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

Jackie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am far happier as an artist and creative than I ever was working a “regular” job. In fact, I do not spend much time wondering what it would be like to go back, because I already lived that life and know exactly how it felt.
Before I started my dream job, I was working in the school system eight hours a day, simply to pay my bills. Every paycheck was already spoken for. I was not building anything for myself; I was just surviving. To make ends meet, I had to take on a second job, which left me constantly exhausted. My days felt long and heavy, and my nights were filled with the same question repeating in my mind: is this really going to be my life forever?

It was draining, not only physically but emotionally. I felt tired, unfulfilled, and stuck. I was not waking up excited about my work or feeling connected to a larger purpose. Deep down, I knew this was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, but admitting that truth was frightening.

At the time, I was living in a basement because that was all I could afford. It was not glamorous, but it gave me something incredibly important: the opportunity to take a risk. In that small space, I realized I had a choice. I could continue down a path that was slowly wearing me down, or I could take a leap of faith and try to build the life I truly wanted. Quitting my full-time job was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. There were no guarantees and plenty of uncertainty. Still, I had faith in myself and in the vision I carried. I believed that with hard work and persistence, I could turn my dream into a reality.

And I did.
So when I am asked whether I ever think about what it would be like to have a regular job, my answer is no. I already know that answer. Choosing creativity, purpose, and passion was not the easiest path, but it was the right one. That choice has brought me a level of fulfillment and happiness that I never found when I was working just to survive.

Jackie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Jackie Zamora. I was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Brooklyn, New York. In 2005, I moved to Maryland, where I worked as a one-to-one assistant teacher at two private schools serving individuals with disabilities. That experience deeply shaped who I am and ultimately led me to the work I do today.
I am the founder of ZamDance, a dance fitness program designed specifically for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ZamDance was founded on September 28, 2013, and is registered in the state of Maryland. The mission of ZamDance is to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by creating a safe, supportive, and joyful space where they can explore the art of dance while enhancing their physical and emotional well-being.

Through ZamDance, participants build self-esteem, confidence, coordination, and stamina. Over time, many of our dancers have grown into leaders within the program, taking pride in their abilities and supporting one another. Most importantly, they have found a place where they feel accepted, loved, and safe.

One of the things I am most proud of is witnessing the growth of our dancers, not only in their movement but in their confidence and self-expression. Seeing them learn dance routines, connect to music, and sing along to Latin songs is incredibly meaningful to me. Some of the most powerful moments come from our non-speaking dancers, who continue to amaze me with their eagerness to learn, their ability to follow choreography, and the way they communicate their favorite songs through movement and joy.

ZamDance is more than a dance fitness program. It is a movement that has positively impacted the lives of many individuals with disabilities and their families. It stands as a reminder that when people are given a space where they are understood, respected, and celebrated, they are capable of far more than the world often expects.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media happened very organically. I did not start with a strategy to go viral or grow numbers. I simply started showing the work.
I began posting videos of my students dancing with me in class. These were real moments, not staged or edited to perfection. They showed joy, focus, confidence, and connection. Once people saw the impact ZamDance was having on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, everything began to change. The videos spoke for themselves.

One moment in particular stands out. A parent whose son attended my class shared a video that truly touched many people. Her son is non-speaking and on the autism spectrum. He started coming to ZamDance when he was very young, and at first his mother was unsure if the class would be the right fit for him. When he walked onto the dance floor for the first time, he immediately found his own space. He began spinning, looking at himself in the mirror, smiling. As the music played, he carefully observed my movements, and when I mirrored him, he locked eyes with me and began to follow along.

His mother captured that moment and shared it on social media. The video went viral. People from all over were moved by what they saw, and many of them began following me and ZamDance. They were not just watching a dance class; they were witnessing connection, inclusion, and joy.

That experience taught me an important lesson about building an audience. People connect to authenticity and impact, not perfection. Showing your work and the real difference it makes in people’s lives is far more powerful than trying to sell yourself.

My advice to others is simple: make your work meaningful, and do not be afraid to share it. Be consistent, be genuine, and let the impact speak for itself. When people see heart, purpose, and real transformation, they naturally want to be part of the journey.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative for me is realizing that my dream became a reality and that I am living it every single day. What once felt like a distant vision is now my everyday life, and that alone is incredibly fulfilling.
My job allows me to stay active, express creativity, and most importantly, bring joy to so many children and adults through dance. Seeing my dancers smile, gain confidence, and feel proud of themselves is everything to me. Dance is not just movement in our space; it is happiness, freedom, and self-expression.

What makes it even more meaningful is knowing that the impact extends beyond the dance floor. I am not only bringing joy to my dancers, but also to their families, who get to witness their loved ones grow, connect, and thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment.

ZamDance has grown into a beautiful, inclusive community over the years, and I am deeply grateful for the love, trust, and support that surround it. Being able to do what I love while making a real difference in the lives of others is the greatest reward I could ever ask for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zamdance.com
• Instagram: @Zamdance
• Facebook: @JackieZamora @Zamdance/Zammovement.Inc
• Other: Titok: ZAMDANCE

Image Credits

Photo credit: Ryan Alberts