Her Story
About Tiffany
Tiffany Howard is a public service leader and youth development strategist with more than 16 years of experience in the juvenile justice field. She currently serves as Prevention and Intervention Director and Career Readiness Programs at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, where she provides statewide leadership for initiatives designed to prevent youth involvement in the justice system and create pathways toward positive development and workforce readiness. Her career began as a probation officer in Bell County, Texas, and she later advanced through roles including intake supervisor, probation supervisor, prevention and intervention coordinator, and interstate compact coordinator before assuming her current leadership position in 2021.
In her current role, Howard oversees prevention coordinators across South Carolina and leads programs focused on youth development, violence prevention, career readiness, and trauma-informed support. Her work includes managing partnerships, contracts, and strategic initiatives while connecting young people and families with resources and opportunities that can positively influence their futures. She also oversees career readiness efforts that provide youth with practical certifications and workforce preparation and works with the University of South Carolina through the Handle With Care initiative to support young people who have experienced trauma. Beyond government agencies, Howard collaborates with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations, including 38 nonprofit after-school centers that provide safe spaces and life-skills programming for youth.
A passionate advocate for mentorship, collaboration, and servant leadership, Howard is committed to investing in the next generation and strengthening the communities she serves. She has helped organize community-focused initiatives such as Peace Up Guns Down and Jump Shots for Justice and has been recognized for her contributions to community service, including the Black History Honoree Award for Community Service from Richland County School District and the Deputy Rhonda E. Holman Award. Howard earned her Bachelor of Social Work from South Carolina State University and holds master's degrees in Public Administration and Human Resources Management. Through her leadership, public speaking, partnerships, and commitment to prevention, she continues to create meaningful opportunities that empower youth, develop future leaders, and inspire positive change across South Carolina.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tiffany
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the values my parents instilled in me. My father, who served in the Army, taught me the importance of structure, discipline, and organization, while my mother, a teacher for 47 years, showed me the value of education and continuous learning. Above all, they taught me to lead with compassion, empathy, and respect for others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to never stop fighting for what I believe in. My passion and love for these kids keep me motivated, and I always remind myself of the purpose behind what I do.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering juvenile justice not to be discouraged by the perception that it is a male-dominated industry. Women have an important place and a powerful voice in this field. Believe in yourself, stay determined, and know that you can succeed and make a meaningful difference.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in juvenile justice is staff turnover, along with navigating politics and the unique challenges of being an African-American woman in the system. At the same time, there are valuable opportunities, such as internship programs that allow young professionals to gain hands-on experience across multiple areas of juvenile justice.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are honesty, transparency, and strong relationships. I want my team to respect me as a leader while also knowing that I genuinely value and appreciate them. I believe in being straightforward and honest, but always delivering the truth with care, compassion, and love.
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