Discover how financial education empowers low-income families to build wealth, make informed decisions, and create lasting opportunities for future generations through accessible learning and community support.
Her Story
About Tawanda
Tawanda Williams is an experienced education and student support leader with over 25 years of experience dedicated to improving outcomes for diverse learners, educators, and families. She began her career as a special education teacher, where she developed expertise in supporting students with behavioral challenges, emotional disturbances, learning disabilities, and trauma-related needs. Over the years, she advanced into instructional leadership and administrative roles, including serving as an Assistant Principal, where she focused on school improvement, teacher development, student services, and creating supportive learning environments.
Throughout her career, Tawanda has specialized in trauma-informed practices, behavioral intervention, curriculum development, and instructional leadership. She has led student support initiatives, collaborated with educators and families, facilitated professional development, and implemented individualized strategies to strengthen academic achievement and student well-being. Her passion for education extends beyond the classroom through her commitment to mentoring educators, supporting families, and writing her upcoming book, “10 Things for a Burned-Out Educator to Do in the Moment,” which shares practical strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and maintaining balance in the education profession.
In addition to her work in education, Tawanda is passionate about financial empowerment and helping families build stronger financial futures. As a licensed financial services professional, she provides guidance on life insurance, investments, money management, and wealth-building strategies, with a focus on empowering women and families to take control of their finances. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood from Governors State University and a Master of Education Leadership from the American College of Education. Guided by values of integrity, service, faithfulness, and loyalty, Tawanda continues to inspire others through education, coaching, and community-focused leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tawanda
01What do you attribute your success to?
First and foremost, I owe everything to God. I would not be where I am today without his grace and his mercy. I had a rough start to life was born to abuse the parents so if it wasn’t for this amazing nurse named Betty Williams, taking interest in me and loving on me in the hospital that I was in I wouldn’t be here today. She saw something in an eight month old girl that nobody else saw, and she took me in and she nurtured me and it is because of her that I am the woman that I am today. My previous marriage was not an easy one, but it taught me so much and it grew me in so many ways and so even though you can have a bad experience but . greatness can still emerge. I don’t regret anything in life that I’ve been through the good the bad, the ugly the tragic moments I embrace it all because from each experience, I took something that grew me and made me a better person.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
If you do something, you’re passionate about it will never feel like work
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would definitely tell people to focus on a work-life balance. Find something that you're passionate about, because when you're passionate, it doesn't feel like work. Always have multiple streams of income. Reach back to pull up somebody else. Share your gifts.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In the field of education, the biggest challenge right now is teachers feeling unheard administrator is feeling overwhelmed parents working so many jobs that they can’t even focus on what they need to focus on when it comes to their children so a lot of times parent and teacher collaboration is strained because parents are just trying to do the best that they can and teachers are trying to do the same. In the field of financial services, a lot of people just unprepared because it was something we were never taught in schools, especially in the black and brown communities. We were not taught about financial wealth and being healthy financially as well most families live paycheck to paycheck and most of us are just one paycheck away from being homeless going bankrupt and so the biggest challenge is that is allowing people allowing the financial coaches to actually coach them in their finances so that they can have a better life long-term.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is my number one. I have a heart for service. Being faithful and loyal is everything to me.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Tawanda
Financial Literacy; A Pathway to Stronger Communities
Empowering Communities Through Financial Literacy and Wealth Building Opportunities
For too long, many families in low-income communities have been left out of conversations about building wealth. While people work hard every day to provide for their families, many have never been taught the financial principles that help create long-term security and opportunity.
Financial education is more than learning about money. It is about creating choices. When individuals understand budgeting, emergency savings, life insurance, debt management, retirement planning, and preparing for future educational expenses, they are better equipped to navigate life's unexpected challenges with confidence.
One of the greatest barriers is not a lack of ambition; it is a lack of access to financial education. Schools rarely teach these essential skills, leaving many adults to learn through costly mistakes. By bringing financial education directly into our communities, we can help families make informed decisions that strengthen not only their households but also future generations.
Every family deserves the opportunity to understand how money works and how to build a solid financial foundation. Financial services, when paired with education and integrity, can help close the wealth gap, encourage generational planning, and empower people to dream beyond simply surviving.
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