Kara Johnson-Tatum
Kara Johnson-Tatum is the CEO and Founder of Tatum Global Holdings LLC, a multi-sector organization that integrates media, business, social impact, and leadership development to elevate underrepresented voices and expand opportunities for women and Black leaders. Beginning her entrepreneurial journey at age 14 with the founding of KOCA (Keep Our Children Alive) in Cleveland, Kara has dedicated her career to empowering youth, cultivating leadership, and creating programs that provide visibility, mentorship, and tangible pathways for success. Under her leadership, Tatum Global Holdings oversees a diverse portfolio of magazines, women’s associations, sororities, media companies, and educational initiatives, all designed to build sustainable impact across communities.
A business-driven innovator, Kara’s professional experience spans healthcare, real estate, and trade industries. She earned an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting from Cuyahoga Community College and holds certifications as a pharmacy technician, phlebotomist, EKG trainer, real estate broker, and mortgage loan originator. Her early career exposed her to a range of industries, strengthening her ability to design operational systems, scale organizations, and align multiple ventures around shared goals. Drawing on this experience, Kara founded Alpha Theta Rho, a sorority dedicated to women who pursued non-traditional educational paths, ensuring they have access to the community, mentorship, and networks often reserved for four-year college graduates.
Throughout her career, Kara has focused on building platforms that leave a lasting legacy. Her work emphasizes sisterhood, leadership, and service, whether through nonprofit initiatives, professional development programs, or community engagement. A recognized leader in empowerment and civic impact, she serves on boards such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cleveland and has been acknowledged by Who’s Who in Black as one of the most influential leaders of 2025. Kara’s mission is clear: to create ecosystems where creativity, advocacy, and business thrive together, leaving every person and community she engages stronger than she found them.
• Pharmacy Technician
• Medical Assistant
• EKG Trainer
• Phlebotomy
• Real Estate Broker
• Mortgage Loan Originator
• Cuyahoga Community College - A.A.S.
• Habitat for Humanity
• Young Professional Council
• Forbes Black
• Ronald McDonald House (volunteered for 3 years)
• Past President of Greater Cleveland Chapter of International Association of Women (IAW)
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio
• ForbesBLK
• Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Area Chapter
• The Black Women’s Council
• The Women’s Committee
• Project Speak Inc
• Project Taken (Project Taken)
• Our Vision Of Success
• Project R.E.B.M.I.S Re-Entering Black Man Into Society
• Ronald McDonald House
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. What I love most about my work is the opportunity to create lasting impact—whether through business initiatives or community service, my goal is always to leave people better than I found them. This drive began when I was 14, founding my first nonprofit in Cleveland. Witnessing the challenges faced by youth, particularly young women, I knew that if I had the knowledge and passion to help, it was my responsibility to act.
Looking ahead, my vision is to expand my company, Tatum, globally, while continuing to empower young girls and women of all backgrounds. I aim to become a public speaker, publish books, and honor my sister, who passed away in 2022 from domestic violence at the age of 29, by sharing her story and creating meaningful change in her memory.
My mission is to support women who cannot help themselves, break the barriers that hold them back, and guide them toward a brighter future. In a world that often seems to be moving backward, I am determined to ensure that women continue to advance, thrive, and achieve the progress we have fought so hard to attain.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t give up and don’t let negativity define you. Never doubt your abilities or compare your journey to someone else’s. Social media often makes it seem like success should come instantly, but you never see the struggles behind the scenes. Focus on your own path, work hard, and believe in yourself. Be kind to yourself—sometimes we are our own toughest critics—but stay committed, and you will achieve your goals.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see both challenges and opportunities in my field. One major opportunity is scaling programs and businesses to reach more women and girls nationally, helping break barriers that limit access for those from nontraditional backgrounds. At the same time, there are challenges in addressing societal regression and gender-based violence, which makes it critical to provide strong leadership, support, and resources for women to thrive.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are community impact, sisterhood, mentorship, perseverance, and empowering other women. These principles drive the work I do and the way I show up every day.