A first-generation college graduate's inspiring journey from a low-income neighborhood in Providence, RI, to becoming an accomplished educator and business owner, sharing how education and mentorship shaped her mission to empower the next generation of leaders.
Her Story
About Tamara
Tamara Nash is an accomplished educator, consultant, and published author with extensive expertise in postsecondary education leadership, corporate and community relations, strategic partnerships, and civic engagement. As the President and CEO of TSNash Consulting, LLC, she provides career and life coaching, business communications guidance, project management support, and educational consulting to students and professionals at various stages of their careers. Her first book, Journal Reflections With 2020 Vision, was published in 2023. Tamara is a first-generation college graduate with a Master of Education in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature from Wellesley College. She has held leadership roles at institutions including The George Washington University, Complete College America, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Susan G. Komen, Oglethorpe University, Spelman College, American University, Marymount College, and Brown University. Deeply engaged in community and professional organizations, Tamara has served on multiple nonprofit boards, including the Wellesley College Alumnae Association and Charles R. Drew Charter School. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has been recognized as a 2018 Woman of Excellence. Fluent in English and proficient in French, Tamara combines her leadership experience, educational insight, and commitment to civic engagement to empower others and drive meaningful change.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tamara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors and leaders who believed in me throughout my career, from my early days in higher education to launching my own consulting firm. Their guidance, combined with a commitment to leadership, purpose, and continuous learning, has enabled me to grow, make an impact, and help others reach their fullest potential.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to “be courageous, be resilient, have faith, and never give up.” That guidance has reminded me that challenges are opportunities, and believing in yourself—even when the path isn’t clear—is the key to growth and success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this field to stand tall in their purpose and follow what I call the four rungs on the ladder of success: Plan purposefully, prepare prayerfully, proceed positively, and pursue persistently. When you live by this mindset, success becomes a journey of growth, grace, and gratitude.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating the transition between sectors and building a business from the ground up, but it also presents the opportunity to create meaningful impact and strong community connections through purposeful relationships and mentorship.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are helping others grow, whether through education, corporate development, or mentoring, and prioritizing family, faith, and leaving a meaningful legacy while supporting women and girls to reach their fullest potential.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Tamara
Inspired to Educate
From South Providence to Educational Leadership: A Journey of Opportunity and Empowerment
As a first-generation college graduate who grew up in a low-income neighborhood in South Providence, RI, I was taught to do more than simply strive and survive—I learned to thrive. Thanks to our resourceful and strict paternal grandmother, we were ethically, morally, and spiritually rich. Our family mantra was always, “Education is the key to success.” As a motivated and high-performing student, I earned scholarships to attend some of the best private, college-preparatory schools. Those experiences prepared me well for Wellesley College and the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
Teachers, civic and spiritual leaders, postsecondary administrators, and professors served as outstanding role models who shaped my values and inspired my path. Their guidance revealed my calling: to become an educator. Early in my college years, I realized that my raison d’être—my reason for being—was and continues to be facilitating access to education, career pathways, and professional growth for the next generation of leaders.
I chose a career as a college and university administrator, instructor, and community relations professional because I am committed to expanding opportunities for others. That commitment ultimately led me to create TSNash Consulting, LLC, where I experience the autonomy, independence, and unique life lessons that come with entrepreneurship. My work brings me profound joy as I help individuals and institutions open doors, build confidence, and pursue their highest potential.
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