Heidi Solomon-Orlick’s journey to becoming a children’s book author began far beyond the pages of a book. It started with decades of experience in the corporate world, a deep passion for diversity and inclusion, an earlier foray into publishing, and an unwavering belief that transformation is possible at any age. At 65, after having to reinvent herself in the face of unexpected challenges, Heidi has found a new sense of purpose; empowering children to become the best version of themselves.
Heidi’s debut children’s book, I Have a Voice: A Book of Listening, is a beautiful reflection of her mission to foster self-awareness, empathy, and courage in young readers. For Heidi, it is personal. Growing up during a time when girls were often expected to be seen but not heard, Heidi knows firsthand the weight of silence. But now, she is shifting that narrative with a story that invites children, especially young girls, to step into their power.
“I grew up in a generation that often asked girls to be silent,” says Heidi. “But I’ve learned that our voice is a powerful conduit of change, especially when others try to diminish its importance.” And that is exactly what she hopes to inspire in the children who read her book. I Have a Voice is not just about listening to others; it is about listening to oneself, trusting that voice, and acting with confidence and conviction.
The story, geared towards children ages 4-9, follows Victoria, a young girl, and her whimsical companion Viktor the voice monster, as they learn to identify, listen to and honor their inner voice, using their voice for good in the world. Through its playful, yet impactful, storytelling and interactive worksheets, I Have a Voice explores themes like kindness, confidence, and the importance of finding your voice at a young age.
“When we teach children to honor their inner voice, to listen to others with compassion and to give others a voice who may not have one, we’re planting the seeds of a more inclusive world, one where differences are celebrated, every child knows they belong and that they matter,” Heidi shares.
With many diversity initiatives facing setbacks, Heidi believes that it’s crucial to address the topic early, and research supports her belief. Studies show that infants as young as 6 months can categorize people by race and gender, and by age 5, children may begin to express preferences based on these observations. This underscores the importance of addressing diversity proactively. Silence can reinforce bias.
Heidi’s book plays a vital role in addressing this shift, offering an accessible way for families and educators to begin these important conversations with young minds.
In addition to her work as an author, Heidi is the Founder & CEO of GirlzWhoSell, an organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation of female sales talent. GirlzWhoSell Academy provides training, scholarships, mentorship, and career readiness programs to young women from underserved communities, opening doors to career opportunities in professional sales. This initiative aims to democratize access to sales education and create a pipeline of diverse, early-stage female sales talent, addressing the gaps in representation within the field.
Heidi’s story is not just one of career success, but one of perseverance, resilience, and reinvention. In the past five years alone, after being “aged out” of her corporate role, Heidi not only launched GirlzWhoSell, authored her award-winning book Heels to Deals: How Women Are Dominating in Business-to-Business Sales and followed her dream of becoming a children’s author, but she has also overcome a battle with skin cancer, navigated grief after the passing of both of her parents, embraced her role as a first-time grandmother, and, to support her travel obsession, became certified as a travel agent advocating for female travelers over 50. She continues to grow as an influencer, sharing her passion for sales, diversity, and active aging with a broad audience.
“I did all of this after turning 60,” says Heidi with pride. “Your future might never look exactly as you plan, but it will be what you were inspired to create. That is the beauty of reinvention.”
In her latest role as a picture book author, Heidi continues to create, adding even more to the list with her upcoming children’s books that explore connection, community, and the power of inner beauty. “If my journey proves anything, it’s that reinvention has no age limit,” she says. “I can’t predict where the next five years will take me, but I know that if I dream it, I can create it. It is my legacy.”
Through her writing, her advocacy, and her work with GirlzWhoSell, Heidi is reshaping what it means to live a purpose-driven life. She is inspiring children to find and use their voices, and empowering women to do the same.
For more information on Heidi’s books, visit her website: Heidi Solomon-Orlick, or explore GirlzWhoSell at GirlzWhoSell.
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