Tamara Leigh

I am a media and communications executive, community leader, and LGBTQ+ advocate with over a decade of experience in public relations, marketing, and nonprofit leadership, currently serving as President of Tampa Bay Black Lesbians Inc., a role I have held since January 2021, where I lead the organization's mission to empower and uplift Black lesbian women and LGBTQ+ communities in the Tampa Bay area. I also serve as Editor in Chief of Blaque/Out Magazine, a self-employed role I have held since June 2020, where I lead editorial content and amplify the voices of Black LGBTQ+ individuals and communities, and as Founder and Senior Consultant at Blaque/Out Consulting, where I provide strategic communications and consulting services to organizations and individuals.

Prior to my current roles, I served as Founder and CEO of RocCandy Media Group for over seven years, a PR and marketing firm based in Rochester, New York, where I assisted local urban entrepreneurs, business owners, artists, athletes, and events in making it to the next level. I also served as Director of Operations and Public Relations and Director of Communications at Out Alliance for nearly two years, where I supported LGBTQ+ advocacy and community engagement in Rochester.

I studied Communication and Media Studies at Temple University and completed coursework in Communications and Urban Engagement, Marketing, and Criminal Justice at SUNY Empire State College.

Across my career in media, communications, and community advocacy, my work has been driven by a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, building strong communities, and creating visibility for Black LGBTQ+ individuals and entrepreneurs. Whether I am leading a nonprofit, editing a magazine, or providing strategic communications consulting, I bring a strategic, creative, and purpose-driven approach that has made a lasting impact on the communities and organizations I serve. I am proud of the work I have done throughout my career and excited to continue advocating for equity, visibility, and empowerment through my work at Tampa Bay Black Lesbians Inc., Blaque/Out Magazine, and Blaque/Out Consulting.