190 Diane Deaderick-DeMartra: Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Poverty for Young Women

Diane Deaderick DeMartra, a professional who has worked in corporations, non-

profits, and higher education, devotes her passions and talents to “enlighten,

educate, and empower inner-city teen girls and young women, especially teen

and young, single mothers at risk of continuing the intergenerational cycle of

poverty and complex trauma that are rampant among women and children in the

Black community.” This is the mission of Just For You Girlfriend, the nonprofit

organization that Diane founded in 2017 and continues to lead. Having lived her

pre-teen and teen years in ‘the projects’ in Chicago, Diane understands the

environment where, without access to resources and support, many people “live

and die like they did in the projects--in abject poverty.” In 2022, Diane wrote a

book to pass on crucial life lessons and wonderful witticisms learned from her

own momma--Momma Wit: Words of wisdom, encouragement, inspiration, and

love. Diane lives each day with energy, enjoyment, and gratitude. "

Connect with Diane

Email: dddemartra@gmail.com

Website: https://www.justforyougirlfriend.org

Book: Momma Wit (available on website)