In the season one finale of Black. Girl. Iowa., host Erika Bailey turns the mic toward Emili, the voice behind the podcast. Together, they reflect on the transformative journey of the first season—highlighting the confidence Emili gained, the power of storytelling, and the meaningful connections built along the way. Emili opens up about her proudest moments, including an emotional interview with her father, and reaffirms her deep-rooted love for Iowa as home.

This heartfelt conversation dives into Emili’s experiences navigating identity, community, and self-acceptance as a Black woman in Iowa. She speaks candidly about the importance of rest, self-care, and the growing solidarity among Black women in her community. With gratitude and vision, Emili shares advice for younger generations and teases what's to come in season two—centered on restoration, connection, and continued growth.

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In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., I’m joined by Dr. Cimone Wright-Hamor — engineer, educator, and powerful advocate for Black girls and women in STEM. From growing up in Cedar Rapids to earning her Ph.D., Cimone shares how early struggles in school, mentorship, and intentional planning shaped her journey and her purpose.

We talk about what it’s like to be underestimated in white-dominated spaces, the power of seeing yourself represented, and why it’s okay not to bring every version of yourself into every room. She also opens up about how childhood trauma can show up in adult communication and why understanding your story can shift your future.

Follow Cimone!

Facebook: HeyCimone!

Website: www.heycimone.com

Purchase Cimone's Book on Amazon: Manufactured Education: Leveraging College to Accelerate Your Career Without Selling Your Soul

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In this podcast episode, Deidre DeJear, an entrepreneur and civic leader, reflects on her journey from Mississippi to Oklahoma to Iowa, highlighting her passion for public service and community engagement. As the Democratic nominee for both Iowa Secretary of State and Governor, DeJear advocates for critical issues like quality education and mental health care. She discusses the challenges of running for office, including resource shortages and the importance of community support, while emphasizing the necessity of setting personal expectations and holding herself accountable.

Throughout the conversation, DeJear underscores the power of Black women's voices across the regions she has lived in—Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Iowa—and their role in shaping activism and progress. Additionally, she speaks about her work with Ladylike, a co-founded initiative, and her ongoing commitment to nonpartisan civic engagement through Vision Leads. Ultimately, the episode captures DeJear’s dedication to creating change and empowering voices for a better future.

Support Deidra:

Check Out Vision Leads: https://www.visionleads.org/

Instagram: @deidredejear

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