Rooted in Resilience: Aelicia ‘Chocolate’ Watson’s Journey with Redeemed Women

Interview by Angelica Villa. Photos provided by Redeemed Women.

Aelicia “Chocolate” Watson is no stranger to adversity– but even more so, she’s no stranger to hope. As the Founder and CEO of Redeemed Women, Chocolate is on a mission to walk alongside women in Dallas’ Bonton neighborhood and beyond, offering the same compassion and strength that helped her overcome teen pregnancy, cancer, abuse, and homelessness.

Chocolate’s impact even reached our Dallas Doing Good Fellow, Angelica, who first met her during her time at Cornerstone Crossroads Academy. That encounter left a lasting impression and inspired Angelica to feature Chocolate for Women’s History Month. In this conversation, Chocolate shares how her personal journey led to the creation of Redeemed Women, and why she believes healing, joy, and community are possible for every woman, no matter her past.

Can you share the mission of Redeemed Women and the purpose behind it?

Redeemed Women’s mission is to transform women’s lives by helping them achieve independence. We do this by addressing the spiritual, physical, and vocational needs all women face, with a focus on building relationships first, as that is important to me.

How does Redeemed Women celebrate International Women’s Month, and what significance does this month hold for your organization?

The significance of International Women’s Month, especially for Redeemed Women, is deeply personal to me. Our organization walks alongside women from all backgrounds, regardless of social or economic status, religious beliefs, or skin tone—because every woman matters.

One way we celebrate is by showing love and appreciation to our friends and women partners. We create small, thoughtful gift baskets with handwritten notes that simply say, ‘I love you,’ as a reminder that they are valued and supported.

I’m especially excited about this month because it brings together diverse backgrounds and experiences, allowing us to celebrate our differences while working toward a better world together.

Can you share any success stories or impactful transformations from your program?

Chocolate poses with Angelica Villa, a Dallas Doing Good Fellow.

One of the things I love most about our program is the hands-on, one-on-one approach. Just yesterday, we had a success story that truly highlights what we do.

One of our friends came in needing professional attire for a new job she had just secured. We’ve been walking alongside her for the past three months, helping her every step of the way—from obtaining her ID, Social Security card, and birth certificate so she could apply for jobs, to getting her to her interview, where she landed the position. We then supported her through her start date by assisting with an online class. Yesterday, she returned to find professional attire from our clothing closet, where we provide new and gently used business wear. Seeing her in a thriving position, with someone walking alongside her, is what makes our work so meaningful.

We are a deeply relational organization because I believe every woman needs a village. Beyond individual successes, we’ve also seen women break free from impoverished communities like Fairport in South Dallas. They’ve gone from relying on government assistance to securing stable jobs, gaining legal access to transportation, and providing stable housing and resources for themselves and their children. These transformations are what drive our mission forward.

How do mentorship and community support contribute to the healing and empowerment of the women you serve?

One thing people often fail to realize is that we all need mentorship. Not many people are willing to walk alongside you, especially when you’ve made a mistake. It’s like, once you mess up, you’re counted out and people wash their hands of you.

What I love about Redeemed Women is that we take a different approach. We say, ‘We are here for you, we love you, and you get to decide if you want us to be a part of your life.’ Sometimes people step away because they’re not ready, but when they come back, they often say, ‘You were there for me when I needed you, and you welcomed me with open arms.’ That’s why mentorship is so important at Redeemed Women.

Beyond mentorship, we take pride in being clear communicators. We tell the truth, even when it’s hard to hear. Sometimes the truth may sting or feel uncomfortable, but we always provide the steps needed to help women move to the next level. That honesty and support are key to empowering women every day.

What message would you like to share with other women, especially those who are looking to get involved or contribute to your mission?

There are a few things I’d love to share with other women’s rights organizations and women in general. First and foremost, we all came into this world through a woman—every single one of us, male and female. That’s the first reason why you should support an organization like Redeemed Women.

I know we still live in a time where women, especially black and brown women, are often dismissed, but I won’t stand for it—not on my watch. I’m determined to die empty, using my voice to advocate for others because someone has to show up. As a believer, I know that God has called me to this purpose, as stated in Isaiah 61: He has anointed me to proclaim the good news and speak up for justice.

Anyone who has a mother, sister, aunt, or cousin who is a woman should be fighting on the front lines to support organizations like Redeemed Women. You can advocate, follow us on social media @RedeemedWomenDallas, visit our website at redeemedwomen.org, and also contribute financially.

We are a grassroots organization making tremendous strides in Dallas, particularly in impoverished communities. In just eight years, we’ve paid for our own property and are about to build 21 units of affordable housing adjacent to our current location. This is huge for the black and brown communities in Dallas.

I’m deeply passionate about Redeemed Women and the work we do here in the Fair Park neighborhood and beyond. And I do all of this while fighting stage four breast cancer—something most people don’t even know. Despite my illness, I continue to show up and fight on the front lines because this mission means so much to me.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I would love for people to stay connected with us. As I mentioned, you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @RedeemedWomenDallas, and visit our website at redeemedwomen.org. If you’d like to learn more about me personally, you can follow my page @WatsonChocolate.

If you’re part of a company, church, or foundation, I encourage you to find ways to show up and support local organizations like ours. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and we rely on the generosity of others to keep our work going.

Redeemed Women is a woman-led, woman-operated organization. I’m from the streets, so I understand the disparities and challenges faced in economically underserved communities like Fair Park in South Dallas.

I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to share our story and for the support from others who want to learn more about the work we do. It’s also been great to see you, and I’m so proud of you for showing up and continuing to do amazing work. We’ve known each other for years, and it’s a joy to see you still making an impact!

If you would like to learn more about Redeemed Women you can visit the website here.