About Us
Co-Founder
Tenile Watford
Tenile Watford born and raised in the Bay Area took a strong connection to journalism and activism at an early age. Growing up in the Bay Area she could see the shift and change in her community. Wanting to always ask questions and understand the why, led her to pursue her passion in journalism where she began her writing career becoming a young writer for the Antioch Ledger Dispatch which was inside the East Contra Costa Times. Continuing her college education throughout the Central Valley. Tenile transitioned her interest into the media space and became a community leader by creating Speak into the Mic and starting a podcast.
It’s during this current journey where Tenile has found purpose in the course of the pursuit to find out and understand the why as she continues to help provide a voice to those who are voiceless and help to deliver change by preparing their nonprofit to express all facets of the needs of their community.
Co-Founder
Andrea Smith
Meet Andrea Smith. A Bay Area native; born & raised in Bayview Hunters Point (San Francisco, California). A dynamic force behind Speak Into The Mic and a true embodiment of resilience, ambition, and empowerment. A trailblazer from the start, Andrea, defied expectations as a young mother on a mission to transform lives through the power of her voice.
Driven by a deep passion for community empowerment, Andrea embarked on a remarkable journey, rising above challenges to carve out a space for herself and others in the world. Fueled by the conviction that everyone’s story deserves to be told, she fearlessly climbed the ladder, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes along the way.
As a co-founder of Speak Into The Mic, Andrea is at the forefront of a movement to create meaningful, inclusive, and impactful content. Her story is one of determination, grit, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting those whose voices are often marginalized.
Her vision for Speak is rooted in the belief that storytelling has the potential to inspire, connect, and empower individuals from all walks of life.
Through her leadership, Andrea has cultivated a culture of inclusivity within Speak Into The Mic, ensuring that diverse voices are not only heard but celebrated. Her dedication to community empowerment serves as a beacon for others, inspiring a new generation of leaders and creators to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.
Andrea Smith is more than a co-founder; she is a catalyst for change, a champion for those seeking to overcome obstacles, and a driving force behind Speak’s mission to create a media landscape that reflects the strength and diversity in the community.
A Long Journey
Our Story
Speak into the Mic came about as a solution, an answer to a need we felt in the black and brown communities in the Bay Area. Too many people are growing up without the right voices to speak into their lives, and lacking the skills to navigate being thrust into adulthood. Speak into the Mic began as a podcast, looking to amplify voices that spoke candid truth on tough topics, and create safe spaces for conversation. We speak from shared experience on things like building a business or getting a job as a young person, teen pregnancy, adult life skills, having to be a caretaker to siblings or older relatives, parenting, race and politics. The podcast then grew into a full-fledged nonprofit and we put boots on the ground in our community to make a difference. Now we regularly host community events, put on a yearly coat drive, and help run a mentorship program for the community.
Adulthood is hard, and nobody should have to do it alone. Knowledge is power!
Our Mission
At Speak Into The Mic our mission is to empower and enrich our community through impactful and inclusive media content. As a non-profit organization, we are dedicated to creating and disseminating high-quality, accessible, and locally relevant media that informs, inspires, and connects individuals.
We believe in the power of storytelling to foster understanding, bridge diverse perspectives, and build a stronger sense of community. Our commitment is to amplify voices that may otherwise go unheard, celebrate the rich tapestry of our community, and address pressing social issues through the lens of empathy and shared humanity.
Through collaboration with local creators, organizations, and community members, we strive to be a trusted source of information, entertainment, and cultural expression. By providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, we aim to cultivate a media landscape that reflects the true essence of our community.
In pursuit of our mission, we are guided by principles of transparency, inclusivity, and social responsibility. Our organization is fueled by the passion and dedication of volunteers, supporters, and partners who share our vision for a media landscape that fosters unity, understanding, and positive social change.
Together, we endeavor to build a media community that empowers, informs, and unites, creating a lasting impact on the collective well-being of our community.
Our Vision
At Speak Into The Mic, we envision a vibrant and connected community where the power of media transcends boundaries, fostering understanding, empathy, and empowerment. Our aspiration is to be the heartbeat of a diverse and inclusive media landscape that reflects the richness of our community’s stories and experiences.
In our vision for the future, Speak Into The Mic stands as a beacon of inspiration, driving positive change through compelling and purposeful content. We see a world where every voice is not only heard but celebrated, where narratives converge to weave a tapestry of unity and shared humanity.
We strive to be at the forefront of innovation, leveraging the ever-evolving media landscape to create impactful and accessible content that resonates with individuals of all backgrounds. Our commitment is to spark conversations, challenge perspectives, and ignite the collective imagination, shaping a future where media serves as a catalyst for positive social transformation.
As we look ahead, we envision Speak Into The Mic as a trusted partner, collaborator, and catalyst for community-driven initiatives. Our vision is rooted in the belief that a well-informed and connected community has the power to inspire, uplift, and drive lasting positive change.
Join us on this transformative journey as we work towards a future where Speak Into The Mic is synonymous with a media ecosystem that empowers, unites, and reflects the diverse tapestry of our shared human experience.
Our Values
Community-Centric:
We prioritize the needs, interests, and voices of our community members in all aspects of our work. Our content is shaped by a deep understanding of the community’s values, concerns, and aspirations.
Inclusivity:
We champion diversity and inclusion, striving to amplify a broad spectrum of voices and perspectives. Our commitment is to create a media landscape that reflects the richness of our community’s diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all.
Empowerment:
We believe in the transformative power of media to empower individuals and communities. Our content aims to inspire, educate, and equip our audience with the tools and knowledge needed to effect positive change in their lives and the community.
Integrity:
We uphold the highest ethical standards in our storytelling and content creation. Transparency, accuracy, and accountability are fundamental values that guide our work, ensuring that our audience can trust the information we provide.
Collaboration:
We actively seek partnerships and collaborations with local organizations, creators, and community leaders. By working together, we enhance our collective impact, share resources, and contribute to the overall well-being and growth of the community.
Innovation:
We embrace creativity and innovation in our approach to content creation and distribution. By staying at the forefront of technological and media trends, we strive to deliver engaging and relevant content that captivates our audience.
Social Responsibility:
We recognize our role in shaping public discourse and promoting social responsibility. Our content addresses pressing social issues, raises awareness, and encourages dialogue that contributes to a more informed and engaged community
Accessibility:
We are committed to making our content accessible to all members of the community. This includes providing content in multiple formats, languages, and platforms to ensure that everyone can benefit from the information and stories we share.
Adaptability:
We are nimble and adaptable, responding to the evolving needs of our community and the dynamic media landscape. Our agility allows us to stay relevant and effective in delivering content that resonates with our audience.
Celebration of Success and Learning from Failure:
We celebrate successes, big and small, and view failures as opportunities to learn and improve. Through a culture of continuous improvement, we strive to evolve and better serve our community with each endeavor.