Meet Camara Walden | Developing Leaders Within Foundation Co-Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Camara Walden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Camara, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Our non-profit organization was founded for the sole purpose of helping our community. We give back to our community by doing projects to clean the area, picking up trash from streets and the gutter to make it a safer and cleaner environment for the kids. We also give food, groceries, clothes, toiletries and hygiene products to those in need at the time and the homeless. We help the community because we are in the community. We are not a large organization who sit up top and looks below. We are in the streets with the people, hearing about their lives, and helping them in any way we can.

We also help the kids in the community by providing safe, clean fun so they can keep active and stay out of trouble. We offer youth sports that keep them engaged while also learning how to work as a team and grow as youth. We put on many fun events such as a back-to-school giveaway, Sunday funday and carnivals in locations where it does not prevent them from coming out.

This helps the community by teaching values and life lessons to our kids using the basic skills that we use every day.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Developing Leaders Within Foundation is a nonprofit organization seeking to break generational curses and choices of our youth using the I.C.E.E method. We have youth football and cheer, basketball, competition cheer, mentorship program, and scholarship program. We also conduct many community service events.
What sets us apart from other organizations is we are for the people, by the people. We go into the community, in the neighborhoods, and really listen to what the community need and want. We cater to what us needed by those most impacted. I am most proud of the growth we have made and the impact we have made on many kids in the community who had never been a part of an organization before.

I got here by many years of training, research and gaining knowledge in the management of businesses both administratively and financially. I have years of experience in the criminal justice and law enforcement field which has helped me tremendously in learning how to manage and grow an organization effectively. Growing the organization has not been easy at all. We have had many people not believe in the vision, who speak negatively against us and who do not wish us well. However, through the people who continue to stick with by our side and encourage us by reassuring us that we are making an impact, we continue to push forward with our mission. I overcome the challenges by remembering why we do what we do and who we do it for. We do it to make a difference and to leave a legacy for my children and generations to come.

I have learned many lessons as I continue to grow. I have learned to be open minded and forgiving. I have also learned to let go of control and to teach others so they are able to grow within themselves. Most importantly, I learned that success takes time, and our goal will not happen within the blink of an eye; we have to go “boots on the ground” and work for what we want and need.

I want people to know that my end goal is to build a community center in our city that is ran by the people and for the people, not a city or county facility but an organization that is able to help so many people and change lives. Our brand is to ignite anyone who we come in contact with to know that you can follow your purpose without regret and hard work will pay off. Continue to grind, continue to do what no one else want to do, someone someday will notice and will catapult you to where you want to be. I am passionate and want the best for myself and those around me. I want the best for all those who work tirelessly, selflessly to make themselves successful.

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?
There’s so much to do in Houston that it is ridiculous! I am more north Houston/The Woodlands area but I’m also not much of a bar/club person. I typically enjoy a game night with family and friends. But there are a lot of great restaurants and fun things to do in The Woodlands and midtown area of Houston. Then a night out would consist of going to midtown and The Woodlands. Although I’m not much of a bar/club person, I’ve experienced some of the most fun and diverse people at Belle Station in Midtown.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success could not be possible without God who is my spiritual guide, my family and friends who encourage and support me while also being my biggest critiques for improvements. My parents, Terence and Katrina Walden, continue to push me to pursue education and my passion. My sisters, Brittany and LaToya, are my hype squad who love me unconditionally and continue to show support through actions. My best friend, LaMonta Williams, who helped me be confident in who I am and what I can do. My daughter, Layla, who also loves me unconditionally and thinks I can do no wrong. My DLW family who continue to trust and help with all programs and projects.

Website: www.thedlwfoundation.org

Instagram: camara_walden

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camara-w?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: Camara Denise