Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Smith
Hi Tamara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a diverse community in Florida. My greatest memories from my childhood were long, sunny days riding bikes for hours with my sister in our neighborhood with our friends. That bubble seemed to pop when we moved to a suburb in Marietta, Georgia. From that point forward, it was like my eyes were opened to all the ways I was different, and all the ways I was expected to be different. As a dark-skinned Black girl, I quickly learned that because I was articulate and smart, I was an anomaly— both to my white AND black peers. As I grew up, I often found myself struggling between two worlds that didn’t seem to mix. In retrospect, though, I recognize that the blessing in this is that I grew up with a hyper-awareness that thrust me into a lifetime of curiosity about belonging, quality of life and equity. After college, I began a career in corporate health, where the sickest employees I worked with were primarily racial minorities who also had significant social needs. It was eye opening to say the least. I didn’t have all of the language back then, but I knew from that point forward that my goal was to focus my career on creating bridges and pathways to help ALL people— regardless of race, social class, physical ability, etc.— to be able attain their highest level of health possible. For over 20 years now, I have worked in Fitness, in the Arts, as an executive in large healthcare systems, and health insurance. I’ve been able to lead programs and launch new ways to engage and support people in improving their health. However, the need is so great. I still had such a deep desire to have more of an impact. So in 2023, I launched two major endeavors: 1) I started a Doctorate program in Public Health at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. I want to continue working toward transforming the US healthcare system into one where all individuals are treated fairly and able to experience their best possible health at much lower costs. My research is only further deepening my commitment and determination to this cause. In addition to this, 2) I launched my passion project: Our Journey to Equity (OJTE). OJTE is a platform where I explore the journeys of different individuals & healthcare professionals on their own journeys to creating an equitable healthcare ecosystem where all individuals can thrive. There are so many inspirational stories that are not told, and yet they are so important to helping build empathy and awareness. I have found that by sharing others’ journeys, I’ve been able to build a community where people can find inspiration, resources and support on their own journeys. It’s also been a creative space where I can write and share some of my thoughts on related topics. As we go into 2025, I am so blessed to be able to launch Season 3 of OJTE. I believe that the best is yet to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
On OJTE, I always ask my guests about their struggles because, as I love to say, “every journey comes with its unexpected twists and turns.” I actually believe that the bumps we experience along the road propel us more towards where we are meant to be, rather than what we may have originally thought. For me, so many of my challenges have been rooted in the struggles I’ve experienced while navigating between two worlds— both in a professional and personal sense. Professionally, being a Black woman and leader in the corporate environment certainly comes with its unique challenges (cue: imposter syndrome, being judged when I walk into a room, etc). And personally, feeling caught between two worlds for much of my life came with the struggle of seeking belonging, which means I’ve had to navigate my own share of decisions, habits and people that are unhealthy, and even toxic for me. Along my journey, I have found 3 things that have helped me heal and rise above it all— Prayer, Therapy and Running.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I consider myself to be a transformation leader. Meaning, I am a visionary that loves to motivate and inspire others around me by creating a shared vision that everyone feels they can rally around to create change. This is evidenced by the fact that one of the most unique things about my career is that for the past 20 years, every role that I have been in (except for 1) has been a new role that I created and pitched to influence change. And the one role that wasn’t created was a role that was filling that was meant to help maintain the status quo. I left that role after a short 10 months to lead a transformational health equity strategy in a national organization. I thrive on building teams to address complex challenges. I am incredibly purpose driven and love to inspire others to partner with me in creating meaningful change.
How do you think about happiness?
Creativity makes me happy. And I mean anything from watching my kids play with their imaginations, to art, to food, to clothes, to creative PowerPoint presentations. It all brings me a ton of joy and happiness. There’s something to be said about the creative space where something beautiful manifests out of seemingly nothing. In whatever shape form or fashion it comes in, it’s a reminder to me of our innate connection to God and the Divine within us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ourjourneytoequity.com
- Instagram: @ourjourneytoequity
- Facebook: @ourjourneytoequity
- LinkedIn: https://Linkedin.com/in/tamara-smith-ojte/
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@OurJourneytoEquity
