Some women walk into a room and change the atmosphere. Others build the room from the ground up so others can thrive in it. Deidre DeJear does both.
In Episode 34 of Black. Girl. Iowa., I had the pleasure of speaking with a woman who has reshaped the political landscape in Iowa and inspired a generation of Black women to lead with confidence, clarity, and conviction. Deidre is the founder of Caleo Enterprises, a two-time statewide candidate, and a proud product of both the Deep South and the Midwest. She is a testament to what it looks like to move through the world rooted in purpose, power, and legacy.
But this episode was about more than politics—it was about the audacity of voice.
From Jackson to Des Moines: A Map of Identity
Deidre’s story is layered. She was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and raised in a close-knit family that prioritized community and entrepreneurship. But after the death of her mother when she was just a child, she moved to Oklahoma to live with relatives. That transition shaped much of who she is today.
“Mississippi gave me depth. Oklahoma gave me faith. But Iowa gave me purpose.”
As a young girl navigating multiple cultural and racial identities, Deidre quickly learned how to adapt. In Mississippi, she was surrounded by Blackness. In Oklahoma, she became acutely aware of whiteness—and how her presence often disrupted spaces.
“I didn’t really know white people until I moved to Oklahoma. That’s when I realized how much I stood out, and how I needed to stand firm.”
When it came time for college, she chose Drake University—without ever having stepped foot in Iowa. She laughed about Googling how to pronounce “Iowa” and being greeted with snow on her first day. But what began as a leap of faith turned into a lifelong commitment to making Iowa better.
A Beautiful Breakdown: The Power of Black Women by Region
One of the most moving parts of our conversation was Deidre’s breakdown of the spirit of Black women across the regions that raised her:
- Mississippi Black women are insightful and observant. “They know everything that’s going on—even if you don’t think they see you.”
- Oklahoma Black women are rooted in faith, family, and forgiveness. “They’ll pray with you and for you—and they’ll bring a casserole to your door without you asking.”
- Iowa Black women are daring and unapologetic. “Some of the freest Black women I’ve ever met live right here. They’re not waiting on permission. They’re moving on purpose.”
That moment reminded me why this platform exists—to honor the stories of Black women in Iowa who are thriving, surviving, building, healing, and leading in ways that deserve to be seen and celebrated.
Running Toward the Work, Not Away from It
Deidre didn’t grow up dreaming of politics. In fact, her original plan was to be a political analyst.
“I wanted to be the one breaking it all down. The one telling the story—not the one in the story.”
But working in voter registration and seeing firsthand the impact of disenfranchisement changed everything. She began to understand the gaps in representation—and the power of stepping up when nobody else will.
In 2018, she made history by running for Secretary of State. It was a longshot race, but her candidacy mobilized young voters, first-time voters, and communities that had never seen themselves on the ballot before.
“I didn’t run because I thought I could win. I ran because I knew I could lead.”
In 2022, she took that momentum further—becoming the Democratic nominee for Governor of Iowa. She ran on a platform rooted in education equity, small business investment, and community care. With only $2 million to her opponent’s $12 million, she still secured 40% of the vote.
“They put baby in a corner. But I didn’t stay there. 580,000 people said yes to what I stood for. That matters.”
Reclaiming the Narrative: What Civic Engagement Really Means
For Deidre, civic engagement isn’t about wearing a suit or having a title. It’s about using your voice to shift culture, advocate for change, and make people feel seen.
“Voting isn’t the only way we show up—but it’s one of the most powerful. Because our silence is exactly what they count on.”
We talked about how often Black women are treated as afterthoughts in political conversations—used for votes, but excluded from decision-making. And yet, we’re the ones who organize, strategize, and carry campaigns on our backs.
“Our voices have always been dangerous. That’s why they’ve worked so hard to convince us they’re not worth using.”
Leading with Grief, Grace, and Grit
Deidre’s work is fueled by something deeper than ambition. It’s rooted in memory and legacy. Losing her mother so young gave her a unique lens on life—a reminder that nothing is promised, and everything we do must be intentional.
“I live loud because she didn’t get to. I lead because I want to make her proud.”
She doesn’t shy away from vulnerability. She’s not afraid to say she’s tired. Or that she questions herself. But she keeps going because the work is bigger than her—and that’s what makes her leadership magnetic.
“You don’t need to be perfect to lead. You just need to be present.”
Final Reflections: Use Your Voice—Unapologetically
If there’s one thing I hope you take from this episode, it’s this:
Your voice matters. Your presence is power. You belong in every room you choose to walk into.
Deidre reminded us that our vote is sacred. That our stories are political. That our joy is resistance. And that when we speak—not just with volume, but with clarity—we open doors that generations after us will walk through.
“The only permission I needed came from God. Everyone else caught up later.”
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