Her Story
About Tabitha
I started my career as an academic coordinator for Upward Bound, a federal-funded program, where I truly enjoyed the experience and had the opportunity to teach during the summer. I've always known I was going to be in education, I just didn't know where exactly my fit was. After starting teaching, I went back to get my master's degree and moved to DC from Lawrence, Massachusetts. I have been teaching ever since and currently serve as a lead math intervention teacher. In this role, I am constantly looking at student data and ensuring the team is all set. I love supporting students and creating those innovative environments where students just feel welcomed. Outside of work, I am a student doing my doctorate's program at a College of Education, so my two main focuses right now are work and school. My main areas of expertise are diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with community engagement.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tabitha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would definitely say my mom. I'm 100% Kenyan. I moved here early 2000s, so 2001. I've been in America for about 26 years, and I will say that having someone who's extremely supportive, who has my back, and someone like my mother is actually really a feeling that's unexplainable.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received is that your life is not in chaos, you're just not organized. So if you just organize your life, things will be so much simpler. Ever since that, I've applied using a calendar, getting to-do lists, and it's just been smooth sailing for me so far.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It's okay not to know what you want to do, but I definitely think you need a plan. Life goes on, and time doesn't stop, so it's important to create some sort of plan of what you would like to do at least for the following years, from 6 months to a year, some sort of goal.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There are so many levels to the challenges in education. It ranges from students' motivation to really staying active and being mentally focused on advancing their academics, to staff members who may not be passionate about the field they're in. I think there's so many layers to this, but I think it's all about being your true, authentic self. As long as you're authentic, that's what I've recognized, that you really meet other authentic people.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency is definitely number one. I would also say being proactive and clarity. Those are the three most important values to me, with transparency being the most important.
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