Through the Years
2017 - PowHER Brunch Debut:
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The inaugural LadyLike PowHER Brunch gathered 30 Black women, laying the foundation for cultivating relationships, building mentorships, and reconnecting women to their commitment to serve the community. The speaker lineup featured inspiring figures, including Teree Caldwell Johnson, Shontavia Johnson, Esq., and Dr. Avis Jones-Deweaver.
2018 - Sip & Shop Introduction:
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LadyLike expanded its impact in 2018 with the introduction of the LadyLike Sip & Shop at the PowHER Brunch. Ten local Black Women owned businesses showcased their products to 80 women, supported by free web-based promotions and ongoing support from LadyLike. The Mind Body and Soul event featured speakers Dr. Emily McKnight, Keisha Burns, and Jewel Diamond Taylor.
2019 - PowHER Panel and Business Support:
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The PowHER Panel made its debut in 2019, featuring influential figures like Dr. Angela Franklin, Bridget Cravens-Neely, Lonnie Dafney, Renee Hardman, Dr. Mary Chapman, Teree Caldwell-Johnson, Vickee Jordan-Adams, Tricia Gabriel, and Andromeda Raheem. Fifteen local Black Women owned businesses catered to 130 women, with free web-based and print promotions and ongoing support from LadyLike.
2020 - Supporting Businesses During the Pandemic:
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In 2020, LadyLike adapted to support new and existing local Black Women owned businesses through web-based and monetary support during the challenging times of the pandemic.
2021 - Sip & Shop Mystery Box and PowHER Hour:
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LadyLike introduced the Sip & Shop Mystery Box in Spring 2021, supporting six local Black Women Owned businesses through web-based marketing and financial contribution. The PowHER Hour was introduced in June 2021 to address the pressing needs of local Black women, providing a space for empowerment as they continued to serve the community.
2022 - PowHER Hour Virtual Series and Collaboration:
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In 2022, LadyLike's PowHER Hour virtual series continued to increase awareness about issues facing Black Women. The PowHER Brunch returned with over 200 attendees and 20 Black Women Businesses. LadyLike's impact expanded through a collaboration with the Greater Des Moines Partnership at the Downtown Farmers Market, featuring a LadyLike Incubator Tent that significantly increased the representation of Black Women Owned businesses at the Market.
Our Founders
Deidre DeJear
Why LadyLike?
Community is the cornerstone of progress. Throughout history, black women have been steadfast cultivators of community. I co-founded LadyLike to serve as the fertile ground where seeds are not only planted but carefully nurtured as they blossom into fruitful destinies.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Lindsey Lovelace
Why LadyLike?
At the time of co-founding LadyLike, I was looking for a unique experience for developing and inspiring me as a Black Woman in corporate America. At the time, we had no space like that in Des Moines. I realized if I had that need, others did to so I aimed to create the space for us all to benefit.
Grace will always take you further.
Our Stellar Sisters
Shekinah Fountain
Why LadyLike?
Community is at the core of who I am! The work of LadyLike can/will/does have an undeniable impact on Black women and essential that we work collectively to solve for challenges.
Let the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord strength and my redeemer.
Jerrica Marshall
Why LadyLike?
I believe in the power of intentionality. LadyLike is not just about creating opportunities—it’s about ensuring those opportunities are inclusive, meaningful, and transformational for Black women.
“If you’re invited in the room, bring someone else in there with you.”
My grandfather, Rev. Wilson O. Rideout
Lindsay Rone
Why LadyLike?
I am inspired by the work of Ladylike because we are addressing a much needed gap in Central Iowa. I love the focus on uplifting and improving the lives of Black women as we’re often undervalued and overlooked.
“Service is the Rent You Pay for Room on This Earth”
-Shirley Chisholm