We recently connected with Phillip Little and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Phillip, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Our mission statement is deeply rooted in our family. “All Voices DSM is committed to celebrating the diverse wonders of Des Moines, from its iconic landmarks to the rich cultures and voices that make the city unique. Through film, storytelling, and events, we aim to illuminate the city’s beauty, create space for every voice to be heard, and foster understanding through shared experiences. Our goal is to inspire laughter, tears, and learning, connecting people from all walks of life and embracing the power of storytelling to unite and uplift.”

All Voices DSM is a family business and as a family we have dealt with lots of trails and tribulations. As a family, we have always had compassion and empathy for those voices who are not being heard. We feel that everyone has a story to be told and we want to bring light to not only these special stories but to the city of Des Moines. We know how important community is and you can learn so much just by opening up your heart and mind to the unique wonders of this city.

Phillip, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Since our establishment in 2022, All Voices DSM has been at the forefront of creating dynamic events that blend diverse entertainment with education on vital topics affecting minority and disenfranchised communities. Through our work, we have spotlighted influential stories and voices in Des Moines, Iowa, contributing to meaningful dialogue and cultural celebration.

In 2023, we produced Mic Revolution, an event focused on mental health and music production. We also hosted a benefit concert for the houseless at Central Iowa Shelter and Services (CISS) and provided entertainment for Iowa Juneteenth 2023. Building on this momentum, in 2024, All Voices DSM was honored to be appointed as the Entertainment Chair for Iowa Juneteenth Observance. As part of this role, we curated on-stage entertainment and co-produced Curating Change: Leading with Love, a pop-up art exhibit celebrating BIPOC creatives in collaboration with co-curator Jill Wells. These initiatives created inclusive platforms for local, regional and international BIPOC artists to share their stories, express themselves, and honor BIPOC history.

Beyond events, we have highlighted influential leaders through compelling interviews. These include Izaah Knox, an American politician and Iowa State Senator for the 17th District; Emmett Phillips, a National Endowment for the Arts-profiled artist, poet, and educator; Jill Wells, a Iowa-based artist and activist exploring themes of accessibility, disability inequality, race, and history; and Dr. Ian Roberts, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. We have also engaged with local business owners and mental health providers to amplify their voices and impact.

We have also had the privilege of partnering with sponsors such as Disability Rights of Iowa, The Harkin Institute, Iowa Public Radio, Hyvee, and many others. These partnerships have enabled us to expand our reach and create impactful experiences.

At All Voices DSM, we are passionate about using entertainment as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and connection. We look forward to the opportunity to bring our expertise and vision to your event.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

The way we funded our business was through sponsorships. We sought out collaborations with Disability Rights Iowa, The Harkin Institute, and Iowa Public Radio along with any other sponsorships through events.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

This is a family business owned by the Little family. It comprises of the father and CEO, Phillip Little, as well as the mother and CFO, Shannon Little. There are also three daughters, Shamari, Tiaunna, and Zaria Little along with a soon to be member of the family Leon Espinoza. We work hard as a family to bring entertainment and education to the stage.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: All Voices Dsm
• Youtube: @allvoicesdsm3862