Meet Zamariya Clemons | Founder
We had the good fortune of connecting with Zamariya Clemons and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Zamariya, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
“I am a Raleigh native who grew up being raised by a single parent. My mom, a healthcare provider, instilled in me the importance of community, as she herself grew up in South Raleigh and dedicated her time to giving back. She taught me the value of hard work and resilience, balancing the responsibilities of raising three children while continuing her education. Watching her tutor at local churches, volunteer at food banks, and support others inspired me to adopt the same values. My mom showed me what it means to give from abundance and to always look back to uplift others as you progress in life. Her example has deeply shaped my character and the mission I carry with me today.”
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
“Village of Women (VOW) is a Greensboro-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young girls to grow, lead, and thrive. I founded VOW in 2022 as a Sociology student at North Carolina A&T after witnessing the challenges many young girls face. While working as a long-term substitute teacher and director of a before-and-after-school enrichment program, I developed meaningful relationships with students across all age groups within the charter school, from elementary to middle school. They felt comfortable confiding in me, sharing their stories and struggles at home, in school, and within their communities. Their experiences deeply moved me and inspired me to create a space where they could simply be themselves.”
With a desire to make a difference, I launched VOW in March 2022 from the clubhouse of my student apartment. Since then, we’ve grown tremendously, impacting and inspiring over 100 girls. One of the programs I’m most proud of is our simulation summer camp, where participants gain real-world skills, like financial literacy, through hands-on activities. This camp, along with our year-round program focuses on personal development, life skills training, and career exploration, reflecting VOW’s mission to create an atmosphere that promotes sisterhood, individuality, global readiness, and creativity.
What sets us apart is our ‘for kids, by kids’ approach. All our programs are designed based on the interests and feedback of the girls we serve, ensuring that every activity, from crafts to career exploration, resonates with their passions and aspirations.
Getting to where we are today hasn’t been easy. As a young founder, I faced challenges securing funding, balancing academics, and building a team. However, I’ve learned that perseverance and community support can overcome any obstacle. By leaning on mentors, staying true to our mission, and being creative with collaborations, we’ve been able to turn challenges into opportunities.
We strive to be the people we needed when we were younger, and we are firm believers that it takes a village to raise the next generation of confident, capable women.”
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Raleigh for a week, I’d make sure they experience the city’s vibrant mix of food, culture, and local gems. We’d start with brunch at Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant and explore the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. For dinner, we’d head to Nana’s Grill for soul food, then visit Pullen Park, followed by dinner at Garland. We’d also make time for a trip to William B. Umstead State Park and stop by Chocolate and Coffee House, a Black-owned café with delicious pastries and coffee. We’d shop at North Hills and visit the Black History Museum. For dessert, we’d enjoy treats from The Sweetest Thing Bakery. A day trip to Durham would include stops at the Hayti Heritage Center and lunch at The Parlour. We’d enjoy live music at Red Hat Amphitheater and end the trip with dinner at the Pitt. With hopes to blend Raleigh’s best spots with a focus on supporting local businesses and culture.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
“There are so many people who support VOW, and it would be unfair to name names knowing I’d inevitably miss someone. First, thank you to God for the vision and for always guiding the path to the resources we need. A huge thank you to my family and friends for their unwavering support.
To the parents at Village of Women, thank you for trusting us and bringing your children month after month. Your belief in what we do means everything! To the incredible mentors we pull from North Carolina A&T, UNCG, and Bennett College, you are examples of positive role models, and we are so grateful for the impact you make.
To the local woman we collaborate with for initiatives like HERstory Hour, thank you for giving your time and resources to leave lasting impressions on our girls. A special shoutout to the owner and his wife of Roofing Exteriors Pro out of High Point, NC your support during our groundbreaking years, from sponsoring lunches to hands on help with our programs, was invaluable. Thank you to everyone who has played a role in this journey—it truly takes a village!”
Website: https://Vowvillageofwomen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19dru1MB4N/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vow-village-of-women-greensboro
Image Credits
PixelsbyAm (Amnasteè Graves)
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