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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In this podcast episode, Latoya Lewis, the founder and CEO of Mahogany Doula Services, shares her inspiring journey from Illinois to Iowa, where she sought a safer and more stable environment for her family. Initially planning to leave Iowa, she fell in love with its affordable living, tranquility, and educational opportunities for her daughter. Balancing motherhood, Latoya pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa and later obtained two graduate degrees in public and health administration to enhance her career prospects in healthcare.

Latoya discusses her evolution into a doula and the critical role doulas play in providing emotional and physical support during childbirth. She emphasizes the importance of advocacy and education for birthing individuals, highlighting disparities in maternal health and the necessity of treating everyone with dignity and respect. Additionally, she shares her vision for Mahogany Doula Services to expand into comprehensive care and education for health professionals, while also stressing the importance of self-care and grace in her work.

Support Latoya!!!

Facebook: Mahogany Doula Services

Instagram: @the_mahogany_doula

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In this engaging conversation, Dr. Destinee Woodris and Emili explore the significance of self-care, community, and the importance of building supportive relationships. They discuss the creation of Dr. Woodris's podcast, 'Porch Tea with Destinee’ as a platform for storytelling and connection, emphasizing the need for individuals to pursue their passions and embrace their unique identities.

The dialogue highlights the challenges faced by black women in navigating societal expectations while advocating for self-love and personal growth.

Follow Dr. Destinee

Instagram: @dwoodris

YouTube - Porch Tea with Destinee

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

TikTok: @blackgirliowa

Instagram: @blackgirliowa

BlackGirlIowa MERCH is NOW AVAILABLE!

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In this episode of the Black Girl Iowa podcast, host Emili shares her personal healing journey, discussing the challenges of navigating depression, life changes, and the importance of self-care. She reflects on her experiences with insomnia, the significance of art and journaling in her healing process, and the necessity of sleep and routine.

Emili emphasizes the importance of overcoming shame and embracing self-love, while also outlining her future goals and the tools she plans to use to continue her growth.

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

TikTok: @black.girl.iowa

Instagram: @black.girl.iowa

BlackGirlIowa MERCH is NOW AVAILABLE!

Etsy Shop - BlackGirlIowaShop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackGirlIowaShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Where to Find:

Self-Love Workbook for Black Women: Empowering Exercises to Build Self-Compassion and Nurture Your True Self by Rachel Johnson, LMSW, MFT

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1638076510?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

ISBN-13: 978-1638076513

In this podcast episode, Betty C. Andrews, the president and CEO of Betty Andrews Media and executive director of Iowa’s African American Festival, shares insights into the impactful history of “I’ll Make Me A World in Iowa,” which has become the state’s largest African American festival since its inception in 1998. Originally a national call to action, the festival has evolved to highlight African American arts and culture, fostering a connection and sense of affirmation for the Black community in Iowa.

The festival is structured as a three-part event: the Embracing Excellence Gala, Celebration Day, and Education Day. The Gala honors individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the community in a formal setting. Education Day is dedicated to enriching the lives of middle and high school students through STEM activities and resources for college and career paths. Celebration Day serves as the festival’s centerpiece, featuring live performances, food vendors, a kids’ carnival, and a health fair.

Overall, the festival not only celebrates Black excellence but also aims to address health disparities within the African American community, bringing people together to appreciate and engage with Black culture in a predominantly white state.

More Information about I'll Make Me A World in Iowa:

Website: https://www.worldiniowa.org/

Event Dates:

• Education Day - Friday, February 7th, 2025 - 9AM - 2PM
• Celebration Day - Saturday, February 8th, 2025 - 10AM - 2PM

Location:

• Horizons Event Center
• 2100 NW 100th Street
• Clive, Iowa 50325

***THESE EVENTS ARE FREE ADMISSIONS***

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

TikTok: @black.girl.iowa

Instagram: @black.girl.iowa

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Audrey Kennis, the Human Services and Inclusion Director for the City of West Des Moines, shares her journey from Denver, Colorado to Iowa and her experiences at Clarke University. She discusses the culture shock she experienced in Iowa and the microaggressions she faced as a Black woman.

Audrey's story highlights the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life. The conversation explores the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the need to understand and respect different cultures and perspectives. It highlights the role of DEI in higher education and the efforts of institutions to promote diversity.

The conversation concludes with a call to action for individuals to get involved and make a difference in their communities.

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

TikTok: @blackgirliowa

Instagram: @blackgirliowa

2025 Black. Girl. Iowa. Reading Challenge - HERE!!!