When Destiny Sings: Celebrating 50 Years of Cydney Davis

Once upon a time, a woman stood at the intersection of faith and fear. She was a teacher, devoted and disciplined. Beneath the quiet obedience of service lived a voice—steady, soulful, and persistent—calling her toward something more.

That voice belonged to Cydney Wayne Davis.

In this unforgettable podcast episode, we celebrate 50 years of singing and the extraordinary journey of a woman who chose purpose over predictability. Cydney's story is not just a music career—it's a testament to faith, courage, and the power of answering a calling that refuses to be ignored.

Before the stages, before Motown, before sharing space with legends like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer, Ray Charles, Barry White, Joe Cocker, and Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., Cydney made a brave decision: she said yes to music.

That yes led her to co-write "You're Gonna Love It," recorded by Diana Ross, and to place songs in film and theater projects including Heaven Is a Playground, Black Magic Woman, and The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel. Her voice has lived on screens, stages, and in the hearts of audiences for decades.

But legacy isn't only built in the spotlight.

As a vocal coach and mentor, Cydney has shaped the next generation of artists at the Cydney Wayne Davis Vocal Arts Studio in Inglewood, California. Her students include performers from Disney's The Lion King, members of Kool and the Gang, jazz artist Norman Brown, and R&B trio JADE. Teaching, like singing, became another form of ministry—one rooted in excellence, discipline, and love.

Her journey also includes a celebrated acting career, including her NAACP Theatre Award-winning role in Anna Lucasta, and film appearances in Chocolate City, Chocolate City 2, and Basketball Girlfriend.

This episode isn't just about women in music. It's about Black women artists, creative calling, faith-led careers, and what happens when you trust the whisper that keeps returning.

Cydney Wayne Davis didn't abandon her faith to follow music—she carried it with her.

And now, as she marks half a century of singing, she chose this moment—and this space—to reflect, celebrate, and share the story behind the sound.

🎧 Listen now and be reminded that destiny doesn't shout—it sings.

Some stories stop you in your tracks. They remind you that behind every title, every achievement, and every polished introduction, there's a human being—one who has known loss, love, and the grace it takes to rise again.

Today's guest, Dr. Ty Stone, is one of those people. A seasoned higher education leader, strategist, and visionary, Dr. Stone has spent decades transforming institutions—turning deficits into stability, rebuilding trust, and creating spaces where equity and growth can thrive.

But beyond her professional brilliance lies a story of extraordinary strength: the journey of a mother who lost her son at just 20 years old, of a woman who rebuilt her life after divorce, and of a leader who continues to walk in grace through it all.

Her story is one of faith, resilience, and renewal. It's about the kind of leadership that doesn't just move systems—but moves hearts.

Today's guest is the definition of courage and grace in motion. Dr. LaQuista Erinna, a 20-year Army Veteran, licensed clinical expert, and devoted mother, became an unexpected social media influencer after sharing heartfelt videos of her son—who has autism—bravely navigating something as simple, yet powerful, as a haircut.

Behind those viral moments lies a deeper story—a story of resilience, divorce, single motherhood, and the pursuit of purpose through pain. With a Doctorate in Behavioral Health and a Master's in Social Work, Dr. LaQuista Erinna has spent her career helping women heal from trauma and find balance. But in this episode, she opens up about her own healing—how she learned that falling isn't failure, and that every setback can become the foundation for something greater.

If you've ever felt like you were the only one struggling, this conversation will remind you that even in the fall, you are rising.

In Part Two of our "Strong Women Raising Strong Women: A Legacy of Love, Lessons, and Leadership" series , we turn to Dr. Lakesha Roney, a Licensed Professional Counselor, clinical supervisor, and a proud mother herself. A graduate of Virginia State University and Argosy University, Dr. Roney's work in mental health and leadership continues the legacy her mother began.

With over two decades of experience, she's not only a counselor and educator — she's a woman raising the next generation with compassion and courage, including her own child who has autism, supported by the same mother who once guided her.

This conversation explores the balance between leadership and motherhood, the generational impact of women who nurture purpose, and what it means to be a strong woman in modern times.

Series Title:

"Strong Women Raising Strong Women: A Legacy of Love, Lessons, and Leadership"

Part One: "The Foundation: A Mother's Strength, A Daughter's Future"

In this first episode of our two-part series, we meet Gwen Roney Goode, a woman whose strength, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in education laid the foundation for a generational legacy. A proud graduate of Virginia State University and a retired master educator with over 36 years of service, G and G Consulting, Catering, Tailoring, and event planning and decorating, Gwen Roney Goode is the epitome of perseverance and purpose.

She became a mother young — but never let that circumstance define her. Instead, she modeled grace under pressure, faith in hard times, and a steadfast belief that education and integrity could change the course of her family's story. Through her love, discipline, and dedication, she raised a daughter who would grow to lead, teach, and heal others.

This episode honors the unsung matriarchs who build strong women — not just through words, but through example.

"Some stories remind us that healing isn't about erasing the past—it's about reclaiming it.
In this episode, we sit down with Tawanna-Marie Woolfolk, a licensed clinical social worker, EMDR therapist, and CEO of Doula for the Soul Enterprises.

After surviving the foster care system and the trauma of neglect and abuse, Tawanna-Marie's journey is one of rediscovery—finding herself, her roots, and her mother, all while helping others heal from their own stories of pain and resilience.
Through EMDR and a neuroaffirming lens, she's redefining what it means to come home to yourself. This is more than therapy—it's transformation through truth."

You can find her

What happens after the fight is over, but the healing has just begun?

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Melinda Staton, a breast cancer survivor, therapist, Navy veteran, and healer at heart. She opens up about life after the diagnosis, how her trauma-informed work helped her through the darkest days, and what it truly means to reclaim your life when everything changes.

This is a story of faith, resilience, womanhood, and finding your way back home to yourself.
💗 Listen now. You'll be changed.

On this episode, I'm sharing something deeply personal—my journey with acupuncture and how it helped me heal in ways I never expected. I'm joined by the brilliant Dr. Micah Allen, a nationally recognized integrative health leader, licensed Naturopathic Doctor, and Acupuncturist based in Richmond, VA.

Dr. Allen is the owner of Essential Natural Health and has shared her expertise on CBS, ABC, and in countless media outlets. She brings a rare blend of wisdom, science, and compassion to her work, and today, we dive into how acupuncture works, what it treats, and why it may be the missing link in your wellness journey.

Whether you're new to acupuncture or curious about a more holistic approach to health, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and maybe even booking your first session.