Dameyonna Willis

Dameyonna Willis is a dedicated founder, mother, author, and passionate community leader, widely recognized for her commitment to empowering young girls. With over a decade of experience in youth development, she has created safe spaces and impactful programs that uplift and inspire young women throughout Cleveland.

In 2016, Dameyonna founded Queen IAM, an organization devoted to empowering, enriching, and educating young women. Queen IAM promotes self-love, self-respect, and self-understanding through mentorship, workshops, and engaging community events. Its mission is to help young queens recognize their self-worth and grow into strong, confident, and beautiful women.

As a proud mother to an amazing son and daughter, Dameyonna authored the children’s book Where’s My Crown, inspired by her experiences raising a young queen navigating girlhood. The book encourages confidence and self-discovery, reminding every girl that her inner strength is her true crown.

Her leadership and impact have earned recognition across the region, with features on Cribbs in Cleveland, WKYC, Spectrum News, and 19 Action News. Dameyonna’s honors include:

2025*Cleveland Voted Democracy Collective* Honoree

2025 Engage Cleveland’s 25 Most Influential People You Should Know*

2024 DIFF Maker of the Game*, Cleveland Cavaliers

2024 City of Cleveland OneEver Commissioner for Black Women and Girls

2024Women of Excellence* Honoree, Women Ministries

2023 Dopest Black Women in Cleveland*, Black Women Werk

2022 Radio One Future History Maker*

2022 Movers & Shakers CLE Professional 20/30 Club

Young Adult Philanthropist* Honoree, Cleveland Soul of Philanthropy

2022 NLDP Graduate

Dameyonna holds an Associate of Arts degree from Cuyahoga Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nonprofit Administration from Cleveland State University. She frequently visits schools such as Douglas MacArthur and Hathaway Brown, and partners with organizations including the Boys and Girls Club and Friendly Inn.

At the Queen IAM Empowerment Center, girls participate in high-quality programs designed to nurture creativity, confidence, and community. Offerings include Yoga, Hip Hop Dance, Culinary Arts, Acting and Theater, Robotics and STEM, Fashion Design and Sewing, and many more opportunities that promote self-expression and growth.

Through Queen IAM, Dameyonna creates spaces for girls to connect, build lasting friendships, and embrace the power of confidence and self-worth. From horseback riding to kayaking, her programs expose girls to diverse experiences that help them grow into exceptional young women.

Known affectionately as Ms. Yonna, Dameyonna radiates warmth, joy, and authenticity—encouraging girls to make being themselves their favorite hobby.