Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation

06/10/2026

This past Saturday, June 6, 2026, our R.E.A.C.H. Dance Therapy program was showcased at Harris-Stowe State University. It was an amazing event that highlighted the 12-week journey the participants engaged in.

Congratulations to the participants for their commitment to the process, as they were guided by some of the best in St. Louis:

- Ms. Kalonda Kay: Choreographer
- Doll Kirk: Therapist
- Adande Lane : Program Coordinator
- Daria Cal: Program Assistant

Thank you all for bringing this vision to life. Each of you played a vital role that contributed to the seamless success of the showcase.

In the words of Adande Lane, Program Coordinator......

"Today, we celebrate something that is not always easy to see, definitely easy to do, but is deeply important to recognize.

REACH stands for Recognize, Endure, Accept, and HEAL...

it's a familiar journey we all experience at some point in life.

Throughout the REACH Dance Therapy Program, these courageous women have done so much more than learn choreography or movement; they have participated in a process of self-discovery, self-expression, and personal growth. Dance therapy is unique because it recognizes that not everything can be expressed with words. Sometimes our emotions, experiences, stress, joy, confidence, fears, and hopes live in the body before we ever find the language to describe them. With movement, we can reconnect deeply with our bodies; we can listen and speak.

This journey gave participants the opportunity to explore those feelings, tell their stories, and connect more deeply with themselves and one another.

They practiced dance, but they also practiced courage, vulnerability, trust, teamwork, discipline, creativity, and resilience. They learned to be present in their bodies, to take up space with confidence, and to express themselves in authentic ways.

This matters in a world that often attempts to tell women how to be, how to behave, and how to heal. This journey was about conscious and intentional self-awareness. The ladies were invited into deep conversations on a weekly basis to reflect on the women they have been and the women they are becoming. Confidence lends itself toward leadership, and we wanted each woman to walk away feeling more empowered in their own lives.

Each participant brought something amazing to this journey, and each is walking away a changed woman. Growth does not always happen in dramatic moments. We do not experience harm alone, so we cannot expect to heal alone. These women proved that. May you carry forward the confidence, creativity, self-awareness, and strength you have developed here".

Thank you to all the performers who supported and performed alongside the R.E.A.C.H. ladies: Recording Artist Tahel (who had dual roles), Kristy Cotton Poet Lighting, Songstress Stephanie Songbird Ivy , Dancer Carrie, Poet Ronnie Amiin , and Ms. Kalonda Kay (Host/Choreographer).

Special thanks to our supporters:

- Funder: RAC
- Sponsor: Harris-Stowe State University
- Partner: COCA

Official Pictures 📸 🔥 by Videll TheDesigner!!

06/09/2026

THE LINK UP: SKATE EDITION IS HERE!
Explore. Experience. Expand.
Get ready to lace up your skates and connect with an unforgettable experience! The Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation is excited to invite eligible teens ages 14-19 to participate in The Link Up: Skate Edition—a FREE opportunity to enjoy an evening of fun, friendship, music, and skating while connecting with other youth from across the community.

This exciting event is designed to help young people build positive relationships, develop social connections, and enjoy a safe and engaging environment filled with energy and excitement.

What to Expect:
🛼 Skating Fun
🎵 Music & Entertainment
🤝 Positive Peer Connections
🎉 Interactive Activities
📸 Great Memories & Photo Opportunities

Who Can Participate?
✔ Ages 14-19
✔ Must reside in St. Louis County
✔ Must complete the qualification process

📅 Event Date: June 11th at 6:00 PM
📅 Application Deadline: June 9th

Qualified participants will receive location details upon approval.

Apply Today!
Space is limited, so don't miss your chance to be part of this exciting experience.



👉 Apply Online: https://2def.org/apply



Join us for an evening of skating, laughter, connection, and fun at

The Link Up: Skate Edition!

🔗 Explore. Experience. Expand.

06/09/2026

Sign your Kids up Today!!!!

☀️🎉 SUMMER IS HERE... and so is another opportunity to LINK UP! 🎉☀️

⚠️ Youth must pre-register by TOMORROW, June 9th, to receive the event location!

A huge shoutout to the 💎 .diva_empowerment_found 💎 for creating a positive, fun, and engaging opportunities for teens this summer!

📅 NEXT EVENT: June 11th at 6:00 PM

This FREE event is designed for youth to connect, explore new experiences, participate in activities, attend exciting outings, and build positive relationships in a safe environment. 🙌🏽✨

⚠️ Youth must pre-register by TOMORROW, June 9th, to receive the event location!

✅ Ages 14–19
✅ Must live in St. Louis County
✅ Free to participate

Don't miss out on this incredible summer experience! 🎯

📲 Register today: 2def.org/apply

diva_empowerment_found

06/08/2026

SATURDAY, we proudly celebrated 26 outstanding scholars who successfully completed the 12-week L.E.A.D. Academy program and earned more than $20,000 in scholarships through their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.

A special recognition goes to Dr. Shantasha Davis Love, Program Director, whose vision, passion, and intentional leadership created an experience designed to empower our youth and prepare them for success.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Harris-Stowe State University for graciously hosting our cohort over the past 12 weeks and providing a welcoming environment for learning, growth, and leadership development.

To our scholars: Thank you for making the sacrifice to wake up every Saturday, showing up consistently, and committing yourselves to the journey. Your determination, discipline, and hard work have opened doors to a brighter future, and we could not be prouder of your accomplishments.

To our parents and families: Thank you for your unwavering support, encouragement, and involvement throughout this process. Your partnership was instrumental in the success of these young leaders.

To our incredible team: Thank you for your passion, dedication, countless hours of service, and steadfast belief in our youth. This achievement would not have been possible without your commitment to the mission.

Our AMAZING Staff:
• Ms. Asia Johnson – Youth Boys Facilitator
• Ms. Nova Walton – Youth Girls Facilitator
• Ms. Adande Lane – Youth Girls Facilitator & Life Coach
• Ms. Rebecca Trocha – Program Assistant
•Ms. Keshee L Williams -CoFounder
•Ms. April Johnson Johnson -Board President

And a very special thank you to "El-Train" Elten Latham for delivering an amazing performance that helped make this celebration even more memorable.

Together, we are building the next generation of leaders through Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, and Discipline.
💜🖤💛

Congratulations, L.E.A.D. Academy Class of 2026! The future is yours! 💛🖤💜

Official Graduation Photography by Videll TheDesigner 📸🔥

06/07/2026

Today, we celebrate 26 outstanding scholars who successfully completed the 12-week L.E.A.D. Academy program and earned more than $20,000 in scholarships through their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.

A special thank you to Harris-Stowe State University for graciously hosting our cohort over the past 12 weeks and providing a welcoming environment for learning, growth, and leadership development.

To our scholars: Thank you for making the sacrifice to get up every Saturday, showing up consistently, and committing yourselves to completing the coursework. Your determination, discipline, and hard work have paved the way for a brighter future. We are incredibly proud of each of you.

To our parents and families: Thank you for the sacrifices you made, your encouragement, your support, and your willingness to stay involved throughout this journey. Your partnership played a vital role in the success of these young leaders.

To the best team ever: Thank you for your passion, dedication, countless hours of service, and unwavering belief in our youth. This accomplishment would not have been possible without your commitment to the mission. Thank you to Keshee L Williams , Bran-Dee Jelks & Board of Directors the your support.

And a very special thank you to Mr Eddie Ross for your leadership, encouragement, and connections in helping make this inaugural cohort a tremendous success.

Together, we are building the next generation of leaders through Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, and Discipline.

💜🖤💛 Congratulations, Class of 2026! The future is yours! 💛🖤💜

06/02/2026

It is finally time! Our participants are ready to show the world what they have achieved during their 10-week journey. Please join us this Saturday for "R.E.A.C.H - A Performance Experience," an intimate and exciting healing journey hosted by the Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation.

The event will take place at the Emerson Theater at Harris-Stowe State University. Doors open at 11:30 AM, and the performance will begin promptly at 12:00 PM. This is a free community event, and we would love to have your support in the audience.

The program features an amazing lineup, including:

- Two dance pieces by the Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation R.E.A.C.H. performers, choreographed by industry extraordinaire Kalonda Kay.
- Poetry by Ronnie Amiin and "Poet Lighting" Kristy Cotton .
- Live musical performances by Songbird Ivy and Taye Elle.

We look forward to seeing you there for this special celebration of growth and talent.

06/02/2026

Last Thursday, the Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis hosted a memorial for LGBTQIA+ Domestic Violence Awareness Day. During the event, we highlighted the story of Ross Harris, a young Black member of the LGBTQIA+ community who tragically lost his life to domestic violence.

It is an unfortunate truth that Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ community members experience similar, if not higher, rates of intimate partner violence compared to other groups. The Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation (2DEF) was invited to speak at this memorial to address the unique challenges faced by these marginalized identities, who are often disproportionately impacted by violence.

Special Thank you to Stephanie Null the Director at the Louis Anti-Violence Project for including us and Adande Lane our Housing Director for speaking on behalf of our organization.

05/29/2026

Do you agree? Women are divided after a man said people who make false accusations should be placed on a public registry. The debate exploded online after NFL star Stefon Diggs was found not guilty on felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges brought by his former personal chef, Jamila Adams. Adams had accused Diggs of slapping and choking her during an alleged dispute in December 2025. But during the trial, the defense introduced video footage showing her dancing energetically just days later, which they argued contradicted claims of serious injury. After a short deliberation, the jury acquitted Diggs on May 5, 2026. The verdict quickly reignited arguments online over false accusations, accountability, and whether there should be harsher consequences for claims proven to be untrue. Some people agreed with the idea of a public registry, while several ladies warned it could discourage real victims from speaking up. What do you think?

05/28/2026

Proud Sponsor of St.Louis Diamond Baseball League Youth Sports🎉

Its a Honor to be able to support this 18u youth program
as they just completed a very powerful "Season Opener" accompanied with the Mayor of Jennings support💫💯