Teri Lee Thompson is proof that one person can carry more than one calling—and do it well. With a legal career spanning more than three decades, she has built a respected name as a federal criminal defense attorney handling high-stakes capital cases, while also serving as an adjunct professor and an associate magistrate court judge. But what makes her story special is what she does outside the courtroom: she builds confidence in young people, especially girls, through publishing, education, and purpose-driven leadership.
A Legal Mind With a Heart for Community
In law, Teri stands in serious rooms where decisions can change lives forever. Capital cases are not for the unprepared or the fearful. They require sharp thinking, courage, discipline, and a deep understanding of people—because legal work is never just about facts. It’s about families, futures, and consequences.
That same care shows up in the way she leads in education and youth development. As a professor and judge, she has seen how early choices can impact long-term outcomes. She understands systems—how they work, where they fail, and how people get overlooked. That perspective shapes the way she serves. She doesn’t look at young people like “the next generation.” She treats them like the current generation—worthy of support right now, not later.
Her work carries a strong belief: self-esteem is not optional. It’s a foundation. If a child believes they are valuable, they show up differently. They speak up. They set boundaries. They make smarter decisions. And they carry themselves like they belong. That belief is the thread connecting everything she does—from legal advocacy to youth empowerment.
Zella Publishing: Stories That Reflect Culture and Identity
Teri is also the owner of Zella Publishing, an independent publisher committed to producing powerful collections that address culture and diversity. That mission matters because representation is not a trend—it’s a need. Children and teens need to see themselves in stories that respect them, reflect them, and celebrate them.
Zella Publishing is more than business for her. It’s a tool for impact. She uses publishing as a way to reach families, schools, educators, and community groups with messages that shape how kids see themselves. In a world that constantly tells young people who they “should” be, she creates books that remind them who they already are.
As a publisher, she is intentional about what gets put into the world. Her work is not written to “sound good.” It’s created to do good. When readers pick up her books, they are stepping into stories that build identity, strengthen confidence, and speak life into the next generation.
Adventures with Kai: Building Self-Esteem One Page at a Time
One of Teri’s most loved contributions is her children’s book series, Adventures with Kai, created to strengthen self-esteem in Black children. In this series, kids get to see a character who looks like them, experiences familiar moments, and learns powerful lessons in a way that feels natural—not forced.
Her children’s book collection includes titles such as Kinky, Curly, Mine, Sun-Kissed, and Princess Locs. These are not just cute stories. They are confidence tools. They help children name what they feel, embrace what makes them unique, and learn self-love without apology.
Kinky, Curly, Mine is a strong example of her message in action. The story centers on Kai as Picture Day approaches. Kai is unsure about how her tight coils will look in school photos—a moment many children can relate to. Through the experience, Kai discovers the beauty of her natural hair and learns the joy of self-love. It’s simple, but it’s powerful. It teaches children to challenge insecurity before it becomes identity.
And the impact is real. One of the most meaningful responses Teri received came from a teacher at an elementary school who shared what happened after reading Kinky, Curly, Mine to her class. The teacher was in tears and told Teri that for the first time, the little girls in her class felt seen. Moments like that explain why this work matters. Kids don’t just need compliments—they need reflection. They need to see that they belong.
Girls Who Rise: A Leadership Guide That Comes With Action Steps
Teri’s work also speaks to older girls through her book Girls Who Rise: Empowering Girls for Leadership. This isn’t just a motivational message with pretty words. It is designed as an uplifting guide to ignite confidence, courage, and purpose in girls, and it pushes girls toward leadership instead of waiting to be chosen.
What makes this project unique is that it includes actionable workbook sections—because Teri believes confidence grows through action, not just inspiration. Her content is structured with two tracks: one for parents and one for the teen. That means she is not only teaching girls how to lead—she is also helping parents understand how to support that leadership at home.
The book and workbooks guide readers through tasks like identifying pitfalls that lead to low self-esteem and replacing those patterns with tools that ignite dreams and build attainable goals. It also provides parents with guidance to help their teen move toward success with structure, encouragement, and clarity.
At its core, Girls Who Rise is presented as more than a book—it is a call to action and a movement. It challenges stereotypes, breaks barriers, and encourages girls to discover their voice, harness their strengths, and step boldly into leadership. Teri’s message is direct: girls do not need to shrink, soften, or stay silent to be accepted. They can lead with excellence and still be fully themselves.
Impact Beyond the Page: Speaking, Mentorship, and STEAM
Teri’s platform doesn’t stop when the book closes. Beyond writing and publishing, she uses her voice in real spaces with real people. She speaks to community groups and supports organizations that work directly with youth—especially those who need extra support and encouragement.
She is a frequent speaker at Success Mentorship, a nonprofit organization that supports challenged high school students. That work matters because many students do not fail due to a lack of intelligence—they struggle because of environment, pressure, limited support, or a broken belief system. When someone like Teri steps in, she offers more than advice. She offers perspective, structure, and a reminder that their future is still theirs to build.
She is also a core supporter of the Children’s Museum of Montgomery, where the focus includes ensuring STEAM opportunities are available for every young child. This connects perfectly with her mission. Confidence isn’t only about self-image—it’s also about exposure. When children are introduced to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math early, they start imagining bigger futures. They start seeing themselves as creators, problem-solvers, builders, and leaders.
Through speaking, mentorship, and community support, Teri is doing what strong leaders do: she’s building the pipeline. She’s helping kids grow into who they already are, instead of waiting until adulthood to fix what childhood broke.
A Catalyst for Change: The Legacy She’s Building
Teri describes herself with a quote that fits her story perfectly: “I am, was, and always will be a catalyst for change.” That line reflects how she moves—steady, intentional, and committed to impact.
Her recognition and awards reflect the weight of her work. She has been named a Top 50 Author Allstar, received the Global Iconic Changemakers Advocate of the Year honor, and has received a Lifetime Achievement Award. She is also a recipient of the Book Profits Club Five Figure Award and the First Foundations Award in 2025. These honors matter because they point to consistency—she isn’t doing this work for a season. She’s building something lasting.
When you look at the full picture—legal advocacy, publishing, children’s books, leadership tools for girls, speaking, and community programs—you see the real legacy: she is building confidence and leadership from the inside out. She is creating resources that help girls walk taller, speak clearer, and believe bigger. And she is doing it with the mindset of someone who understands what’s at stake when young people grow up without strong self-esteem.
Teri Lee Thompson is not only fighting for justice in courtrooms. She’s fighting for confidence in classrooms, homes, and communities—one page, one child, and one brave decision at a time.
Contact Information
Teri Lee Thompson
Atlanta, Georgia
Instagram: @zellapublishing
Facebook: @GirlsWhoRise
LinkedIn: @terileethompson
Website: zellapublishing dot com
