Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation

Those who live near WildCare Park excited for project to come to their neighborhood

St. Louis County Medical Examiner Dr. Gershom Norfleet, who has performed more than 4,000 autopsies in 12 years, provided FOX 2 a behind-the-scenes look at his team’s daily work at the county’s autopsy suite in Berkeley.

A huge thank you to Melanie Johnson TV/KSDK Channel 5 💜💫 and our sponsor StLVPC, for their intentional investment in and support of our youth.

Special thanks to Mayor Reggie Jones for creating a welcoming space for the community to come together.

Today's event was filled with fun and excitement, featuring a mechanical bull, free ice cream from Scoops, free go-kart rides, free skating, hot dogs, chips, drinks provided by the Dellwood Recreation Center, and music by DJ Bounce in collaboration with —two St. Louis skate Legends who Hosted this amazing event

A special shoutout to Skate Culture for providing skates for our youth and helping make this experience unforgettable.

Powered by Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation 💜💫

A new summer safe haven launches for St. Louis area teens called “The Link Up.” Click Watch Live at the link in our bio for the latest live news and updates.

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!!

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.

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

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 📸🔥

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! 💛🖤💜