#MOMLIFE WITH GIRL CODES KATRINA WILLIAMS

Looking for inspiration + ideas for things to do with kids in Metro Detroit? Tried and true suggestions that real moms actually do? Here they are! Every week LittleGuide Detroit spotlights a local Mom in our #MomLife series.

Are you following @girlcode_kw on Instagram? Local mom Katrina is the founder of the local mentorship program, GIRL CODE which supports local girls and meets weekly in Westland.

Meet Katrina

Hi, I’m Katrina Williams, founder of GIRL CODE and mother of 2, Isabelle (10) and Joshua (7), and 3 bonus babies, Amare (12), Emory (5), and Zaire (3). After being single for almost 5 years, I met the love of my life and we married in April of 2021! Being a single mom for 5 years really caused me to blossom into who I am today. I am extremely independent and willing to take on any obstacle in my way.

Growing up, I didn’t have much of a support system and struggled to understand who I was. I made plenty of decisions that weren’t always in my best interest. I suffered from low self-esteem, no individuality, and stents of depression in my adolescence. The issue was simple, I didn’t have a proper outlet. I continued to put on a smile and carry on with my life and no one suspected a thing, however, these characteristics carried over into my adulthood and I suffered greatly from this. The best decision I made was to go to therapy! GIRL CODE is a mentorship program for young girls to have a platform to be themselves. We pride ourselves on encouraging positive habits, building confidence, and making meaningful decisions! The program is scripted to help the participants navigate through troubling obstacles. This program can help your daughters be the best versions of themselves as well as get a head start! These are pivotal years to make an impactful change and I am willing to be that outlet!

Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:

Game nights
Drawing/painting competitions
Building forts!

Favorite Places To Go:

Favorite Bedtime Stories

Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurants:

Applebees
Chili’s
Rainforest Cafe

Best Park/Playground: Belle Isle Park (Detroit)

We really enjoy Belle Isle Park! Our kids love nature, so being close to the water while playing on their playscape is a plus! Also, they a few museums that are educational and the kids show great interest!

Best Family-Friendly Annual Event: Plymouth Ice Festival

We LOVE visiting the Plymouth Ice Festival. The kids get inspired and try to build their own sculptures with snow. It entices their creativity so we make sure to visit!

Your Mom Must-Have: My planner!

Which also doubles as a journal. This keeps me in check and on top of things so I’m always two steps ahead. I don’t make any future plans without checking my planner first. I also make little notes of things the kids did that day. If Joshua says something hilarious or Emory loses a tooth. Keeping memories documented is something I’ve always enjoyed, especially since I have mom-brain 24/7!

Best Spring Destination or Event: Detroit Riverfront

I really enjoy walking the Detroit River at this time. The River Walk is full of talent, art, and music! We try to visit at least every two weeks in the Spring/Summertime!

“Pat Yourself on the Back” Accomplishment: Starting GIRL CODE!

I’ve wanted to do something like this for a while and I just never could find the time. Well now, I’m making the time!

About Ashley Hubbbard-Porter

Ashley Porter is a Chicago native who now calls Birmingham home. Ashley and her husband Mike and son Jake love attending local festivals, exploring Detroit’s diverse food scene, and venturing outside of Metro Detroit to enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Ashley loves connecting with and supporting families in her community, which is why she is so excited to be a part of LittleGuide Detroit.