The Soultown's 52!

Shirley Ann Smith Burt is a devoted woman of faith, accomplished musician, and retired sales manager assistant who returned to her roots in Waterloo, Iowa, in 2003. Answering a divine call to preach the gospel, she has dedicated much of her life to serving as a Minister of Music across various denominations, cities, and states. As a gifted songwriter, arranger, and recording artist of gospel music and anthems, she beautifully blends her formal training with a lifelong passion for worship. Shirley is a proud member of a closely-knit family, cherishing her role as a mother and grandmother to two miracle adult children and two miracle grandchildren. Above all, she is profoundly grateful for Jesus Christ, whose unwavering presence has carried her through life’s toughest trials and shared in her most precious joys.

Natalya Jones embodies the spirit of dedication, leadership, and resilient grace that defines our collective narrative. 

She has poured her heart, intellect, and energy into the families of Menlo Park. 

As the Library and Community Services Manager for the City of Menlo Park, her leadership has shaped spaces of learning, connection, and growth. 

For more than twenty years, she has been the silent architect behind programs that uplift youth, champion early childhood development, and create safe, joyful spaces for the community to thrive. 

But behind every powerful leader is a devoted mother. Natalya’s greatest 

and most cherished role 

is to her lovely children. 

Natalya Jones is a 

legacy of service, 

a journey of strength.

IG: natalya_rae

natalyajones45@gmail.com

Queen Gabby is a female Advice Columnist for The Soultown Magazine. 

She is a Slam Poet 

and Spoken Word Artist 

from Chicago, IL. 

She is one of the founding members of SaYes2Poetry 

and landed a position as an Advice Columnist 

for The Soultown Magazine. After dominating 

the Oakland poetry 

circuit with her 

provocative, opinionated poetry pieces, she embraced

the position of coaching 

 the San Jose Youth Brave New Voices Poetry Team.

She led the team to competitions in 

Berkeley, CA and Chicago. 

Queen Gabby is a jetsetter and world traveler. 

She is currently working on her first novel while settling 

in the Bay Area.

gmshirley19@gmail.com

Airiel Sadler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), ordained minister, author, speaker, educator, and community leader dedicated to helping people heal, grow, and walk boldly in their God-given purpose. As Founder and Executive Director of No More Bound, LLC, she leads a faith-centered organization committed to helping individuals break free from the invisible chains of trauma, fear, grief, shame, and self-doubt through counseling, coaching, speaking, mentoring, publishing, and community engagement.

Airiel earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and integrates evidence-based clinical practice with more than 15 years of ministry experience to provide holistic, trauma-informed care that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. Her work is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and the belief that healing happens when people feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Airiel Sadler is a catalyst for healing, faith, and freedom.

IG:@AuthenticallyAiriel

www.nomoreboundllc.com

Lucía Ramírez is a dedicated professional and lifelong learner who is deeply passionate about making a positive difference—both in her career and in the lives of those she holds dear. Driven by the belief that every day offers a new lesson, Lucía constantly seeks opportunities for personal and professional growth. Outside of her work, she fulfills her love for adventure through traveling, exploring new restaurants, and making lasting memories with her family and friends.

Deborah Berry dedicated 14 years of service in the Iowa Legislature. She has transitioned her passion for leadership and public service into the private sector. Today, she continues her commitment to helping others with the help of American Communications Network (ACN) as an Independent Business Owner.

Reflecting on this new chapter, Deborah says, “Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to gain invaluable experience in leadership, public service, and community advocacy. Now, my mission is to empower others by helping them achieve greater financial independence, create lasting wealth, and build a future with more choices and opportunities.”

Cassandra C. Jackson is a Guidance and College Counselor at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California, with twenty-five years of experience in counseling, higher education, and human resources. She provides academic, career, and personal counseling and guides students through the college admissions process. Cassandra also serves as Co-Program Manager for the Resilience and Mental Wellness Initiative with the Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council, where she leads the Black Youth Advisory Board (BlackYAB), coordinates community gatherings, and facilitates community mental health training. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana, an M.A. in Educational Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri–Columbia, and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling, along with a certification in Be Sensitive Be Brave for mental health and suicide prevention.