Her Story
About Tarena
Tarena Williams is the Chief Executive Officer of the Southeastern Transgender Resource Center (STRC), a community-based nonprofit organization in Norfolk, Virginia, dedicated to connecting transgender and gender-diverse individuals with resources, support, and opportunities. Since founding STRC in 2018, Williams has focused on building partnerships, expanding resource access, and creating community-centered programs that address practical needs. The organization's services include resource navigation, housing assistance, food and clothing support, career and résumé preparation, computer access, wellness resources, community events, and connections to essential services throughout Hampton Roads.
Williams' leadership is strongly shaped by personal experience and a commitment to addressing gaps in services for the transgender community. One of her most notable initiatives is Lamia's House, a safe-housing effort created to support transgender individuals experiencing homelessness and those navigating gender transition and related medical procedures. She also leads educational and empowerment initiatives, including the Shelby Lexus Scholarship, which supports transgender individuals pursuing further education. Through STRC's broader programming, Williams has also developed initiatives involving youth mentoring, HIV testing and health-resource connections, community outreach, and professional and personal development.
In addition to serving as CEO of STRC, Williams is a board member of Hampton Roads Pride and maintains relationships with organizations including the Nations Foundation, LGBT Life Center, MASS, and A Vision of Hope. She is certified as an HIV tester through the Virginia Department of Health and has completed additional training in harm reduction and related areas. Williams is committed to building partnerships and creating spaces where people feel supported, respected, and connected. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes persistence, resourcefulness, accountability, and a willingness to learn, while her work continues to focus on turning community relationships into meaningful access, opportunity, and support.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tarena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my personal passion, lived experience, commitment to my community, and willingness to learn as I went. When I started this work, I did not have a mission, a name, or a guide for building a nonprofit. I had to research nonprofits myself and figure things out along the way. My commitment to helping people, combined with the support of community members and mentors, has allowed me to continue growing STRC and expanding the resources available to the people we serve.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My first piece of advice is to take the time to honestly determine whether this is the work you truly want to do. Nonprofit and community advocacy work can be stressful and demanding, and you have to be mentally prepared for the responsibility that comes with working with people's lives. You need to be willing to ask questions, learn as you go, accept constructive criticism, and remain committed even when you do not have all the resources you need.
I also encourage young women to be persistent and resourceful. When I started, I did not know anything about running a nonprofit, so I had to research, learn, and find ways to make things work. You have to be willing to say yes to opportunities, find creative solutions, and advocate for yourself and the people you represent. Most importantly, you have to be 100% committed to the work and understand that your role often means being a spokesperson for both yourself and your community.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is meeting the significant needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals with the resources available to us. Housing insecurity, access to essential services, healthcare-related needs, employment support, and other basic needs can require significant community coordination.
At the same time, there are opportunities to build stronger partnerships and expand access to resources. Through STRC, we have been able to bring together community members, organizations, businesses, and supporters to create practical solutions, including housing assistance, educational opportunities, resource navigation, and community programs. The response from the community has demonstrated how much can be accomplished when people come together to support one another.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are commitment, compassion, authenticity, advocacy, and service to others. I believe in creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, respected, and connected. My work is centered on helping people access the resources and opportunities they need to move forward, and I believe that meaningful community impact comes from being willing to show up, build relationships, and remain committed to the people we serve.
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