The DDQ Podcast: Where conversation meets examination, and sparks transformation!

**Before listening to this episode, you may want to listen to Episode 18: Holding Space - Honoring, Loss, Longing, and all Forms of Mothering** Mother's Day Special - revisiting the 2025 Mother-Daughter Series.

Hey QueenSiS, before we step into our next season of the Dayclean Devotion Queen Podcast, I want us to take a moment and look back. Because what we experienced together during our Conversion Conversations season… wasn’t just a series of interviews. It was a remarkable, beautiful pattern being revealed. We heard from dynamic women at different stages in their life journeys, who left, learned, and returned to re-imagine, redesign, and remake the systems around them. While the featured guests were truly unique, across every conversation I feel like we moved through the same powerful journey in many ways! I’ve had the pleasure of facilitating, and then re-listening to each conversation so I could pull clips and quotes for the DDQmmunity. The blueprint was clear, and once I saw it…I couldn’t unsee it. I had to take some time to really acknowledge the power of this pattern. So in this recap episode, I revisit each episode so we can intentionally honor the wisdom that was shared.

Dr. Keonda Grant-Taylor is an intergenerational financial trauma advocate dedicated to helping Gullah Geechee communities and people of color heal their relationship with money, power, and legacy. With over 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, dual bachelor’s degrees in finance, an MBA, and a doctorate in organizational leadership, she blends technical expertise with trauma-informed financial insight. As the founder of Granting Gullah and visionary behind Gullahnomics, Keonda focuses on breaking cycles of generational financial trauma—particularly within the Gullah Geechee corridor—by merging economic strategy, cultural awareness, and emotional healing. Her work sits at the intersection of wealth building, legacy preservation, and financial sovereignty. Link up with Dr. Grant-Taylor here: https://www.gullahnomics.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/keonda-grant-taylor-0b07b920/  

Sea Islands Heritage Academy Founder & Executive Director, Alana finds her heritage in Gullah culture. The proverb "mus tek cyear a de root fa heal de tree,” roughly translates to “you must take care of the root in order to heal the tree.” As an experienced educator, Alana knows that students’ “roots” must be firmly planted in order for them to exercise agency and access the opportunities available to them. Alana holds fast to the belief that community-centered schools are the cornerstone to achieving educational equity. Previously, Alana worked at Coney Island Prep in Brooklyn, NY, where she served as dean of students and as vice principal, managing teacher and curricular development. Prior to this, Alana spent a number of years as a classroom reading and writing teacher at high-performing public charter schools across New York. Alana received her master’s in teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education and holds a bachelor's in English literature from Middlebury College. She is a wife, a mother, a consultant, a community champion. Get connected with Alana and the Sea Islands Heritage Academy at these links: https://www.seaislandsacademy.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-jenkins-marchel-47134469/

In this deeply thoughtful and powerful conversation, I sit down with Attorney Ajua Hawkins — private attorney, public defender, educator, and truth-teller — to explore what it means to live and practice law with integration, integrity, and courage. We talk about leaving home and returning transformed, about navigating multiple legal spaces, and about who the law is truly meant to serve. Ajua reflects on reclaiming her voice, intentionally using social media to demystify justice, and choosing honesty in spaces where silence is often expected. This episode is a meditation on purpose, truth-telling, womanhood, and coming home to yourself QueenSiS! Get connected with our favorite counselor at the links below: https://www.integritylawfirmllc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lawyerajua/?hl=en

The theme for our first season of 2026 is Conversion Conversations. Not conversion like somebody trying to recruit you to a new religion QueenSiS! But conversion like a soul changing directions. This season is for the women who left old versions of themselves and walked straight into who they are meant to be for such a time as this. Today’s featured guest is an amazing change agent in the field – literally! Keisha Rainey is a food systems leader and the owner of Roots & Rain, LLC., a firm dedicated to supporting organizations, women, and historically impacted farmers through training, collaboration, and access to critical resources. She holds a degree in Business from Newberry College and is a graduate of Clemson University’s Palmetto PLEAF program, where she deepened her expertise in agricultural leadership and food systems development. Keisha has trained more than a thousand producers on USDA food safety standards, guided hundreds through successful audits, and developed food safety plans and value-added product curricula that help farmers build sustainable, consumer-centered operations. She is a true leader and advocate, serving as Vice President of the South Carolina Black Farmers Coalition and helping shape policies that advance equitable access to land and resources across the palmetto state. Keisha brings deep expertise, a justice-centered lens, and a genuine love for family and community into her work. It is a joy to share this podcast episode with the DDQmmunity! Get connected with Keisha at any of the links below. https://www.rootsrain.org/ https://www.instagram.com/rootsrain/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566076831497 www.SCBlackFarmers.com

This episode is the opening in our first series for 2026: Conversion Conversations. Not conversion like somebody trying to recruit you to a new religion QueenSiS! But conversion like a soul changing directions. Like womanifesting a way of burnout, when the spirit finally says, “this part of life no longer fits me.” This season is for the women who left old versions of themselves and walked straight into who they are meant to be of such a time as this.  Our first season guest is not new to us, but she is new to now. She is a woman who spent decades inside philanthropy — moving money, moving systems, moving communities — and then, one year ago, she did something radical: she retired at the top of her game. She rested. She listened. And she converted herself. Jill is a spiritual powerhouse, a global traveler, a community champion, and a true Auntie of the highest order. And today she’s here to talk with us about who she is now.

We catch up with one of our favs in this episode about celebrating the season! Get connected with Donellia Chives and her boutique NGOME Lifestyle at the links below.   / donelliachives   https://ngomelifestyle.com/

In this episode, I want to celebrate Giving Tuesday by highlighting some of my favorite community-centered, culture-rooted, and purpose-driven nonprofit organizations. These groups are doing transformative work, from empowering young women, to preserving the Gullah Geechee story, to protecting our land, our farmers, and our future: Empower Her 2 Be — Beaufort, SC: https://www.empowerher2b.org/ Empowerher2b+1 FarmaSis — Columbia, SC: https://thefarmasis.com/ thefarmasis.com SistaFund — Richmond, VA: https://cfcircles.com/circles/sisterfund Community Foundation Giving Circles SC Black Farmers Coalition: https://scblackfarmers.com/ SC Black Farmers Gullah Geechee Sea Island Coalition: https://gullahgeecheenation.com/gullahgeechee-sea-island-coalition/ Gullah/Geechee Nation Ma Daisy’s Porch — Bluffton, SC: https://www.madaisysporch.com/ madaisysporch.com Responsible ARTistry — St. Helena Island, SC: https://www.responsibleartistry.org/ Responsible ARTistry KIVA: https://www.kiva.org/

We are catching up with Kersha Burton - a woman whose story and spirit embody so much of what Dayclean Devotion Queen stands for! Find her products and more details at: https://www.kershastouch.com/shop

Welcome back to The Dayclean Devotion Queen Podcast — where we celebrate creativity, culture, and conscious living. Today, I’m starting something for the holiday season — The DDQ’s Favorite Things List! These are craftswomen and artisans whose products I’ve personally experienced and absolutely adore. They represent healing and heritage, legacy and generational wealth building: Skin Care & Self-Care Kersha’s Touch: “You Glow Girl” facial products; fig body wash & hand-knitted wash squares The Coffee Lady 31: Pain Ez salve & Calm body butter Naturally Geechee: Lip balm & whipped shea butter Fashion, Artistry & Everyday Elegance NGOME Lifestyle Boutique: Cameo pins, Adinkra customized bags Stylistic Café: Handcrafted jewelry Just Dorneisha: Specialty flower vases Grounding & Reflection The Dayclean Devotion Queen meditation journal The Unconventional Life: candles & Reiki Green Heffa Farms: Tea line, especially RICH AUNTEA

Happy Ancestors Day QueenSiS! We had the pleasure of visiting with Kathryn Thompson in her beautiful Reiki Room to discuss energy and spirits and healing. You can purchase some of Kathryn's candles at this link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheUCLife?dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Check out the full episode for this week on Ancestor Day!

Now, I know some of y’all are like, “Najmah, how is using a dayplanner a celebration?” Butstick with me okay? Because I’ve learned the hard way that planning is not just a work task or management strategy – planning is an act of self-love. It’s a way of honoring your time, your peace, and your purpose. Listen for more details!

In this episode, I’m reflecting on two incredible women in my family who shaped me, inspired me, and continue to guide me in ways I’m still discovering. I share that my Aunt Josephine had a podcast before podcasts were cool - here is a link to the channel she started in 2014 at youtube.com/@josieb4460 (“Enjoy and Love Your Life’s Journey").

Hermina Glass-Hill is a writer, historian, preservationist and sustainability advocate who has worked for more than two decades on environmental justice and human rights.  She is the founder and executive director of the Susie King Taylor Women’s Institute & Ecology Center in Midway, Georgia, having moved there in 2018 from Atlanta to anchor its work in Susie King Taylor’s birthplace. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History (with a minor in African American Studies) from Spelman College, and a Master of Arts in Heritage Conservation / Heritage Preservation from Georgia State University.  Hermina is widely recognized as the foremost and preeminent scholar in the United States on Susie King Taylor, the Civil War nurse and memoirist; she began her research into Taylor’s life in 2009 while working as associate director at Kennesaw State University’s Center for the Study of the Civil War Era. In 2019 Hermina received Georgia’s Governor’s Award for Arts and Humanities for her work preserving African American/Gullah Geechee history and culture. Her forthcoming epic on Susie King Taylor is highly anticipated in academic and public history circles. Connect with QueenSiS Hermina at these links: https://www.susiekingtaylorinstitute.org/ https://www.facebook.com/susiekingtaylor

Hey QueenSiS, its Najmah, your Dayclean Devotion Queen, welcoming you back to autumn and back to the DDQ Podcast. We’ve just about wrapped up powerful third season, all centered on Creativity and today, I want to take a little time to reflect on the wisdom our guests have shared, and the practices that I personally have carried with me. This season was all about creation, not the hustle kind, but the soul kind. About re-imagining, resting, resetting, and allowing our creative selves to breathe. Listen for some of my highlights from each episode of season 3.

Richmond, VA office for The Bair Foundation. She has been employed with numerous companies but when she sawthe opportunity with this organization, she knew that this is where God wanted and needed her to be. She has been with The Bair Foundation for a year and a half and is working to bring more awareness to fostering. Learn more about her work at ⁠https://www.bair.org/services/family-services/

In this solo session, I recap my "day away from adulting" at Disney World!

Basu Blaksis Nefertem aka Eboni Holmes was born in Boston, Ma and moved to Atlanta in 1998. Always an avid reader, and writer she began writing with the intent to perform, after a friend took her to Yin Yang Cafe, more recently known as Apache Cafe. Blaksis is an active member of her community and works and writes to free the minds of African people throughout the Diaspora. She has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Muta Baruka, Janelle Monae, and performed on the T.V. series Spoken. She has a powerful voice that penetrates souls and minds with Black Love and Power. She knows that words without action mean nothing and continues to be diligent in community activism, black economic sustainability, and repatriation efforts to Africa. Currently, she founded the Black Moses Freedom Festival, now in its fifth year. This festival celebrates Harriet Tubman in Beaufort, SC and uses that history to promote health, wellness, and sustainability in the Lowcountry. She is also an African Centered Yoga instructor, for 9 years, she continues to curate events that involve  Culture, Nature, and Healing. This Goddess has curated her life in a way that Holistically supports Africans at home and Abroad in reconnecting and reactivating the genetic codes that keep us whole and intertwined as One magnificent and magical people! Get connected with BlackSiS at these links: https://www.instagram.com/blaksisdagoddess [email protected] https://www.blackmosesfreedomfestival.com https://www.instagram.com/blackmosesfreedomfestival

Clarenda "Farmer Cee" Stanley is a visionary entrepreneur, farmer, herbalist, and advocate for ethical business and sustainable living. Known affectionately as "Farmer Cee," she is the founding CEO of Green Heffa Farms, a wellness brand and herb farm that celebrates the power of nature to heal and nourish. Raised on her maternal grandparents' farm, with an awarded professional background in marketing and environmental fundraising and a deep and profound respect for the Earth, Farmer Cee dedicates her life to promoting holistic health and wellness practices that honor the interconnectedness of all living things. Beyond her work as an executive, farmer, and herbalist, Farmer Cee is also a passionate educator and community leader. Through workshops, classes, and speaking engagements, she empowers others to support their health by incorporating herbs into their wellbeing program. Farmer Cee's approach is rooted in her belief that everyone has the ability to cultivate wellness from the ground up, starting with the soil beneath their feet. Her mission is to inspire others to reconnect with the earth, embrace their innate healing abilities, and live in harmony with the natural world. Get connected with Farmer Cee and her projects at these links QueenSiS: https://www.greenheffafarms.com/ https://www.instagram.com/greenheffafarm/ https://www.facebook.com/greenheffafarms https://www.youtube.com/farmercee

Moment of transparency: I almost didn't get to post this episode...I'm feeling tapped-out-tyyyed QueenSiS! But I'm also giving thanks for the time and space to share a few of my creativity course-correction steps for this season. Drop your thoughts on our Daily DDQ Blog, IG or Substack page - let me know what you do to keep the creative energies flowing!

Kathryn Thompson is the Development Director for the Partnership for Housing Affordability in Richmond, VA.  She has a BS degree in Public Relations from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is passionate about bringing creative and cultural arts opportunities to low-income youth.  She wrote her first film screenplay in Summer 2020, The Return To Me.  The short film was a feature in the Afrikana Film Festival (Richmond, VA), San Diego Black Film Festival (San Diego, CA) and the S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase (Los Angeles, CA).  She was awarded an individual artist grant from CultureWorks in 2022 to develop the short film into a pilot series.  In 2023 she was accepted into the Cadence Pipeline Fellowship as a screenwriting fellow where she finished writing her second short film, Kite Tails, and continued working on editing her TV pilot series.  Her passion for writing isn’t confined to screenwriting.  She explores the themes of Black culture and spirituality through other forms of writing and plans to resume work on her first novel.  She also enjoys blogging, writing poetry and hopes to write a memoir. See below for links to connect with Kathryn and her creative work! Kathryn Thompson | LinkedIn https://bherc.tv/films/the-return-to-me/   

We took a hiatus from the DDQ Podcast for a summer of romance & rest! After some much needed time to reflect, reset, revised approach…now it is time to relaunch! Listen for Q3 Season themes, and be sure to connect with the #DDQmmunity on these platforms: The Daily DDQ – our blog with quick reflections on the day’s meditation theme – go to mydayclean.com click on The Daily DDQ to read and comment. Instagram – we are @daycleandevotionqueen - like and share! Substack – get into it! And look out for the monthly DDQ newsletter plus some periodic posts - (https://substack.com/@najmahthomas)

**Before listening to this episode, you may want to listen to Episode 18: Holding Space - Honoring, Loss, Longing, and all Forms of Mothering** The DDQ Podcast: Mothers & Daughters series is a special collection of powerful conversations celebrating the unique bond between mothers and daughters across generations. In each episode, we share authentic stories, laughter, lessons, and love as we explore how these relationships shape identity, resilience, and purpose. Whether you're a mother, daughter, or simply someone who cherishes deep connections, this series offers inspiration, reflection, and a reminder of the strength we carry through one another.

**Before listening to this episode, you may want to listen to Episode 18: Holding Space - Honoring, Loss, Longing, and all Forms of Mothering** The DDQ Podcast: Mothers & Daughters series is a special collection of powerful conversations celebrating the unique bond between mothers and daughters across generations. In each episode, we share authentic stories, laughter, lessons, and love as we explore how these relationships shape identity, resilience, and purpose. Whether you're a mother, daughter, or simply someone who cherishes deep connections, this series offers inspiration, reflection, and a reminder of the strength we carry through one another.

**Before listening to this episode, you may want to listen to Episode 18: Holding Space - Honoring, Loss, Longing, and all Forms of Mothering** The DDQ Podcast: Mothers & Daughters series is a special collection of powerful conversations celebrating the unique bond between mothers and daughters across generations. In each episode, we share authentic stories, laughter, lessons, and love as we explore how these relationships shape identity, resilience, and purpose. Whether you're a mother, daughter, or simply someone who cherishes deep connections, this series offers inspiration, reflection, and a reminder of the strength we carry through one another.  

Hey QueenSiS, this is a brief episode of sacred pause. Next month, in honor of Mother’s Day, we are featuring special conversations between mothers and daughters. But first, we want to take the time to acknowledge that Mother’s Day can be a time of joy and pain for many. This episode is our way of showing honor and understanding for all paths of ‘mothering’.

Dorneisha M. Batson was born in Upper Marlboro, MD in 1981. She moved to Beaufort, SC in 1988. Coming from two different areas molded her creativity. She is predominately an abstract artist in the area of painting and drawing.  Her pieces are bold and colorful and meant to make the viewer escape the world around them. Dorneisha completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management at Park University in 2006 and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2010.  She had her first solo art show in Beaufort in 2013 and showcased her work in numerous cities in the United States as well as London, England. Her pieces are currently on display in numerous locations in Beaufort, SC, Washington, DC, New York, NY, and London, England. QueenSiS, you can connect with Dorneisha at these links: https://justdorneisha.com/ https://www.instagram.com/justdorneisha/

Angela Simmons has worked in higher education for 30 years at various mid-sized and large universities in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Student Development at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.  She has her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Mississippi State University and an Ed.D. from Florida State University. Angela’s previous roles include Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at Virginia Tech and Assistant Dean of Students at Florida State. Angela lives in Beaufort with her husband Dave and their very spoiled cat. In her spare time, Angela can be found reading a book, sitting on a beach, or Googling to support her curiosity habit. In addition to her work in higher education,  Angela has served on various boards, to include chairperson for Hopeful Horizons, and board member for Bluffton Self Help. Service missions resonate her on a personal level as someone who grew up in a family with limited financial resources and is keenly aware of how the services provided by charitable organizations can transform the lives of those most impacted by socioeconomic disparities and inequities. Angela is also an executive coach, with a particular focus on women of color in the academy. Connect with her today QueenSiS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-simmons-164043262/  

This episode is extra special. I have the honor of sitting down with someone who has shaped my life in more ways than I can count — my Aunt Ruthie Mae Johnson, who is 83 years blessed, and full of grace, joy, and wisdom. She is my mother's oldest sister, and a mother to me in so many ways! In this conversation, we talk about friendships, her years spent living and working in New York, how to prepare for what you prayed for, and why it matters to give people their flowers while they’re still here. I hope this conversation with my Aunt fills your heart the way it filled mine. These are the moments that remind us to celebrate our elders, cherish our roots, and never stop dreaming — no matter our age. If you were moved by something you heard today, take a moment to call someone you love. Say thank you. Make a lunch date with them, and give them their flowers!

Part II of our special #Herstory month edition of the DDQ Podcast! Featured Guests from January - March 2025 share their feedback and favorite lessons from other guests.

This is a special #Herstory month edition of the DDQ Podcast! Featured Guests from January - March 2025 share their feedback and favorite lessons from other guests.

Radiant – as in beautiful on the inside and outside. Real – as in 100%, straight with no chaser. Righteous - not only in terms of her faith walk, but in terms of her stance on the side of justice and equity. That’s Rhonda Greene. She is the amazing mom of an amazing 15-year-old young man. Her previous role was as a Senior United States probation officer for the eastern District of Virginia Richmond division where she was responsible for the daily operations of a United States federal drug court program. She is a certified substance therapist and has worked in the profession for over 27 years. She is a proud graduate of the Virginia State University, where she received her undergrad and master’s degrees. Rhonda currently works at Matoaca high school as a school security officer and it is her greatest work yet. Tune in to hear how this native New Yorker’s journey in life has brought her from what she calls ‘a mighty long way’! To get in contact with Rhonda, send her a message on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhonda.greene.908 Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity

In this episode, we are diving deep into a topic that has been a game-changer for me and so many others: personal vision planning! I break down my 10-step process to womanifesting the life you deserve. Because you and I are worth it QueenSiS! Taking the time to visualize and plan will pay off in ways you can’t even imagine. So grab your tea, your DDQ journal and your DDQ day planner - be prepared to hit pause, write some notes, rewind, and get it again. You might even want to listen to this podcast with your BFFs and tribe – make it a girl’s night in! Here are the links I mentioned in this episode: One of my book club favorites, The Revisioners by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton List of my favorite podcasts: Black Woman Leading She’s Got Drive Therapy for Black Girls (especially episode 393 - Estate Planning) The Back to Me Podcast - especially episode 169 - Cultivating Resilience in STEM) Stay Spiritually Fly & Shades of Soul Meditation Series by Faith Hunter Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast Enjoy and Love Your Life’s Journey (Continue to rest in peace and power Aunt Josephine – thank you for leaving us this treasure via your YouTube Channel!)

Hey QueenSiS! I’m putting my professor tam on for a few moments, but don’t worry, there is no final exam at the end! Today’s episode is about Womanism  - I use it in the title of the DDQ Journal, and tag our episodes with #WomanistWinsDay so I thought it only fair to dedicate an episode of the podcast sharing some more information about the concept. Here I define womanism and discuss just a few luminaries in the field; I talk about why this discussion matters today, by examining womanism's relevance from perspectives of the academy, environmental sustainability, and theology. And, I play a few excerpts from womanist thought leaders for added context. Here are links to the many (many!) items I reference in the episode: Video Links Democratic Womanism – poem by Alice Walker read on Free Speech TV. https://youtu.be/iuHfX-dX4-I (September 28, 2012). Excerpt from Alice Walker’s October 3, 2003 address at "Jumpin' at the Sun: Reassessing the Life and Work of Zora Neale Hurston at Barnard. https://youtu.be/iUyOQ3DpqzM?si=-c8xYOoS0TfHPqdg. Dr. Wil Gafney: Biblical Language for a God Who Transcends Gender. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLfpaRhsSUI (TheoED Talk, 2.20.2020). Books & Articles Mentioned in the Episode In the service of social equity: Leveraging the experiences of African American women professors (article by Najmah Thomas, 24 Jan 2019) https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15236803.2018.1565041. Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land. By Leah Penniman. https://www.soulfirefarm.org/media/farming-while-black/ Ecowomanism: African American Women and Earth-Honoring Faiths. By Melanie L. Harris. https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/melanie-l-harris/2053506/ Three Womanist Theologians I'm Following: Raquel S. Lettsome, PhD - https://youtu.be/XXAhxuie47g?si=8itI8yWhOKN5_qUN Dr. Renita Weems - https://youtu.be/lOo040NYrOw?si=TDiOclrXHUiFbdIB Judy Fentress Williams - https://www.youtube.com/live/O1QWdf5WlyE?si=2aWdYyO6vG63WxwH KweliTV Movie Reference (“Jesus loves the sex worker too”). Africa United. https://www.kweli.tv/watch/kweli/africa-united. 3.15.25 DDQ Vision Board Day Party (go to the https://www.mydayclean.com/store-2/p/ddq-vision-board-day-party to purchase your tickets – very limited quantities available!) Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity

A child of many names, the daughter of many “mothers,” and a woman rising from the destruction she was left to navigate, Mrs. La Fonda Elizabeth McWilliams-Wyatt has turned survival into strength. By day, she serves as an educational conference coordinator for Virginia’s Community Colleges, a role she has passionately held for over 20 years. She lends her time as a walk coach for The Downtown Monument Ave 10K, affectionately known as “Coach La, the Pear Diva, Queen of the Turtles,” and is an active member of Black Girls Do Bike RVA. Committed to keeping children out of the foster care system—of which she is an alum—she and her husband have opened their home to multiple minor children until their parents could successfully regain stability. In April, she will begin coursework to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate® in Henrico County, furthering her commitment to advocacy. She is also in the process of writing four books—i am Truth, D@mn Beverly, How to Survive Reunification, and The Book of La—with plans to open her own daycare center. You can get in touch with La Fonda here: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.instagram.com/authenticlabydesign/ Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/authenticlabydesign/ You can use these links to learn more about and support the Great Expectations program at VCCS: Program website: https://www.greatexpectations.org/ Program Director Rachel Mayes Strawn - [email protected] Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity

Gaynelle has been in the healthcare field for over 27 years. Including leadership roles at the Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services, the Naval Hospital in Beaufort, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Service. In 2024 Gaynelle founded Empower Her2Be (EH2B), a nonprofit organization in Northern Beaufort County. EH2B was formed to prepare young women, ages 12-18, to meet the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood through a coordinated, progressive series of high-quality activities and learning experiences that help them to achieve social, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. Get connected with Gaynelle and her work at the links below! Empower Her2Be (EH2B) https://www.empowerher2b.org/our-program Gaynelle's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaynelle-dantzler-mph-b9585813b/ Gaynelle's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gaynelle.dantzler Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity

Kersha Burton is a passionate individual who has had a diverse journey, including serving in the Navy for 22 years. Joining the Navy at eighteen years old instilled in her a sense of discipline and commitment, shaping my character and values. Outside of her military career, Kersha finds joy in both nature and creativity. Her love for gardening allows her to connect deeply with the earth, feeling the soil in hand and experiencing the tranquility it brings. Kersha expresses her creativity through crochet, crafting handmade items that reflect my appreciation for natural beauty. She also enjoys creating skincare products, combining my love for nature with the art of self-care. Connect with Kersha on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kershastouch/ Click here for Kersha’s Touch handcrafted skincare products: https://www.kershastouch.com/shop Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity

Abenaa is the founder of Naturally Geechee Holistic Skin and Hair Care, a brand deeply rooted in the Gullah/Geechee tradition. A farmers daughter born and raised in Johns Island, she was Inspired by her personal journey with a rare lymphatic condition, and has dedicated the past 9 years to creating an all-natural, vegan, and healing skin and hair care line. Click here for Naturally Geechee's online shop: https://www.naturallygeechee.com/ Click here for Abenaa's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tremaine-moore-685196a7 Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity

Cecelia Miller "Farmer CeeCee" is the force behind The CoffeeLady31. After 25 plus years in lab and quality management, an initial start in business in 2001, and five years in education, Farmer CeeCee felt the pull to launch out into business again. Momma, Mema, pastor’s wife, chemistry degree, quality auditor, licensed minister, herbalist, aromatherapist, master gardener, and zumba instructor are a few titles she bears. A truckload of challenges and opportunities and a few glass ceilings broken have allowed her to evolve, and continue to evolve, into who she is now. Her greatest achievements are her “boys” Joshua(Raven), Jaylin(Ria) and Farmer Asher. The shop name is derived from her love for coffee and the fact that her mom often refers to her as the Proverbs 31 lady (“Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates 31:31). Here is a link to Cecelia's agribusiness - The CoffeeLady31: https://www.thecoffeelady31.com/ Here is a link to Cecelia's LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecoffeelady31/ Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity

Featuring Jill Coleman, a philanthropy professional with more than thirty years of progressive experience in diverse communities, both urban and rural, across 20 countries.  Jill's areas of expertise include cultural competency; strategic planning across cultures; resource, grant and partnership development; advocacy; executive management to include change management and strategic communications. She has extensive managerial leadership experience in the day-to-day operations of community-based organizations. Jill is also a business owner and author of a children's book Tariq & Jason: I Love My BIG Brother. **Please note, the historical romance author referenced in the podcast is Beverly Jenkins, not Johnson** Get in touch with Jill via email at [email protected]   Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity

Featuring Donellia L. Chives. This dynamic QueenSiS is a creative consultant, cultural preservationist, and connection specialist who brings culturally enriched leadership to the fields of emotional intelligence and child development. Discover more about her impactful work and upcoming projects below. Official Website: https://iamdonelliachives.com/thecreate-her LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donelliachives/ The Penn Center: https://www.penncenter.com. This historic and cultural institution is a National Historic Landmark District and comprises two of the four sites in Reconstruction Era National Park. Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity  

Featuring Bonita D. Clemons. Bonita created a grassroots 501(C)3 wellness organization, Dianne's Call, whose mission is to connect families to fresh fruits and vegetables. Bonita's vision to master the principles of sustainability led her to initiate the all-female farm team, 'FarmaSIS. Bonita created the holistic philosophy S.P.I.C.E Nutrition -Spiritual Physical Intellectual Cultural and Emotional Nutrition. She received a Bachelor's degree in Business and Economics from Benedict College, a Master's degree in Public Health from the University of South Carolina and her certification as a Health Counselor from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. AND she is the 2023 SCBFC Black Woman Farmer of the Year! See below for links to her pages, and enjoy this episode QueenSiS! http://Diannescall.org https://www.bonitaclemons.com https://www.thefarmasis.com (be sure to sign up for the e-newsletter and download the FarmaSiS Plant-based Recipe Book!)   Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity

An introduction to the the DDQ Podcast with our social media and marketing guru Janai Thomas. Hey QueenSiS! Do you want to be a featured guest on the DDQ Podcast? Enter your information on this quick survey and we will follow up with you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDQmmunity