Dameyonna Willis is a dedicated founder, mother, author, and passionate community leader, renowned for her commitment to empowering young girls. With over 15 years of experience in youth development, she has established safe spaces and quality programming throughout Cleveland. In 2016, Dameyonna founded Queen IAM, an organization focused on empowering, enriching, and educating young women.

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Queen IAM promotes self-love, self-respect, and self-understanding, offering mentorship, workshops, and events designed to inspire personal growth. The organization's mission is to help young queens recognize their self-worth, fostering their development into strong, confident, and beautiful women.

As a busy yet balanced mother to an extraordinary son and daughter, she recently authored a children's book titled "Where's My Crown," which draws inspiration from her experiences raising a young queen navigating the complexities of girlhood. The book aims to instill confidence in girls, emphasizing that their inner strength is their true crown.

Dameyonna's efforts have garnered significant recognition, including features in local media outlets such as Cribbs in Cleveland, WKYC, Spectrum, and 19 Action News. Her unwavering dedication to the empowerment of girls has earned her numerous accolades, including: 2022 Radio One Future History Maker, 2020 NLDP Graduate, 2024 DIFF Maker of the Game, 2024 City of Cleveland One Ever Commissioner for Black Women and Girls, Young Adult Philanthropist Honoree from Cleveland Soul of Philanthropy, 2023 Dopest Black Women in Cleveland - Black Women Werk, 2022 Movers & Shakers CLE Professional 20/30 Club, and 2024 Women of Excellence in Women Ministries.

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Dameyonna holds an Associate of Arts degree from Cuyahoga Community College and a Bachelor's Degree in Nonprofit Administration from Cleveland State University. She dedicates her time to visiting schools such as Douglas MacArthur and Hathaway Brown, as well as youth organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and Friendly Inn. One of Queen IAM's primary goals is to create opportunities for young queens to engage, build lasting relationships, and understand the significance of their confidence and self-worth.

Through activities ranging from horseback riding to kayaking,

 

Dameyonna recognizes the importance of exposing girls to diverse resources and opportunities, facilitating their growth into remarkable young women. Currently, Queen IAM operates year-round programming that serves 100 to 150 girls daily.

When she is not empowering young queens, Dameyonna enjoys spending quality time with her family, dancing, and indulging in her favorite foods. Affectionately known as Ms. Yonna throughout Cleveland, her vibrant personality encourages girls to embrace their true selves, making authenticity their favorite pursuit.