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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 ... 13 - 17
Dr. Taja #13
Trameka Woods #14
Trameka Woods #14
Dr. Taja is a fierce advocate, educator, & Sis powerhouse who lives by the mantra of being fully comfortable in her own skin. No longer defined or confined by the narrow lens of colorism, she has embraced a journey of radical self-acceptance—breaking the "addiction to the cream crack" and declaring boldly that she is not her hair.
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Dr. Taja is a fierce advocate, educator, & Sis powerhouse who lives by the mantra of being fully comfortable in her own skin. No longer defined or confined by the narrow lens of colorism, she has embraced a journey of radical self-acceptance—breaking the "addiction to the cream crack" and declaring boldly that she is not her hair.
A celebrated leader in the classroom and beyond, she was named the 2020 Teacher of the Year. Dr. Taja is widely recognized for establishing a robust framework for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within the SUHSD, where she has served as an outstanding teacher leader.
In 2024, she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice, a milestone that solidified her fully developed critical consciousness. As a "Fierce Advocate, Educator, and Sis," Dr. Taja is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and empowering others to lead with authenticity and purpose.
Trameka Woods #14
Trameka Woods #14
Trameka Woods #14
Trameka Woods, known to many as “Meeks Marie,” is a testament to the power of living “real, raw, and uncut.” No longer hiding, Meeks Marie stands fully exposed—proving that once you stop trying to be perfect, you become unstoppable.
Trameka’s journey of “becoming” began when she became a mother. Raising a Black girl who watched her every m
Trameka Woods, known to many as “Meeks Marie,” is a testament to the power of living “real, raw, and uncut.” No longer hiding, Meeks Marie stands fully exposed—proving that once you stop trying to be perfect, you become unstoppable.
Trameka’s journey of “becoming” began when she became a mother. Raising a Black girl who watched her every move, Trameka realized early on that her daughter would learn how to navigate the world through her mother’s actions. This responsibility fueled a relentless pursuit of excellence and service.
Today, she is a Family Advocacy Manager and a Published Author. Trameka holds a BA in Sociology, a BA in Criminology, and an MSCJ in Corrections. Supplemented by a Trauma-Informed Care Micro-Credential.
Lora Burt #15
Trameka Woods #14
Tyrica Cisco #16
Lora Burt is standing in her purpose. She is a woman walking boldly in her divine calling. Driven by the unshakable conviction that “What God has for me is for me,” she views every step of her journey as a reflection of a higher plan, moving with the quiet confidence that no door intended for her can ever be closed.
Lora stands as the livi
Lora Burt is standing in her purpose. She is a woman walking boldly in her divine calling. Driven by the unshakable conviction that “What God has for me is for me,” she views every step of her journey as a reflection of a higher plan, moving with the quiet confidence that no door intended for her can ever be closed.
Lora stands as the living reality her ancestors once dreamed of. By honoring their legacy through her personal and professional growth, she serves as a bridge between the prayers of the past and the possibilities of the future.
Her success is the result of being postured properly. Lora has transformed long-held dreams into a tangible reality. Her work has expanded beyond personal milestones to create a lasting, inspirational impact that strengthens her community and resonates far beyond.
At the core of her life is Favor. Guided by the heart of Psalm 90:17, Lora moves with the daily prayer: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Tyrica Cisco #16
Trameka Woods #14
Tyrica Cisco #16
Tyrica Cisco is a master of resilience, defined by her ability to transform life's breaking points into a foundation for others. Her journey is marked by four pivotal shifts:
Mastery of the Room: Navigating childhood instability and her mother’s addiction, Tyrica developed a sharp emotional intelligence, learning early to manage her enviro
Tyrica Cisco is a master of resilience, defined by her ability to transform life's breaking points into a foundation for others. Her journey is marked by four pivotal shifts:
Mastery of the Room: Navigating childhood instability and her mother’s addiction, Tyrica developed a sharp emotional intelligence, learning early to manage her environment rather than just inhabit it.
The Point of No Return: At thirteen, discovering the truth of her paternity forced her to abandon a childhood narrative and begin the "womanly work" of self-definition.
The Birth of Autonomy: At nineteen, meeting her incarcerated father revealed that her wholeness was already within her, ending the fantasy of a "missing piece" and anchoring her value in her own soul.
The Bridge: In 2014, while grieving at Tyrone’s casket, she rose to become the pillar her family needed. In that moment of visceral loss, she transformed her own breaking into a bridge for others to cross.
Today, Tyrica stands as an architect of her own life—a woman who has traded survival for a purposed, unshakable autonomy.
Meet The Soultown's 52 Black Women ... 17 - 20
Dr. Priscilla #17
Sherinda Bryant #18
Sherinda Bryant #18
Dr. Priscilla Culp, an educational consultant and District Climate Coach in the Iowa City Community School District, has passionately dedicated her knowledge and practice in the
public education profession for over twenty years. Dr. Culp diligently works with teachers and
administrators to deliver equitable culturally relevant pedagogical s
Dr. Priscilla Culp, an educational consultant and District Climate Coach in the Iowa City Community School District, has passionately dedicated her knowledge and practice in the
public education profession for over twenty years. Dr. Culp diligently works with teachers and
administrators to deliver equitable culturally relevant pedagogical strategies to prepare all
students to successfully compete within a global society. Priscilla’s educational background
includes teaching elementary and middle schools, being a reading specialist, and an
elementary administrator.
Dr. Culp enjoys reading,
spending time with family and friends, listening to music, writing for The Soultown magazine,
watching various sports, mentoring youth, shopping, and traveling.
Sherinda Bryant #18
Sherinda Bryant #18
Sherinda Bryant #18
Sherinda Bryant is an educator and visionary dedicated to transformative power. Her journey, themed “New Job, New Me,” began in her early 30s when she decided to confront anxiety and fears about her image.
By bravely releasing fear and exploring childhood memories, she identified and dismantled false thought patterns that once held her ba
Sherinda Bryant is an educator and visionary dedicated to transformative power. Her journey, themed “New Job, New Me,” began in her early 30s when she decided to confront anxiety and fears about her image.
By bravely releasing fear and exploring childhood memories, she identified and dismantled false thought patterns that once held her back.
This path of acceptance led to a key decision: She refuses to carry a lack of self-love any longer. Instead, she sought mentors and role models to inspire her personal and professional growth. Today, she is making it her mission to learn, evolve, and confidently step into spaces—even when she is "the only one."
Sherinda is a powerhouse in education and stands as a testament to what happens when you replace fear with authenticity, proving that a change in mindset transforms your world.
Destiney Hearn #19
Sherinda Bryant #18
Destiney Hearn #19
Destiney Hearn is a Certified Trauma-Informed and Self-Care Life Coach, Author, Prevention Specialist, and MSW graduate student at Grand Canyon University. With over 15 years of experience serving children, families, and communities, she is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through healing, education, and personal growth
Destiney Hearn is a Certified Trauma-Informed and Self-Care Life Coach, Author, Prevention Specialist, and MSW graduate student at Grand Canyon University. With over 15 years of experience serving children, families, and communities, she is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through healing, education, and personal growth. As a leader and advocate, she actively promotes equity and community empowerment. She is the CEO and Founder of Destiny Quest, where she is passionate about meeting people where they are and walking alongside them on their journey toward fulfillment, healing, and purpose. Destiney also serves as an intern with the Coalition of Black Social Workers (Nashville, TN), furthering her commitment to macro social work advocacy, equity, and community empowerment. Her work is rooted in compassion, resilience, and creating safe spaces for transformation. Through leadership and service, she continues to inspire others to live whole and purposeful lives.
Viola Cody #20
Sherinda Bryant #18
Destiney Hearn #19
Born in Portsmouth and raised in the close-knit community of Elliott, Viola W. Cody has built a life rooted in faith, family, education, and service. She grew up with one sister, three brothers, and the cherished memory of a brother who passed away. At the age of 12, Viola accepted Christ at St. Paul United Methodist Church, beginning a l
Born in Portsmouth and raised in the close-knit community of Elliott, Viola W. Cody has built a life rooted in faith, family, education, and service. She grew up with one sister, three brothers, and the cherished memory of a brother who passed away. At the age of 12, Viola accepted Christ at St. Paul United Methodist Church, beginning a lifelong spiritual journey grounded in compassion, humility, and purpose. Viola devoted more than 30 years to education, serving as a teacher, counselor, and literacy educator within the Waterloo Community School District. She became known for the love, wisdom, and encouragement she poured into generations of students and families. Beyond the classroom, Viola has faithfully served through mission work, Sunday School teaching, community outreach, and church leadership, earning the prestigious Governor’s Volunteer Award for outstanding service. She was the President of the Mission Ministry, inspiring others through her unwavering faith, servant leadership, and lifelong commitment to uplifting her community.
Meet The Soultown's 52 Black Women ... 21 - 24
Dr. Sabrena Davis #21
Dr. Sabrena Davis #21
Dr. Sabrena Davis #21
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Cecilia Taylor #22
Dr. Sabrena Davis #21
Dr. Sabrena Davis #21
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Shirley Smith-Burt #23
Dr. Sabrena Davis #21
Shirley Smith-Burt #23
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xxxxxx #24
Dr. Sabrena Davis #21
Shirley Smith-Burt #23
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