Tamara made her way to California by way of Dallas, TX where she was born and raised and where she graduated as the salutatorian of her high school, TAG Magnet School for the Talented and Gifted. She attended Stanford University and was the first in her family to graduate college, with a BA in psychology. She received her MA in education policy and leadership from UTA and has spent over twenty years working in education. Tamara clearly sees education as a powerful tool to redress historical inequities. She believes that now, more than ever, we need to facilitate synergy across communities of stakeholders to drive the creation of knowledge, policy, practice, and tools that will ensure all students have access to transformative education— that will unlock the opportunity to create life-nurturing ripple effects for generations.

Fun Facts
Tamara moonlights as a background vocalist for Rafa, a roots reggae band. She grew up playing the drums in church and played in a hip hop band when she was in college. Her favorite superhero is Storm.

Inspiration
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou