Meet Our Founder
Rometha Gilmore: Advocate, Educator, Visionary
Rometha Gilmore, affectionately known as Mrs. Educator, exemplifies resilience, leadership, and advocacy in the field of public education. With over two decades of dedicated service in Marion County Public Schools, she has emerged as a transformative leader, fearlessly addressing systemic challenges with passion and purpose.
As a Black woman in leadership, Rometha’s career journey—from classroom teacher to dean of students and assistant principal—reflects her unwavering commitment to equitable education for all. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from St. Leo University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. However, it is her personal experiences as an athlete and teenage mother that profoundly shape her mission to inspire and empower young girls, particularly those of color.
In 2021, Rometha founded Girls on the Rise™, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support girls; in particular Black and Brown girls in 4th grade and beyond. The program provides academic, cultural, and emotional enrichment to help participants navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and achieve their full potential. She’s dedicated to seeing each girl R.I.S.E., one girl at a time.
Outside of her professional life, Rometha finds joy in her family, ministry, and personal pursuits. Her vision is rooted in the belief that education has the power to dismantle oppressive systems, foster inclusivity, and create a brighter future for all.
With a relentless commitment to empowering young minds and redefining public education, Rometha Gilmore stands as a beacon of hope and progress. Join her in building a future where every child has the opportunity to rise, thrive, and lead.
Stephanie Hill-Palmer
My name is Stephanie Hill-Palmer (although I often introduce myself as Stephanie Palmer). Just to give a little information about me...I have been an educator for 40 years with varied experience (Special Educator-self-contained, Inclusion, Alternative Education; Educational Diagnostician-public school and project-funded; Cognitive Retrainer-head injured adults; Literacy and Science Coach; and school-level administrator) in the field of education. I have lived in 6 states (NJ, NY, PA, IN, NC, FL) and am originally from Teaneck, New Jersey. I relocated to Ocala from Winston-Salem, NC in 2017 (Hurricane Irma hit the same week I moved to FL, and she gave me a wonderful welcome with losing electricity for 2 weeks).
I have a strong desire to see young girls grow into young women who thrive and strive to be their best possible self. I believe with support from mentors in addition to their family and community, they can change their community as well as make an impact in the world in which we reside.
It wonderful to be a part of this extraordinary program!
Kim Weaver
Kim Weaver is a lifetime resident of Ocala/Marion County. She is a Licensed Certified Public Accountant specializing in healthcare finance and accounting. She is currently the Director of Finance at AdventHealth Ocala. Kim has dedicated many years to youth and high school sports supporting several different athletic non-profit organizations. Kim loves to spend time with her husband Chris and family including 3 adult children and 2 preteen grandchildren. She is very happy and proud to join and support the mission of Girls on the Rise.
Tiffany Isbell
Tiffany Isbell, mother of 4 married to Wesley Isbell for 20 years. She and her husband pastor Family Fellowship Ministries. Tiffany has a Master’s Degree in Human Services Life Coaching and a Bachelor of Business Administration. She has worked in Corporate America, with children and families as a Behavior Therapist and taught in public school. She believes it still takes a village to raise children and she believes in the vision of GOTR and the example and passion Mrs. Gilmore exemplifies and she pours into these young ladies.