This week on the Black. Girl. Iowa. podcast, Emili sits down with Councilwoman Anita Rollins — lifelong learner, advocate, and the first Black woman elected to serve on the Ames City Council. With deep Iowa roots and decades of impact in education and community spaces, she brings a powerful lived perspective into local leadership.

Anita shares how growing up in Des Moines during a time of Black pride shaped her identity, how her career with Iowa State’s Science Bound program transformed pathways for hundreds of students of color in STEM fields, and why she believes answering your calling isn’t tied to a specific season of life — it evolves with you.

Together, they explore what it means to lead with purpose, build community, care for yourself while caring for others, and remind the next generation that their future is worth fighting for.

📍 Connect with Councilwoman Rollins

Instagram + Facebook: @RollinsForCouncilEmail: anita.rollins@cityofames.org

🎧 Stream the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora & more📍 Follow along on Instagram & TikTok @blackgirliowa🌐 Visit blackgirliowa.com for the blog + deeper reflections🛍️ Shop Black Girl Iowa merch on Etsy: BlackGirlIowaShop

On this week's episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with Jodi Long—award-winning journalist, storyteller, wife, mother of two, and beloved KCCI Channel 8 News anchor. From reporting on pivotal Iowa moments to speaking at local schools and community events, Jodi is committed to telling stories with empathy, truth, and purpose.

We talk about:

• What it means to represent Black women on Iowa screens

• How being raised in Iowa shaped her identity and career

• Finding compassion in the hardest news moments

• Balancing motherhood, marriage, and media

• Why she believes curiosity is a journalist’s greatest tool

• How she uses her seat at the anchor desk to advocate for better storytelling

This conversation is warm, honest, and deeply rooted in community love. Jodi is slaying in her own lane — with purpose and balance guiding every step.

🎧 Stream the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora & more
📍 Follow along on Instagram & TikTok @blackgirliowa
🌐 Visit blackgirliowa.com for the blog + deeper reflections
🛍️ Shop Black Girl Iowa merch on Etsy: BlackGirlIowaShop

In this powerful conversation, Emili sits down with Tiara Mays-Sims — mother of twins, civic leader, community advocate, and a proud Detroit-raised Black woman building change in Iowa.

Tiara shares how her journey into advocacy was shaped by motherhood, including raising a child with autism, and how saying yes — to education, service, storytelling, and political leadership — transformed her life.

Together, they discuss:

• Growing up Black in Iowa after moving from Detroit

• Motherhood, navigating disabilities, and building community support

• Her leap into public service — from education advocacy to running for the Iowa House

• Black women in leadership, authenticity, and refusing to ask for permission

• How she’s fighting for families, equity, and representation across the state

Plus — a fun lightning round that reveals her hype songs, bucket-list travels, and what’s bringing her joy right now!

🎧 Tune in for a story of resilience, confidence, and being exactly who you are — loudly and proudly.
📚 Books on Amazon — The Adventures of Prince & Tiana + When a Prince Speaks

Connect with Tiara:Instagram: @tiaraforiowa

TikTok: @tiaramays_iowa

Facebook: Tiara L. Mays-Sims for Iowa