For radio talent and creator Dana C. “Lady Woo” Woodruff, home is definitely where the heart is.
“I love Birmingham!” said Woodruff who is mother to eight-year-old Carmen Sumone. “Home is always where the heart is and my heart is here. The Magic City has so much potential! It’s booming with new businesses and neighborhoods. New initiatives and modern concepts are taking over, and that’s really exciting, but the sense of community is somewhat changing. I miss all of the community attractions that we had that weren’t so corporate and ‘outsider operated.’ That takes me down a quick memory lane stroll! I remember when we had several movie theatres in the city, malls, bowling alleys, mom-and-pop restaurants…you name it, we had it, but now those things are gone and definitely left voids in all of the neighborhoods.”
Woodruff, who grew up in Ensley and Huffman, hopes to fill at least part of the void with her weekly radio show.
“I have been on Birmingham radio since 2005,” she said. “I always tell people that I’m doing what God created me to do! Vital is an ‘edutainment’ show that allows me to have open, honest conversation on the airwaves with my friends about any and everything! We discuss politics, relationships, health and wellness, religion—everything. Every week, we’re introducing someone new or linking the listening audiences to resources and opportunities. Vital comes on every Sunday at 9 p.m. on 95.7 JAMZ.”
In addition to hosting her radio show, Woodruff is also working to build her empire, which includes Vital, as well as her companies S.H.E. and Essence Productions.
“I really want to build that empire that can’t do anything but grow because it’s fueled with such meaning and positivity! I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in family/relationship counseling and psychotherapy to further assist my listening audience and people that I serve through S.H.E. (See Her Empowered) and at the Birmingham Urban League.”
Despite her busy schedule, Woodruff is clear her priority is her daughter, and she encourages other moms to keep things in perspective.
“You’ll look around and you’ll be old and so will your children. You won’t have anything to show for your time but receipts from bills that you’ve paid with that money from your career. Enjoy your life and enjoy your family. I am able to include my daughter in most everything I do because I want her to experience things and be exposed to whatever is appropriate while I’m around to explain and possibly spark interest.
“I know that lessons come with living, and I want her to be okay with what she lives. I don’t want her to make many mistakes, but I want her to know that she is responsible for the life that she leads and that those experiences, good and bad, will make her who she is and will become. I don’t want her looking back with regrets and wasted dreams.”
