Today we’d like to introduce you to Zonja Glover.
Hi Zonja, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Unleash your inner superhero! Barriers broken and historic accolades- The transformation work has been featured several times in the news, 1 million viral video views, and hosted on radio stations. Celebrity guests and world-renowned speakers visited and championed for change. Immeasurable support from the community and city participants contributed to cultivating a legacy while making history. Partnerships and sponsorships paved the path for achievement and served as an emblem of hope. Donations were made from citizens from the Orange Mound community, organizations in the city of Memphis, and other states. As a visionary, my purpose is to empower, uplift, and create change. I was excited to be invited to serve as a guest speaker for a women’s empowerment summit and attend Women of Influence event provided by Servis1st Bank. One of my proudest achievements is my involvement with Miss America pageant, serving as a judge and on leadership board for Miss Charlotte Mecklenburg Piedmont pageant. From a Dream to a Mission… Born and raised in New York, I developed a passion for transformation, revitalization, volunteerism, and community impact. Volunteering at the United Way as a youth instilled the magnitude of mobilizing a community. As a troubled teenager placed in a group home, the concept of daring to dream and achieve with a growth mindset, propelled me to graduate high school with honors. I attended Buffalo State College and pursued leadership and education. I relocated to Charlotte, NC, and then became a teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, and resident principal. Currently, I am the Proud Principal of Hanley Academy in Memphis, Tennessee. I am a certified School Turnaround Specialist, gaining certification from the University of Virginia (UVA). Also, as a National Board-certified leader, I gained a wealth of knowledge across all academic levels. In my year and a half as Principal of Hanley, the physical space of the school is transformed, and academic goals experienced exponential improvement.
When I arrived in Orange Mound in late July of 2023, I stepped into a movement, a legacy of resilience, culture, and transformation. Memphis is a city with deep roots, and Orange Mound has a rich history of strength and perseverance. I knew I was becoming part of a city that deserved my very best. My goal is to serve the city and be highly visible in Memphis, providing innovation and maximizing opportunities for the community to thrive.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Power of a Year and a Half! Perseverance, audacity of hope, and perpetual optimism paved the journey to transformational turnaround work. Upon arrival, the school needed to restore academic standards, improve systems, shared vision, and resources. Physical space of the entire school also needed revitalization. To make an everlasting impact, school staff worked collaboratively on a comprehensive approach including a vision, logo, school colors, layout of the school, high academic standards, and other key areas. New marketing and branding efforts to showcase incredible work of students were created to include the Orange Mound community, and positivity for Memphis in mind. To increase college and career awareness, college flags outline the entryway and throughout the school. Furthermore, fresh paint, new furniture, and staff lounges are now highlights shining bright to inspire students and staff. Tremendous teamwork- School staff, city officials, community leaders, and partnerships, renovated a storage room into a library, created STEM and science labs ensuring Hanley became more than just a school, but a magical place for the community to dream and achieve. Awarded grants expanded efforts for achieving goals and meaningful experiences. The school features a family engagement and college and career center. Plans are completed to make the marquee operable, a new enclosed garden, and outdoor playground.
Tireless efforts created partnerships exposing students and families to exciting, extraordinary opportunities. Now St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a prominent partner who brought the STEMM after-school program. Other partnerships include numerous outstanding caring companies and organizations. Scholarships provide several students to attend Memphis University School summer camp and Girls on the Run self-esteem program. A theatre club infuses art with history, public speaking, and storytelling.
Other highlights in partnership include college tours, ballet performances, and golf experiences empower children for a lifetime. School staff received a special invitation to speak at a news coverage ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Knowledge Tree. The company expanded an additional retail outlet, featuring the largest catalog operation dedicated to school equipment in the tri-state area.
While the road was filled with challenges- academic and school reimagination, the mission never wavered. True change involves teamwork, vision, dedication, and resilience. Hanley will continue to strive for academic improvements in growth and proficiency on state exams. School staff are committed to ensuring positive impact and changing the world regardless of socioeconomic background, race, or creed.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I do not just want to be remembered as just a principal, but I want to be remembered as a builder of futures and solutions to community challenges. For my legacy, I want to be remembered as someone who created transformation, improved opportunity, and empowered communities. I want all to know they can achieve more than they ever imagined- what if your dreams were manifested through action? When people look back at my journey, I want others to state I made the impossible happen, for those who are historically excluded! I was not a traditional leader—I supported the transformation and uplifting of communities- locally and country-wide. World-wide recognition was achieved to highlight the legacy that will outlive my lifetime. This is just the beginning.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Excellence is a choice… Philanthropy, volunteering, healthcare, and investing are my passions. My goal is to eventually launch impact on other states improving health conditions, opportunities for success, and generational wealth. Philanthropic and business efforts include forming a foundation to empower the community and city. Many people know me as an educator, leader, and advocate; I am deeply involved in real estate and housing advocacy. I am a real estate investor, and invested in other endeavors, with a mission to provide resources for individuals in need. Scaling a business is next to increase longevity and impact within Memphis and country wide.
As a proud owner of properties in Orange Mound, my goal is to provide stable housing for families. But my impact does not pause at housing. I founded a nonprofit organization, and future efforts will provide scholarships, transportation assistance, and essential resources for individuals to create generational wealth. I am committed to removing barriers to eradicate underserved areas and serve as an agent of change.
Beyond my work in transforming schools, communities, and being a health advocate, I am also a golf enthusiast. Working with coaches helps me to improve my skills. Meeting others during a golf tournament forged a partnership with a local golf phenom to bring a literacy program for Hanley’s students. I returned to weekly jogging and resume 5K races.
As a humanitarian, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” I recently fed the unhoused at Hospitality Hubs. Because of my love for animals, I volunteer at animal shelters. I am scheduled to volunteer with Memphis Habitat Build Site as well. I also enjoy horseback riding and began a challenge to read two books a month. I recently read the book, Your Next Five Moves Master the Art of Business Strategy, by Patrick Bet-David with Greg Dinkin. Healthcare is my next venture to ensure equitable practices and access to upgrading the lives of others. In the future, I plan to partner with doctors to provide physicals to families and donate medical supplies.
Breaking barriers, whether education, housing, investments, or sports—is what motivates me daily.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tn50000520.schoolwires.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=335
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principalzonjamglover?igsh=dDF6bW5jcW9ybnAz&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14UDtGqied/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/principal-zonja-m-glover-445797261
