Her Story
About Tanya
Tanya Okonkwo serves as a leader at iCare Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she oversees operations in eye care and focuses on team engagement, culture, vision, brand, coaching, and patient care. She brings nearly two decades of experience from the telecommunications industry, having worked at Verizon for 11 years and AT&T for 7 years, most recently as a retail store manager responsible for four locations in the Charlotte metro area. During her time at AT&T, she graduated from the six-month Management Development Program and was nominated for the market-wide Innovator Award in the Northeast region for innovative virtual consultation ideas implemented during the pandemic. Okonkwo is six classes away from earning her associates and bachelor's degrees in business administration. She also holds a vehicle sales license from prior work at a car dealership. She attributes her success to her faith, family values instilled by her parents, mentors including her best friend April Vanderhorst, and her husband's support. Okonkwo values respect, collaboration, spirituality, relationships, and communication in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tanya
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God first and foremost, my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. My mother and father instilled good values in me that I carry every day. My mentors and my best friend April Vanderhorst have been instrumental - she is a powerhouse who is very educated and spiritual, and we do weekly check-ins and worship together. We've known each other over 25 years. My husband has supported me, encouraged me, and breathed life into me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of my mentors at AT&T taught me that you can have your own authority and it can look the way you want it to look, not like everyone else. He mentored me on holding accountability in my own way with 'kiss with spike lips' - having those tough conversations without being like everyone else. He emphasized leading from the front, never expecting direct reports to do anything I wouldn't do myself, which builds credibility and trust.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect is very important - I want to be respected and give respect, and as a leader I protect my team from disrespect while expecting them to respect others. Collaboration is key - talking about improvements and accountability to get better together. My spirituality is very important, connecting with like-minded people. I value relationships and communication.
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