Creating a Village
Creating a Village is a Madison-based non-profit created to bring youth, families, and community together through meaningful events, mentorship, and hands-on experiences. Founded by Andrea Shorter-Amos, the organization grew from a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves to feel seen, supported, celebrated, and surrounded by a village of care.
At its heart, Creating a Village is about keeping young people connected beyond the school day. Through programs like Boys to Men, Women to Ladies, back-to-school events, and family-centered celebrations, Creating a Village creates safe and joyful spaces where Black and multicultural youth can build confidence, strengthen relationships, and experience positive community support.
The organization’s work is rooted in mentorship, family engagement, cultural pride, and access. Whether providing free experiences for children, connecting families to community resources, or creating spaces where young people can imagine their futures, Creating a Village is committed to helping youth grow with belonging, purpose, and possibility.
andrea shorter-AMOS
Andrea Shorter-Amos is a Madison-based community leader, parent advocate, and the founder of Creating a Village. She is also the owner of Creative Events, LLC, where she has built a reputation for designing thoughtful, beautiful, and culturally responsive events across the Greater Madison area.
Andrea’s work is rooted in a simple belief that more children and families need safe spaces to build positive memories with trusted adults, alongside a community that shows up for them. As a mother, aunt, school district vendor, and longtime community connector, Andrea has seen firsthand what happens when young people do not feel protected, supported, or seen. Those experiences shaped her commitment to creating spaces where youth can feel celebrated, families can feel connected, and community members can come together with purpose.
Through Creating a Village, Andrea brings together her love for event planning, her deep relationships in the Madison community, and her passion for youth and family engagement. From back-to-school events and mentorship experiences to family-centered celebrations like the Daddy Daughter Dance, Andrea creates moments that are joyful, meaningful, and grounded in care. Her vision is to build a stronger village around Black and multicultural youth, helping them grow with confidence, belonging, and the support they deserve.