7 Surprising Ways Zendaya's Parents, Claire Stoermer And Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, Shaped Her Billion-Dollar Career

The foundation of Zendaya's global superstardom rests firmly on the unwavering, yet unconventional, support of her parents, Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman. As of December 2025, the world-renowned actress, singer, and fashion icon continues to credit her grounded nature and professional discipline to the values instilled by her mother, a former educator, and her father, who transitioned from teaching to managing her career full-time. This deep dive reveals the latest updates on their lives, their unique family structure, and the lasting impact of their co-parenting philosophy, proving that a strong family unit—even after divorce—is the true secret to her success. The narrative surrounding Zendaya’s parents is one of profound dedication and sacrifice, illustrating how two dedicated educators from Oakland, California, built a support system capable of navigating the pressures of Hollywood. While their marriage concluded, their commitment to their daughter's well-being and career remains absolute, making them one of the most respected and influential celebrity parent duos today.

Zendaya Family Profile: A Complete Biography of Her Parents and Siblings

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman is the product of a diverse and loving family background, which she frequently highlights as the source of her strength and cultural awareness. Her parents were both educators, instilling a deep appreciation for learning and social justice from a young age.

• Full Name (Daughter): Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman
• Mother's Name: Claire Stoermer
• Father's Name: Kazembe Ajamu Coleman
• Parents' Marital Status: Divorced (Filed in 2016)
• Parents' Marriage Date: 2006 (Married for approximately 8 years)
• Mother's Heritage: German and Scottish descent
• Father's Heritage: African American
• Mother's Former Profession: Elementary School Teacher (Taught at Fruitvale Elementary School in Oakland for over 20 years)
• Mother's Current Profession: Entrepreneur and Jewelry Designer (Owner of Kizzmet Jewelry)
• Father's Former Profession: Teacher and Stage Manager
• Father's Current Profession: Talent Manager (Zendaya's full-time manager as of 2024)
• Total Siblings: Five older half-siblings from her father’s previous marriage.
• Half-Siblings' Names: Katianna Coleman (Sister), Annabella Coleman (Sister), Kaylee Coleman (Sister), Austin Coleman (Brother), and Julien Coleman (Brother).
• Hometown: Oakland, California

The Two Pillars: Claire Stoermer’s Quiet Influence and Current Endeavors

Claire Stoermer, Zendaya's mother, is often cited as the grounding force in the star’s life, known for her commitment to education and her humble nature. Her background as a teacher in inner-city schools, particularly at Fruitvale Elementary School in Oakland, exposed Zendaya to diverse environments and the importance of empathy.

From Classroom to Crystal: The Kizzmet Jewelry Line

In a fantastic example of a modern career pivot, Claire Stoermer has successfully transitioned from a decades-long career in education to becoming an entrepreneur and creative designer. As of late 2025, she is the founder and owner of Kizzmet Jewelry. This handmade collection often features crystals and custom pieces. Zendaya frequently champions her mother's work by wearing the jewelry on red carpets and in public appearances, providing a massive spotlight for the small business. This subtle yet powerful partnership highlights the ongoing, supportive relationship between mother and daughter, moving beyond the typical celebrity-parent dynamic. The name "Kizzmet" itself is a nod to fate and destiny, a fitting theme for a family that has achieved such extraordinary success. Claire's decision to maintain a low-key profile despite her daughter's fame is a testament to her character. She has always prioritized instilling a sense of normalcy and humility in Zendaya, often driving her to auditions while still working her full-time teaching job. This dedication ensured that Zendaya remained well-rounded and focused on her craft rather than the fleeting nature of celebrity.

Kazembe Ajamu Coleman: The Manager, Protector, and Business Strategist

Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, Zendaya's father, is a figure who made a significant career sacrifice to dedicate himself entirely to his daughter’s dreams. Originally a teacher and stage manager, he famously quit his teaching job to become Zendaya’s full-time manager when her career began to take off.

The Transition to Full-Time Management (Confirmed 2024)

This move solidified his role as her primary professional gatekeeper, a position he still holds as of 2024. Kazembe's presence is a constant at major events, acting as a protective barrier and a shrewd negotiator in the demanding entertainment industry. He is known for his firm stance on protecting Zendaya's brand and ensuring she maintains control over her career trajectory. His background as an educator is crucial to his management style. He approaches her career not just as a business, but as a continuous learning experience, prioritizing projects that are meaningful and challenging. This "educator-as-manager" philosophy is a core reason why Zendaya has managed to avoid many of the pitfalls common among young stars.

The Power of Co-Parenting Post-Divorce

While Claire and Kazembe divorced in 2016 after eight years of marriage, their commitment to co-parenting is the most enduring and inspiring aspect of their story. Zendaya has publicly addressed their separation, emphasizing that the focus remained on the family unit, not the relationship status. They are frequently seen together at red carpet events, award shows, and family gatherings, demonstrating a united front that prioritizes their daughter's emotional and professional stability. This mature approach has served as a powerful lesson for Zendaya, showcasing that love and support transcend traditional relationship boundaries. The co-parenting model ensures that she has both her mother's grounding wisdom and her father's professional guidance readily available, a dual support system that is invaluable in the high-stakes world of Hollywood.

The Unseen Support: Zendaya’s Five Half-Siblings

A lesser-known but equally important aspect of Zendaya’s upbringing is her large extended family. She has five older half-siblings—three sisters and two brothers—from her father’s previous marriage. The siblings—Katianna, Annabella, Kaylee, Austin, and Julien—played a vital role in her childhood, providing a large, bustling family environment. Zendaya has often spoken about the influence of her older siblings, noting that they helped shape her into a better person and provided a sense of normalcy despite her early start in show business. The sheer size of her family provided a strong, protective network. However, the family dynamic is not without its complexities. There have been reports, notably from a half-sister named Latonja Coleman, claiming a strained relationship and distance from the celebrity's side of the family. While Zendaya herself rarely comments on these private matters, the overall narrative she presents is one of deep respect and love for her extended family, acknowledging the critical role they played in her journey from a young girl in Oakland to a global icon. This extensive family network is a key entity in understanding the depth of her support system and her grounded personality.