For more than two decades, Dr. Tamara has served as a senior leader, practitioner and trusted advisor across higher education, community mental health, youth development, and faith-based sectors. These experiences have shaped her deep understanding of the systems and relationships that influence youth and young adult development, institutional leadership and whole person well-being.

She is the founder of Sunrize Motivation, Training and Consulting Inc, a coaching, speaking and consultative practice dedicated to strengthening leadership capacity, cultivating emotionally and socially healthy cultures, and bridging relational divides. Her work often takes the form of coaching, program design, training and partnership with individuals, families and agencies that serve youth and young adults.

Grounded in an unapologetically human-centered approach, Dr. Tamara is committed to elevating lived experience, particularly within vulnerable and historically marginalized communities, and ensuring that advocacy and programs remain accountable to the people they are designed to serve.

Dr. Tamara earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Government from Georgetown University, followed by a Master’s in Social Work and Master’s in Religious Education from Fordham University. She also completed her PhD from Fordham University where her research intersects womanist theology, youth popular culture, and pedagogical practice. She is also an ordained Baptist minister serving youth and families in Brooklyn, New York. Her leadership portfolio includes prior roles as Professor and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean at New York Theological Seminary, and as Director of the Counseling Services for Eastern District New York (EDNY).

Born in the Caribbean and raised in Brooklyn, Dr. Tamara brings keen cultural fluency and deep community commitment to her practice.Outside of work, she recharges through the arts–especially good music–sports, and quality time with family and friends.