We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jameelah Hanif. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jameelah below.

Jameelah , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I didn’t choose this mission—this mission chose me.

Growing up, I was labeled “the bad kid.” What people didn’t see was the trauma I was carrying. I wasn’t acting out for attention—I was navigating pain, confusion, and unmet emotional needs. Back then, teachers weren’t trained to be trauma-informed. Instead of being understood, I was judged. Instead of receiving support, I was disciplined. And as a child, I internalized the idea that something was wrong with me—not with what had happened to me.

As I got older, I realized my story wasn’t unique. Too many children suffer in silence, misunderstood by the systems meant to support them. I knew I couldn’t just sit back and watch another generation be misunderstood, mislabeled, or pushed aside. That’s when I decided to turn my pain into purpose.

I founded Watch Me Grow, Inc. because I wanted to build the kind of support I needed when I was young. A safe space. A place where children are seen, heard, and supported. A community where parents are empowered, not judged. A hub where trauma is understood, not punished—and where healing is not just possible, it’s prioritized.

My work is rooted in emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, and the deep belief that children thrive when adults lead with love, compassion, and understanding. We educate, support, and walk alongside families—breaking cycles and planting seeds of resilience that can grow for generations.

This mission is personal. Every workshop, every program, every child we serve—reminds me of the little girl I once was. And every family we help is proof that healing is possible, and hope is real.

Jameelah , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

About Me, My Work, and My Mission
Hi, I’m Jameelah Hanif—a Children’s Mental Health Advocate, Certified Trauma and Resilience Life Coach, and the founder of Watch Me Grow, Inc. My journey into this work isn’t just professional—it’s personal. I was once a child who carried the invisible weight of trauma. I was misunderstood, mislabeled, and often overlooked in systems that weren’t built to understand what I was going through. But I found my voice, and now I use it to help others find theirs.

I got into this field because I saw a gap—too many children and families were falling through the cracks. I realized that if I wanted to change the narrative, I had to be part of the solution. So I built Watch Me Grow, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to healing, empowering, and uplifting children and families impacted by trauma, poverty, violence, and systemic inequities.

What We Do
At Watch Me Grow, we provide trauma-informed programs, parenting workshops, youth development initiatives, emotional intelligence training, school-based services, and community healing events. We work with:

Parents – helping them understand behavior through a trauma-informed lens, build resilience, and parent with intention.
Youth – teaching emotional intelligence, alternatives to violence, and self-empowerment through programs like Fly Girls, Beyond the Game, and Rise Above.
Educators and Schools – offering professional development, student support, and classroom-based emotional wellness programming.
Communities – through advocacy, summits, wellness fairs, and resource access.
We solve the problem of disconnection—children disconnected from their emotions, families disconnected from support, and systems disconnected from compassion. We reconnect people to healing, resilience, and community.

What Sets Us Apart
What sets us apart is our lived experience, cultural relevance, and heart-led approach. I don’t just lead from a textbook—I lead from life. I bring authenticity, relatability, and a deep understanding of what it means to navigate trauma and still rise. Our programs are rooted in community wisdom, practical tools, and real stories—not just theory.

We also emphasize collaboration, working alongside schools, mental health professionals, churches, civic leaders, and families. We meet people where they are, and walk with them as they grow.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of turning pain into purpose. Of building something from nothing. Of watching a parent say, “I understand my child better now,” or a teen say, “I didn’t think anyone saw me—thank you.” I’m proud of the lives we’ve touched, the partnerships we’ve built, and the culture of healing we’re creating.

I’m also proud of being a single mother who didn’t give up. Of being a voice for children who can’t speak up for themselves. And of the legacy we’re creating—one that says: no matter what you’ve been through, you can still grow.

What I Want You to Know
If you’re a parent, educator, policymaker, or someone who cares about the next generation, I want you to know this: We are here to help. You don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need support, training, or someone to walk with you through the storm—Watch Me Grow is that place.

My brand is not about perfection. It’s about growth, healing, and transformation. It’s about planting seeds in soil others have given up on—and watching them bloom.

If you’re looking for real, compassionate, community-rooted solutions to help children and families thrive—you’ve found the right place.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There was a moment in my life that changed everything. I had just lost my job, and with it went my sense of stability and direction. I was a single mother, staring adversity in the face—unsure of how I was going to provide for my child, pay the bills, or even get through the next week. It felt like everything around me was falling apart.

But something inside me refused to give up.

Instead of letting that season break me, I used it as fuel to build something greater. I opened my own child care business—not because I had it all figured out, but because I knew I had love to give, a purpose to fulfill, and children who needed someone to believe in them. And as I created a nurturing space for other people’s children, I was healing the child inside of me.

At the same time, I made the bold decision to go back to school. It wasn’t easy. I was juggling being a full-time student, running my business, caring for my child, and—believe it or not—being a student-athlete. There were nights I barely slept, days I wanted to quit, and moments where the weight of it all nearly broke me.

But I kept going.

I earned my degree not just for myself—but for every mother who thought it was too late, for every child who needs someone to show them what perseverance looks like, and for every person who’s ever had to start over with nothing but faith and fire.

That journey taught me what resilience really is: It’s not about avoiding the storm. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain—and then build a shelter for others, too.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe what helped me build my reputation was that I didn’t just watch children—I poured into families. From the very beginning, parents could see that I genuinely cared. I dedicated my entire home to make sure every child who walked through the door felt safe, loved, and seen. It wasn’t just a business—it was a space filled with warmth, intention, and purpose.

What set me apart from many other providers was my commitment to going beyond basic care. I created an environment where children could thrive emotionally, socially, and mentally. I was intentional about how I welcomed them, the learning experiences I created, and how I responded to their needs. It wasn’t just about babysitting—it was about building a foundation for their future.

But I didn’t stop with the kids. I showed up for the parents too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.JameelahHanif.com
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