Meet the October 2023 Community Superhero: Sergeant Yuliya Zaremba

“I never lose, I either win or I learn.”

This quote by Nelson Mandela serves as the motto of the October 2023 Community Superhero, Sergeant Yuliya Zaremba. Many know her as “Sergeant Z” of the Huntsville Police Department Special Victims Unit. Since completing the Police Academy in 2007, Sgt. Z has dedicated her career in law enforcement to protecting and serving Huntsville and Madison County. Sgt. Z is not only a superhero in our community, she is also a pillar for women of all communities.

As a first-generation immigrant from Ukraine, Sgt. Z has had to work twice as hard to gain the respect she carries today. She was raised by her grandparents who were both physicians and encouraged her to pursue a career in medicine. She instead pursued engineering, but even this was not her ultimate career path. She moved to the United States in 2003 and began a career in automotive sales. Her position in this field quickly revealed the need for her to learn and adjust to the culture of the United States. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Athens State University, she decided to take a leap into the police force. Though her career in law enforcement has been more than fulfilling, in 2022, she also earned a master’s degree from Faulkner University.

Sgt. Zaremba’s leadership in her personal and professional life is both admirable and inspiring. In 2006, there were only four female officers at the Huntsville Police Department. Though the number of female officers has risen over the years, Sgt. Z hopes to see more women join her field and step into leadership roles. She is not only a leader in a predominantly male field, but she is also an amazing mom to her two daughters. Balancing her fast-paced career with the demands of being a single mom displays just how driven and selfless Sergeant Z truly is. In her own words, “When I make up my mind to do something, I give it 110% and I am very determined”. She holds herself, as well as her daughters, to a higher standard and encourages them to set goals and have a vision for their lives. With her career as an officer, she is always in the public eye and works hard to be the best version of herself professionally, but also personally for her daughters.

Though she has spent over a decade protecting and serving our community, Sgt. Z has held her current leadership position as the head of the Special Victims Unit for two years. She says her favorite part of her job is, “saving lives and giving kids an opportunity to grow up and have good lives”. Sgt. Z has made it her mission to ensure that no child is left behind. She is a pivotal role model to women in all walks of life and has proven that no matter who you are or where you come from, anyone can accomplish what they set their mind to. Her dedication to the betterment of our community is what being a superhero is all about and The National Children’s Advocacy Center and Redstone Federal Credit Union are honored to share her story.

Our October Superhero is brought to you by: