In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with Paula A. Bell—CEO, speaker, consultant, and the powerhouse behind a holistic approach to success rooted in mind, body, and soul.

From her journey leaving Brooklyn and navigating life as a single mother to building a thriving consulting business, Paula shares what it really takes to bet on yourself. This conversation dives deep into discipline, consistency, self-worth, and the importance of giving yourself grace—especially as Black women navigating life, work, and wellness.

Paula also breaks down practical strategies for building sustainable habits, setting boundaries, and redefining failure as growth. Whether you're starting your fitness journey, building a business, or simply trying to find balance, this episode is your reminder that everything you need is already within you.

🎧 Tune in and get ready to be inspired to move differently, think differently, and show up fully for yourself.

👤 About Paula A. Bell

Paula A. Bell is a speaker, consultant, and CEO of Paula A. Bell Consulting LLC, where she helps individuals and organizations achieve transformation through a holistic approach to mind, body, and soul. With over 20 years of corporate experience across industries like finance, media, and the courts, Paula blends business strategy, leadership development, and wellness coaching to empower others to thrive.

Known as the “BA Martial Artist,” she incorporates discipline, mindset, and confidence-building into her work—guiding clients to break barriers, build sustainable habits, and truly bet on themselves.

🔗 Connect with Paula:

• Instagram: @ninjapfitness
• TikTok: @ninja_p_fitness

🌐 Learn more about Paula A. Bell Consulting:

In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with Des Moines native and healthcare leader Anesa Buchanan, whose work is rooted in community, advocacy, and access. With over 17 years in healthcare and a current role as Director of Community Impact and Engagement, Anesa shares her journey from the East Side to leadership at UnityPoint Health.

From navigating life as a young mother to becoming a recognized community advocate, Anesa reflects on the power of relationships, the importance of access to healthcare, and why serving others is her purpose—not just her profession. This conversation dives into health equity, community responsibility, and what it truly means to care for “the least of these.”

✨ Whether you’re passionate about community work, healthcare, or finding purpose in your career—this episode will inspire you to show up and serve.

Don’t forget to:🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast📲 Follow @blackgirliowa on Instagram & TikTok
🛍️ Shop merch + journaling kits on Etsy✍🏾 Join the conversation on Substack

In this week’s episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with community leader, advocate, and disruptor Victoria Henderson Weber—President of the NAACP Des Moines Branch and Vice President of the Colonel Young Gun Club.

From growing up on the East Side of Des Moines to leading statewide advocacy efforts, Victoria shares how early experiences shaped her commitment to civic engagement, community safety, and systems change.

This conversation dives into:

• The power of Black women in leadership
• Why volunteerism is critical to community survival
• The truth about advocacy work (and why most of it is unpaid)
• Gun ownership, safety, and breaking stereotypes
• The role of the NAACP in today’s social climate
• How YOU can get involved and make an impact

This episode is a reminder:👉🏾 Change doesn’t come from waiting—it comes from showing up.

📚 Book Recommendation

“We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance” by Kellie Carter JacksonA powerful look into the history of Black resistance and the role of self-defense in our communities—highly recommended during this conversation.

🔗 Get Involved

NAACP – Des Moines Branch🌐 https://naacpdesmoines.org📧 secretary@naacpdesmoines.org

Colonel Young Gun Club (Des Moines Chapter of NAAGA)📍 Monthly meetings + training opportunities📧 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAAGADSM/

✨ Stay Connected with Black. Girl. Iowa.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio & YouTube (Wednesdays)🛍 Shop merch: BlackGirlIowaShop (Etsy)📲 Follow: @blackgirliowa