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The Soultown's 52!
52 Black Women. 52 Stories.
We’re calling on 52 powerful Black women—just like you.
Was it joyful? Painful? Awkward? Divine?
Whatever it was—it was yours.
If you’ve got a story, we’ve got the platform.
Meet The Soultown's 52 Black Women ... 1-4
Chillin' Kabba #1
Shay Tate-Moore #4
Chillin' Kabba #1
Chillin’ Kabba is the CEO and Founder of The Soultown Magazine. Born and raised in Chicago, she spent much of her teenage years between Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Iowa—spaces that helped shape her perspective, purpose, and commitment to community storytelling.
In 2026, Chillin’s primary focus is uniting 52 Black women and encouraging them t
Chillin’ Kabba is the CEO and Founder of The Soultown Magazine. Born and raised in Chicago, she spent much of her teenage years between Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Iowa—spaces that helped shape her perspective, purpose, and commitment to community storytelling.
In 2026, Chillin’s primary focus is uniting 52 Black women and encouraging them to share their transformative journeys of becoming—stories rooted in growth, resilience, identity, and purpose. Through The Soultown Magazine, she continues to create space for voices that deserve to be seen, heard, and honored. Chillin is the Publisher of The Soultown.
Liz Anderson #2
Shay Tate-Moore #4
Chillin' Kabba #1
Elizabeth “Liz” Anderson is a devoted wife, proud mother of two sons, and a loving grandmother whose life is deeply rooted in faith and service. A committed member of Gift of Life Church in Waterloo, Iowa, Liz walks daily in her love for God
and her calling to uplift others.
Through her work with youth, she pours guidance, encouragement, a
Elizabeth “Liz” Anderson is a devoted wife, proud mother of two sons, and a loving grandmother whose life is deeply rooted in faith and service. A committed member of Gift of Life Church in Waterloo, Iowa, Liz walks daily in her love for God
and her calling to uplift others.
Through her work with youth, she pours guidance, encouragement, and wisdom into the next generation, striving each day to help young people stay focused, grounded, and hopeful. Liz believes that leading with love, faith, and consistency can change lives—and she lives that belief in both word and action.
Beverly Woods #3
Shay Tate-Moore #4
Shay Tate-Moore #4
Beverly Woods is the Executive Director and founder of Treasure Box U-S, rooted in the heart of the Quad Cities. She is a devoted mother of three and a fierce advocate for youth, bringing more than 30 years of lived experience in mentoring, education, and community engagement to her work.
Her journey began with a deep, unmistakable calling
Beverly Woods is the Executive Director and founder of Treasure Box U-S, rooted in the heart of the Quad Cities. She is a devoted mother of three and a fierce advocate for youth, bringing more than 30 years of lived experience in mentoring, education, and community engagement to her work.
Her journey began with a deep, unmistakable calling—to help young people recognize their voice, their value, and their power.
Beverly Woods doesn’t just serve her community—she pours into it, building pathways of hope, dignity, and opportunity for generations to come.
Shay Tate-Moore #4
Shay Tate-Moore #4
Shay Tate-Moore #4
Shay Tate-Moore is a bold, visionary fashion designer and the founder of Moore Divahs LLC, launched in 2014. Known for her creative edge and generous spirit, she shares her expertise in embroidery, design, and sewing with audiences of all ages.
Shay has partnered with many to bring fashion, skill-building, and self-expression directly int
Shay Tate-Moore is a bold, visionary fashion designer and the founder of Moore Divahs LLC, launched in 2014. Known for her creative edge and generous spirit, she shares her expertise in embroidery, design, and sewing with audiences of all ages.
Shay has partnered with many to bring fashion, skill-building, and self-expression directly into the community.
Deeply committed to giving back, Shay supports initiatives centered on children’s mental health and confidence-building. At the heart of her mission is a simple truth she lives by: with belief, discipline, and determination, dreams can be stitched into reality.
Meet The Soultown's 52 Black Women ... 5-8
Deirdre Jones Lowman #5
Dorlisa Goodrich Young #8
Deirdre Jones Lowman #5
Dr. Deirdre is a purpose-driven, award-winning educator, global executive and leadership coach, and motivational speaker dedicated to inspiring others to Take Charge, Move Forward. For more than a decade, she has led with authenticity—motivating students, educators, and leaders to pursue excellence,
equity, and mental wellness.
Her journey
Dr. Deirdre is a purpose-driven, award-winning educator, global executive and leadership coach, and motivational speaker dedicated to inspiring others to Take Charge, Move Forward. For more than a decade, she has led with authenticity—motivating students, educators, and leaders to pursue excellence,
equity, and mental wellness.
Her journey includes building platforms that amplify marginalized voices, contributing to Heart & Soul, Rolling Out, and The Soultown Magazine, and launching The Pay It Forward Initiative Coaching and Mentoring Service on YouTube. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or in coaching sessions, her mission remains unwavering: to empower others to lead with vision,
heal through truth, and rise unapologetically.
Lydia Amissah-Harris #6
Dorlisa Goodrich Young #8
Deirdre Jones Lowman #5
Lydia is a public health professional, doula, author, and the Founder & Executive Director of The Bloom Project.
She grew up navigating financial hardship and housing instability, and those realities shaped her lifelong commitment to service, advocacy, and community care. Her experiences are not side notes to her story—they are central to
Lydia is a public health professional, doula, author, and the Founder & Executive Director of The Bloom Project.
She grew up navigating financial hardship and housing instability, and those realities shaped her lifelong commitment to service, advocacy, and community care. Her experiences are not side notes to her story—they are central to her leadership.
Lydia earned her Master of Public Health in 2022 and now serves as a Family Health Coordinator in maternal health, while also working as a certified doula supporting families through some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
In 2024, she became a mother to a baby girl—her greatest inspiration and the reason she works so tirelessly. She has received multiple awards for excellence in maternal and public health.
LaTanya Graves #7
Dorlisa Goodrich Young #8
Dorlisa Goodrich Young #8
LaTanya Graves is a counselor, founder, and creative force who believes in the power of authenticity and preparedness. As the founder of DIVA’s Inc. and Brown Eyed Gurlz Jewelry, LaTanya’s journey reflects the truth that while life may begin with a carefully laid plan, purpose often reveals itself along unexpected paths.
Grounded in self-a
LaTanya Graves is a counselor, founder, and creative force who believes in the power of authenticity and preparedness. As the founder of DIVA’s Inc. and Brown Eyed Gurlz Jewelry, LaTanya’s journey reflects the truth that while life may begin with a carefully laid plan, purpose often reveals itself along unexpected paths.
Grounded in self-awareness and growth, LaTanya embraces the understanding that she does not have to be perfect—or everything to everyone—to be enough. She stands firmly in the belief that her voice matters and that speaking unapologetically is both a right and a responsibility.
Refusing to let procrastination delay her purpose, LaTanya pursued her master’s degree with determination and excellence, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0+ GPA.
Email Me:
divawaterloo@ gmail.com
Dorlisa Goodrich Young #8
Dorlisa Goodrich Young #8
Dorlisa Goodrich Young #8
Dorlisa is an educator, editor, and explorer of exquisite places whose voice has been shaped by lineage, language, and lived experience. A graduate of Spelman College, Dorlisa later earned her master’s degree through her own determination and grit. With 25 years in the publishing industry, she carries a deep respect for storytelling, and
Dorlisa is an educator, editor, and explorer of exquisite places whose voice has been shaped by lineage, language, and lived experience. A graduate of Spelman College, Dorlisa later earned her master’s degree through her own determination and grit. With 25 years in the publishing industry, she carries a deep respect for storytelling, and the power of words.
Dorlisa is committed to cultivating confidence, clarity, and cultural pride in the next generation. Her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. line name reflects the evolution of her voice—one that has grown stronger, bolder, and unapologetically present over time. Dorlisa and her husband Anwar are raising a son who exceed their greatest dreams—proof that legacy,
love, and intention
still matter.
Meet The Soultown's 52 Black Women ... 9-12
Shanesha Vaughn #9
Evelyn DeKoster #10
Evelyn DeKoster #10
Shanesha — aka Persona — discovered her love for words in the 6th grade. Her passion for creative writing was sparked when she joined the SaYes2Poetry after-school program, where her talent quickly shined. One of her earliest wins came with the poem “My Chicken, My Gravy,” a playful nod to her love for comfort food. Since then, poetry has
Shanesha — aka Persona — discovered her love for words in the 6th grade. Her passion for creative writing was sparked when she joined the SaYes2Poetry after-school program, where her talent quickly shined. One of her earliest wins came with the poem “My Chicken, My Gravy,” a playful nod to her love for comfort food. Since then, poetry has remained her outlet for expression and empowerment. Inspired by artists like Chillin da Conscious Poet, Nicole Lyric, and Will Black, Persona continues to refine her voice while dreaming bigger. She aspires to publish her own book, graduate with a degree in Hospitality Management, and build a thriving business of her own. Beyond her studies and writing, Persona is most proud of her role as a single mom. Her son, Harlem, is her greatest source of inspiration.
Evelyn DeKoster #10
Evelyn DeKoster #10
Evelyn DeKoster #10
Evelyn is a legacy of quiet strength. She possesses a unique, powerful quality that defines who she is, and the core of the woman she has become.
Evelyn has spent the last 40 years as a dedicated healthcare worker. Today, she is a wife, a grandmother, and a "Gigi" to her great-grandchildren and other children in the community. Though she i
Evelyn is a legacy of quiet strength. She possesses a unique, powerful quality that defines who she is, and the core of the woman she has become.
Evelyn has spent the last 40 years as a dedicated healthcare worker. Today, she is a wife, a grandmother, and a "Gigi" to her great-grandchildren and other children in the community. Though she is the mother
of a Bishop,
she remains remarkably humble—so humble that she shies away from the title of "Church Mother,"
viewing it as a position of honor she isn't sure she "fits."
Yet, to everyone who knows her, Evelyn DeKoster is the very definition of a
Woman of God.
Her advice to the next generation that is born of fire and experience:
"Listen to one another."
Tyra L. Nelson # 11
Evelyn DeKoster #10
Tyra L. Nelson # 11
Tyra was born and partially raised on the South Side of Chicago. A former high school English teacher, she credits Toni Morrison’s advice to “write the book you want to read” for pushing her to finally write the
story of The 9: From the South Side to Whitney M. Young Magnet High School.
Tyra is the mother of two talented adults, Dantarius
Tyra was born and partially raised on the South Side of Chicago. A former high school English teacher, she credits Toni Morrison’s advice to “write the book you want to read” for pushing her to finally write the
story of The 9: From the South Side to Whitney M. Young Magnet High School.
Tyra is the mother of two talented adults, Dantarius and
Kalim, who also wrote and produced the book’s theme song. In 2022, she was a recipient of The Loft’s writing fellowship, Mirrors and Windows.
She currently resides in Madrid, Spain, where she is spending this year
as a language assistant.