About
We believe all young girls can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every girl—regardless of background—has access to the tools, guidance, and community she needs to lead with Honor, Excellence, and Resilience.
Our Commitment
We are committed to creating inclusive, inspiring, and transformative experiences that spark growth, build lifelong skills, and amplify the voices of young girls. Through intentional programming and community partnerships, we walk alongside each girl on her journey to becoming HER.
Meet Our Founder
Cortnie Simmons Hordge
Founder & Visionary of BecomingHER
Cortnie Simmons Hordge is a purpose-driven leader, mentor, and community advocate who believes in the power of pouring into young girls early and often. She brings over two decades of experience in healthcare leadership, education, and strategic development, currently serving as Vice President at a global healthcare consulting firm.
Cortnie is also a proud, active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she serves as Chair of the Emerging Young Leaders program with the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter. In this role, she helps shape character-building and leadership experiences for middle school girls. Her passion for education also extends to the college classroom, where she teaches part-time as an adjunct instructor, sharing her knowledge in healthcare administration and leadership.
In addition to her corporate and educational roles, Cortnie is an entrepreneur and founder of Cort of Appeal, a fashion and interior design brand that blends style with storytelling. Her creative spirit and business acumen further fuel her drive to inspire the next generation to embrace every part of who they are.
She founded BecomingHER as a calling, to create a bold, affirming movement for girls in 7th to 10th grade. Inspired by her own journey navigating self-doubt, bullying, and identity in middle school, she created a program rooted in Honor, Excellence, and Resilience.
These pillars were intentionally chosen:
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Honor teaches girls to lead with integrity, self-respect, and respect for others.
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Excellence reminds them to strive for their best in all they do—not perfection, but progress.
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Resilience empowers them to bounce back from adversity, believe in their worth, and keep going even when it’s hard.
Through mentorship, workshops, and immersive experiences, Cortnie and her team help girls not only see what’s possible, but believe they can become it.
Her leadership is shaped by faith, lived experience, and a deep commitment to community. She often says, “Becoming HER isn’t just about programming, it’s about planting seeds of confidence and courage that will grow for a lifetime.”
Because Cortnie knows: “There is no greater gift than the gift of example.”
