Her Story
About Kamaria
I started my career journey in 2008, initially wanting to be a veterinarian because I loved animals, but after researching and realizing vets go to school just as long as doctors but don't make as much, I had to pivot. My late brother really helped me with that decision, and I decided to go into business with hopes of becoming an entrepreneur. My schooling at Northwood University helped me narrow it down to marketing and advertising - the professors there weren't just teachers, they actually taught in the field with real-life examples. We pitched a whole advertising campaign to the board of executives for an auto insurance company as a group project, and that's where I really became passionate and knew it was the right decision for my career. Today, I wear many hats: I'm a lead senior project manager for Gympack Experience, an NCAA women's basketball official, Director of Officials for Varson Gold Officials training young officials, co-program lead for Sports Society creating opportunities for women and underrepresented groups, and founder of the People of Color Employee Resource Group at my company. I'm also building out Dion Serenity Salon Suites to fulfill my entrepreneurial dreams. One of my most notable achievements was rolling out a $1.5 million project for a major brand, replatforming all their internet sites to Adobe over a period of time. My core passion is creating opportunities for others while continually challenging myself to grow.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kamaria
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received came from my mentors, particularly Natasha Camy and Brian Garland, who have been my greatest influences. They've instilled in me the importance of being resilient and always wanting to grow. Each of these people have helped shape me into the leader that I am today, and they've taught me the importance of paying it forward, which is why mentorship is a very important part of my life.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say to really know who you are and know what your core values are, and function within that. Don't shrink yourself to try to fit into other people's narrative. Be comfortable with who you are and lead from your strengths. That's one of the lessons that kind of helped transform me and how I show up for others as well.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As a Black woman working in both corporate leadership and sports officiating, I've often been in spaces where representation was limited. Early in my career, I spent a lot of time trying to prove I belonged, and over time, I learned that leadership isn't about fitting into someone else's mold - it's about embracing who you are and leading from your own strengths. That's the lesson that kind of helped transform how I show up and mentor others as well.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are leadership, representation, service, resilience, and purpose.
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