**Before listening to this episode, you may want to listen to Episode 18: Holding Space - Honoring, Loss, Longing, and all Forms of Mothering**

The DDQ Podcast: Mothers & Daughters series is a special collection of powerful conversations celebrating the unique bond between mothers and daughters across generations. In each episode, we share authentic stories, laughter, lessons, and love as we explore how these relationships shape identity, resilience, and purpose. Whether you're a mother, daughter, or simply someone who cherishes deep connections, this series offers inspiration, reflection, and a reminder of the strength we carry through one another.

**Before listening to this episode, you may want to listen to Episode 18: Holding Space - Honoring, Loss, Longing, and all Forms of Mothering**

The DDQ Podcast: Mothers & Daughters series is a special collection of powerful conversations celebrating the unique bond between mothers and daughters across generations. In each episode, we share authentic stories, laughter, lessons, and love as we explore how these relationships shape identity, resilience, and purpose. Whether you're a mother, daughter, or simply someone who cherishes deep connections, this series offers inspiration, reflection, and a reminder of the strength we carry through one another.

**Before listening to this episode, you may want to listen to Episode 18: Holding Space - Honoring, Loss, Longing, and all Forms of Mothering**

The DDQ Podcast: Mothers & Daughters series is a special collection of powerful conversations celebrating the unique bond between mothers and daughters across generations. In each episode, we share authentic stories, laughter, lessons, and love as we explore how these relationships shape identity, resilience, and purpose. Whether you're a mother, daughter, or simply someone who cherishes deep connections, this series offers inspiration, reflection, and a reminder of the strength we carry through one another.

Hey QueenSiS, this is a brief episode of sacred pause.

Next month, in honor of Mother’s Day, we are featuring special conversations between mothers and daughters. But first, we want to take the time to acknowledge that Mother’s Day can be a time of joy and pain for many. This episode is our way of showing honor and understanding for all paths of ‘mothering’.

Dorneisha M. Batson was born in Upper Marlboro, MD in 1981. She moved to Beaufort, SC in 1988. Coming from two different areas molded her creativity. She is predominately an abstract artist in the area of painting and drawing. Her pieces are bold and colorful and meant to make the viewer escape the world around them. Dorneisha completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management at Park University in 2006 and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2010. She had her first solo art show in Beaufort in 2013 and showcased her work in numerous cities in the United States as well as London, England. Her pieces are currently on display in numerous locations in Beaufort, SC, Washington, DC, New York, NY, and London, England.

QueenSiS, you can connect with Dorneisha at these links:

• https://justdorneisha.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/justdorneisha/

Angela Simmons has worked in higher education for 30 years at various mid-sized and large universities in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Student Development at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. She has her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Mississippi State University and an Ed.D. from Florida State University. Angela’s previous roles include Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at Virginia Tech and Assistant Dean of Students at Florida State. Angela lives in Beaufort with her husband Dave and their very spoiled cat. In her spare time, Angela can be found reading a book, sitting on a beach, or Googling to support her curiosity habit.

In addition to her work in higher education, Angela has served on various boards, to include chairperson for Hopeful Horizons, and board member for Bluffton Self Help. Service missions resonate her on a personal level as someone who grew up in a family with limited financial resources and is keenly aware of how the services provided by charitable organizations can transform the lives of those most impacted by socioeconomic disparities and inequities.

Angela is also an executive coach, with a particular focus on women of color in the academy. Connect with her today QueenSiS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-simmons-164043262/

This episode is extra special. I have the honor of sitting down with someone who has shaped my life in more ways than I can count — my Aunt Ruthie Mae Johnson, who is 83 years blessed, and full of grace, joy, and wisdom. She is my mother's oldest sister, and a mother to me in so many ways!

In this conversation, we talk about friendships, her years spent living and working in New York, how to prepare for what you prayed for, and why it matters to give people their flowers while they’re still here.

I hope this conversation with my Aunt fills your heart the way it filled mine. These are the moments that remind us to celebrate our elders, cherish our roots, and never stop dreaming — no matter our age. If you were moved by something you heard today, take a moment to call someone you love. Say thank you. Make a lunch date with them, and give them their flowers!

Part II of our special #Herstory month edition of the DDQ Podcast! Featured Guests from January - March 2025 share their feedback and favorite lessons from other guests.