Black Women Empowerment: The Royals

First annual signature event impact snapshot

Registration & Attendance

We had a sold out event of 100 (this included planning committee members, live entertainment band members, etc.). In year one, we were able to achieve a 97% attendance rate.

Attendee Demographics

Attendees consisted of Black women who reside in the Greater Des Moines/Central Iowa area; ages 21 to mid-60s; across disciplines, careers, and life journeys.

Revenue Goals

We were able to reach our sponsorship goal of $13,000 and ticket sales goal of $4,000 to support our vision of the event.

Most Popular Content

With a post reach of 2,009, our 24-hour event ticket giveaway was the most popular. At over two weeks away from the event, we poured loved back into the community by giving away 2 event tickets. To enter, participants were required to tag 2 Black women on the post and share the post on their personal social media pages.

Engagement Data from May 20-August 12, 2023

Social media engagement across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

30,862

Post reach - the number of users who saw WCS' content.

6,483

Social media video views.

3,353

Reactions, comments, link clicks, and shares.

Award Winners

Local Black women nominated and voted for visionaries and amplifiers in the community, and we were able to celebrate our winners and finalists during the event.

Loretta Terrell

Woman of Vision

Teresa Zilk

The Amplifier

Attendee Feedback

"This was the most beautiful thing I've been a part of."

"In this space, we were radiant, organic, yearning, authentic, light, and sensational."

"This was such an awesome experience. Everything was on point and so inclusive. I loved all the hor d'oeuvres and the vibes of getting to listen to amazing music. Can't wait until next year!"

"In a community where women who look like us can often operate in silos, you turned this night into a celebration. I loved running into familiar faces and reconnecting with and meeting new ones."

"This event was the most outstandingly lit party. The best time I've had in literal years - just living in the same energy as 100 of the most incredible, gorgeous, and skilled Black women I've ever met."

"What a beautiful and elegant event. Everyone looked very nice and everyone showed so much love and respect."

"At the event, we learned, we laughed, we cried, we ate, we drank, we danced, we connected, we celebrated, we were. Last night was amazing."

Thank You, from the Planning Committee

The Dream Team consists of (left to right) Keesha Ward, Weslyn Caldwell, Tina Branch, and Jazzmine Brooks. We are the talents and voices behind the scenes. This team is especially important because each one of us have created welcoming spaces for Black women and are connected in the community. We help each other fill in gaps of knowledge and expertise and are able to bring diverse Black women into this space.

Opportunities for Growth & Sustainability

Increase attendance to support the demand of tickets from the community. Ticket sales will increase by 50%.

Transition to a venue that can better support the needs of our vision. We will move into The Big Room of Mainframe Studios in Downtown Des Moines.

Hear the voices of past attendees to help provide valuable insight into aspects of the event.

Consider introducing a mobile app to cater to attendees leading up to the event. This will help enhance communications and excitement with attendees.

Develop new social media content and target more organizations to enhance our value proposition.