holds an MBA and Master of Urban & Regional Planning from the University of Michigan, and began her career in education, teaching elementary school in D.C. and Baltimore, and English in Malaysia as a Fulbright Scholar. This funding strategy provided necessary capital without requiring equity dilution or outside board representation.

The approach contrasts sharply with typical beverage industry practices, where new brands often surrender significant ownership stakes to secure initial funding. According to industry data, most beverage startups give up 20-40% ownership in early funding rounds.

Stursi targets the $3.4 billion non-alcoholic beverage market, which has experienced double-digit growth over the past three years as consumers increasingly seek premium alternatives to alcoholic drinks. The founders developed their ready-to-drink mocktail brand to address gaps in market positioning that existing brands have not filled.

The company will launch through a phased pre-sale campaign beginning June 8 with limited early access, followed by broader public availability by June 15. This strategy allows the founders to generate initial revenue while building customer relationships before major retail distribution.

Recent market research indicates continued expansion in the non-alcoholic beverage sector, driven by changing consumer preferences around health and wellness. Younger demographics particularly favor brands that align with their values while delivering premium experiences.

The founders’ success accessing grant funding reflects growing institutional support for diverse entrepreneurs in traditionally exclusive industries. Several accelerator programs and funding organizations have expanded support for minority and first-generation business owners in recent years.

Stursi’s business model demonstrates how founders can leverage personal expertise to reduce capital requirements while maintaining ownership control. The company’s launch timing coincides with increased consumer interest in supporting diverse-owned businesses and authentic brand stories. Recent surveys indicate that brand values and founder backgrounds increasingly influence purchasing decisions among target demographics.

Stursi plans to expand beyond direct-to-consumer sales as the brand establishes market presence and customer loyalty. The founders expect their ownership retention to provide greater flexibility in future growth strategies compared to venture-backed competitors.

About Stursi

Stursi is a ready-to-drink mocktail brand founded by co-founders Lexx Mills (CEO) and Livv Mills (Chief Creative Officer). The company operates in the $3.4 billion non-alcoholic beverage space, creating premium alcohol-free cocktails that redefine celebration and sophisticated drinking experiences. Livv Mills brings over a decade of mixology expertise and Certified Specialist of Spirits credentials to product development, while Lexx Mills applies strategic business experience from her role as Director of Economic Inclusion & Impact at Johns Hopkins.

For more information or media inquiries, contact:

Heather DeSantis Holmes
heather@publicityforgood.com
1+ 828-332-5307

The Hidden Dangers of Oversleeping and How to Find Balance

Womens Journal Staff 2 on June 5, 2025

What is oversleeping and how might it affect someone’s well-being?

Sleep is often described as the body’s natural way to reset. It is vital for maintaining physical health, supporting mental well-being, and promoting emotional balance. In a world that often values constant activity, there is a common focus on getting enough rest. However, consistently sleeping more than what is generally recommended might have its own set of considerations. While sufficient rest is indeed crucial, consistently exceeding typical sleep durations can lead to unexpected effects. This discussion explores the science behind extended sleep patterns and what this could mean for overall health.

Oversleeping typically refers to regularly spending more than the suggested 7 to 9 hours asleep for most adults. While individual sleep needs can vary, consistently exceeding this range might lead to unintended health considerations. Medical professionals suggest that sleep helps the body and mind recover, but excessive sleep could potentially hinder this process, sometimes leading to feelings of tiredness, reduced mental clarity, and even an increased potential for certain long-term conditions.

Sleep specialists often highlight that the quality of sleep is just as important, if not more so, than the total time spent sleeping. If someone’s sleep cycles are frequently disrupted or inconsistent, extended sleep might not provide the expected benefits, even if it feels like a remedy for a lack of sleep. Observations suggest that individuals who sleep for very long periods sometimes report feeling more fatigued during the day, which can influence their daily activities and overall quality of life.

Extended sleep, much like insufficient sleep, can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms, which are essential for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. This disruption can make it more challenging to wake up in the morning and might lead to experiences like grogginess or “sleep inertia,” a state where it is difficult to fully become alert even after many hours of sleep.

How might extended sleep influence physical and mental health?

While adequate sleep is fundamental for good health, consistently prolonged sleep might have certain impacts, affecting both physical and mental well-being. Research suggests that excessive sleep could increase the potential for developing conditions such as diabetes, heart-related concerns, and obesity. One observation noted that individuals who regularly slept for more than nine hours each night had a higher potential for mortality, particularly linked to cardiovascular well-being.

Regarding mental health, extended sleep has been associated with mood-related experiences like feelings of sadness and worry. Some professionals suggest that spending too much time in bed can intensify feelings of low mood and isolation, making it more challenging to participate in daily activities or social interactions. Furthermore, consistently prolonged sleep might worsen the typical experiences of existing mental health conditions, potentially creating a cycle of less effective sleep, lower mood, and decreased energy levels.

From a physical perspective, extended sleep can also influence posture and potentially increase discomfort in the back and neck. When individuals sleep for very long periods, their muscles remain in a single position for an extended time, which might lead to stiffness and discomfort. Experts sometimes suggest rotating sleep positions to help reduce the potential for musculoskeletal issues stemming from prolonged inactivity.

What are the positive aspects of getting enough sleep?

While consistently prolonged sleep has its own set of considerations, getting the right amount of sleep offers numerous positive health outcomes. Sufficient sleep enhances cognitive function, supports the way memories are formed, and aids in regulating emotions. Sleep plays a critical role in supporting the immune system and assisting in the recovery of muscle tissue and cellular regeneration. Health professionals suggest that the ideal amount of sleep helps the body address everyday challenges and recover from physical effort.

Adequate sleep also contributes to emotional well-being. Research indicates that individuals who are well-rested are often better equipped to manage stress, regulate their emotions, and maintain positive connections with others. Experts recommend that individuals prioritize getting sufficient rest to support their mental and emotional health, as a lack of sleep can sometimes lead to irritability, reduced concentration, and impaired judgment.

Sleep also plays an important part in managing body weight. Observations show that insufficient sleep can disrupt the body’s hormones that regulate hunger, which might increase appetite and lead to less helpful eating patterns. By getting enough rest, individuals can help regulate their appetite and potentially prevent weight changes sometimes associated with a lack of sleep.

How can someone determine if they are sleeping too much?

Determining the precise amount of sleep that is “too much” is often personal and depends on individual needs. Generally, health professionals agree that most adults should aim for approximately seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, some individuals might require slightly more or less sleep based on various factors, such as their age, level of physical activity, or any underlying health considerations.

It is important for individuals to listen to their body and recognize any indicators of consistently prolonged sleep. If someone regularly feels tired, groggy, or has difficulty waking up despite having slept for an ample amount of time, this could be a signal that they are sleeping more than their body needs. Medical practitioners suggest tracking sleep patterns and considering a consultation with a doctor if persistent fatigue or disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle occur.

If an individual often finds themselves sleeping for extended periods or has difficulty maintaining a regular sleep schedule, sleep specialists recommend evaluating lifestyle habits. Factors such as high stress levels, less-than-optimal dietary choices, and insufficient physical activity can all influence sleep quality and duration. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine, engaging in regular physical activity, and effectively managing stress can contribute to improved sleep quality and help prevent the potential impacts of consistently prolonged sleep.

What is involved in achieving a healthy sleep balance?

Finding a healthy balance between getting enough sleep and avoiding consistently prolonged sleep often involves a combination of positive daily habits. Experts suggest that establishing a calming routine before bed, such as avoiding electronic screens and stimulating beverages like caffeine, can promote better sleep quality. It is also important to maintain a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, including on weekends.

Ensuring that the sleep environment is supportive of rest is crucial. A room that is cool, dark, and quiet can significantly improve the chances of getting restful, uninterrupted sleep. Sleep specialists often recommend investing in comfortable bedding and a supportive mattress to enhance the overall quality of sleep.

If an individual finds that they are consistently sleeping for extended periods despite implementing these efforts, it might be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional. Underlying considerations such as sleep apnea, feelings of low mood, or other medical issues can contribute to consistently prolonged sleep, and a doctor can help diagnose and address any factors that might be influencing sleep patterns.