Black. Girl. Iowa.

On this week's episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with Jodi Long—award-winning journalist, storyteller, wife, mother of two, and beloved KCCI Channel 8 News anchor. From reporting on pivotal Iowa moments to speaking at local schools and community events, Jodi is committed to telling stories with empathy, truth, and purpose.

We talk about:

• What it means to represent Black women on Iowa screens

• How being raised in Iowa s...

In this powerful conversation, Emili sits down with Tiara Mays-Sims — mother of twins, civic leader, community advocate, and a proud Detroit-raised Black woman building change in Iowa.

Tiara shares how her journey into advocacy was shaped by motherhood, including raising a child with autism, and how saying yes — to education, service, storytelling, and political leadership — transformed her life.

Together, they discuss:

• Growing u...

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, Emili sits down with Denise Williams, a USA Today bestselling romance author whose books celebrate Black love, laughter, and healing. From writing her first story in second grade to publishing ten novels, Denise shares her journey of storytelling, representation, and resilience.

They dive into what it means to write (and live) as a Black woman in the Midwest — balancing motherhood, teaching, ...

In this week’s episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., I share one of my most personal stories yet — about how reading, journaling, and storytelling have helped me heal, rediscover myself, and reclaim my joy.

I open up about my recent mental health journey, including moments when I didn’t realize how much pain I was carrying. Through therapy, reflection, and the power of words, I was reminded that I matter — and that staying another day is a...

In this heartfelt and funny conversation, Emili sits down with The Black Rose owner, Ashley Kofoed, to talk about books, belonging, and building something beautiful from the ground up. A veteran, former teacher, and proud Kentucky native turned Iowan, Ashley shares what it means to feel safe but still Black in the Midwest, why she left education to pursue entrepreneurship, and how she created a cozy, boozy bookstore that’s become a...

In this vibrant and fashion-forward episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with Nekia Whitfield—CEO and lead designer of NikStar Designs. A proud Chicago native and Iowa State alum, Nekia shares her journey from studying fashion in Ames to building a thriving design brand in Des Moines. From prom gowns to bridal wear and maternity fashion, she designs clothing that empowers women of all shapes, sizes, and life stages.

Nekia ...

In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., host Emili sits down with Judge Ashley Stewart, the only Black woman currently serving as a judge in the state of Iowa. From her roots in Dallas and a passion for journalism to her pivot into law during the recession, Judge Stewart shares how resilience, community, and faith led her to the bench.

Together, Emili and Judge Stewart discuss:

• What it means to be the only Black woman judge in Iow...

In this week’s episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., host Emili J sits down with La Toshia Burrell, licensed massage therapist, entrepreneur, and CEO of Redefine & Reveal Massage Therapy and Bodywork.

Born and raised in Fort Dodge, La Toshia shares her journey from competitive athletics and collegiate coaching to discovering her true calling in wellness and healing. She opens up about navigating identity in predominantly white spaces, ...

In this week’s episode of the Black. Girl. Iowa. podcast, Emili reflects on the legacy of Black women’s organizing through her experiences with the Tawasi Federated Women’s Club.

She highlights how community involvement is both a personal journey and a way of honoring those who came before us. From the safe housing provided to students in 1919 by the Iowa Association of Colored Women’s Clubs to the ongoing service of Tawasi, Black ...

On this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili welcomes Loretta Windsor, founder of Sista SoulFest. What began as a vision in 2020 has grown into a powerful annual celebration spotlighting women of color, entrepreneurs, artistry, and community pride.

The 6th Annual Sista SoulFest takes place Sunday, August 31st from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at Evelyn K. Davis Park in Des Moines. This year’s theme is Empowerment Through Unity, featuring food, mu...

In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., I sit down with Kayla Bell-Consolver—licensed mental health counselor, community leader, and founder of Question Kayla, LLC.

Kayla opens up about her journey from Tampa to Des Moines, the challenges of Black girlhood and acceptance, and how her experiences with shame and resilience shape the powerful work she does today. We talk about therapy as “heart work,” her viral TikToks making mental hea...

Registered nurse and community leader Monica Goodlett turned a single hike in West Virginia into a movement—founding Black Iowa Outdoors to connect, inspire, and challenge the narrative of who belongs in nature.

In this episode, she shares her journey from Urbandale to trailblazer, how the outdoors boosts mental and physical health, and why representation matters on the trail.

Get ready to be inspired—and maybe even lace up your sn...

In this episode, I sit down with Corey Dion Lewis—health coach, media founder, and passionate health equity advocate—for a conversation that reminded me just how powerful intention and community really are.

Corey shares his journey from East Moline to Iowa City, and how his experience advocating for his mother’s health changed everything. That moment pushed him to launch The Healthy Project Podcast, build My City, My Health, and com...

In this reflective solo episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili J. opens up about her ongoing journey of self-discovery and the power of sharing one’s own story. She explores what it means to feel untethered, highlighting the deep importance of self-care, spirituality, and setting boundaries.

Emili also shares how reconnecting with joy through hobbies has helped her reclaim a sense of purpose. Through honest storytelling, she reminds ...

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-r...

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 re...

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 s...

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...

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 fac...