SITI Girl Atlanta

Tasha Mae, a dedicated Washingtonian, embodies resilience through her 17-year journey in community engagement and volunteerism, fueled by personal encounters with homelessness and underemployment. Raised with conservative values, her upbringing, shaped by her father’s pastoral guidance and her mother’s political candidacy, instilled in her a deep sense of morality and civic duty. Tasha is a renowned figure in the pageant industry, holding titles such as Miss Plus America 2010, Miss American Beauties Plus Elite 2015, and Mrs. Curvé Globe 2020. As the first Black recipient of a Global Beauty Award, she has used her platform to advocate for meaningful change. In 2022, Tasha authored her debut book, chronicling her transformative journey from life’s trials to purposeful living. Currently, she serves as a case manager, supporting individuals in need of employment and housing stability services. Tasha’s upcoming endeavor, Advocacy Queen, aims to empower marginalized individuals, offering them a voice and a path to self-advocacy.

Women’s HERstory Month is a perfect time to honor women doing amazing things in their community. We love to see women being the Voice to the Voiceless and our Next honoree tell you in her own words what that means to her.

Name: Tasha Mae

Family dynamics: I am a devoted mother of three boys, prioritizing their well-being while actively engaging in advocacy work and pursuing my career goals.

Hobbies/Pastime: My interests include pageantry, where my first platform was empowering single parents to transition from welfare to self-sufficiency.  I also enjoy engaging in meaningful conversations about community improvement and indulging in binge-watching Netflix shows set in the gladiator era.

Business/Talent:  Alongside my role with Advocacy Queen, I’ve been dedicated to serving in community-based organizations across Washington state. Through these roles, I’ve provided crucial support to individuals navigating challenging circumstances, utilizing my skills in public speaking, writing, and fostering connections with people.

Where are you from? I am a lifelong resident of Washington state, with roots in Kirkland, Redmond, and Bellevue.

What are you passionate about? What’s the driving force behind it?  My passion lies in advocating for marginalized communities, fulfilling God’s call on my life to stand in the gap for people and carry forward my father’s legacy of ministry and mission to bridge communities together.

What’s your skill set? What sets you apart from others in your field? My skill set encompasses public speaking, writing, and the ability to forge meaningful connections with people. These skills, combined with my personal experiences and dedication to advocacy, set me apart in my field and enable me to effectively champion important causes.

If you could choose any career in the world, would you still choose the career or talent you have? Absolutely!  My journey and experiences have led me to my true calling in advocacy and community service, and I wouldn’t change that for anything.

What would you tell your younger self? I would tell my younger self that you are still valuable in spite of what happened to you as a child, that you are worthy of the best, and don’t let anyone treat you like you’re not. You’re going to be amazing, brilliant, and contrary to the narrative that was told to you, you are beautiful.

Knowing what you know now, would you change anything in your past? Yes, I would. I would have been more adamant about pursuing therapy at a younger age and choosing to be sold out for Jesus, so I could’ve really understood who I was, valued myself, which would have kept me from many of the challenges that I faced.

Who are your role models? My role model is my father. He loved God, loved people, and made a difference everywhere he went.

What would you say to those that are starting out in your field? I would advise them to stay true to their values, remain resilient in the face of adversity, and never underestimate the power of their voice and actions to effect change.

What is your favorite quote? Explain? My favorite quote is actually my own: “It’s never too late to choose you, change your path, and walk in your purpose.” This quote Encapsulates the belief that it’s never too late to make positive changes in your life and pursue your dreams.

If you could leave a lasting impression, what would that look like? I aspire to leave a legacy of compassion, empowerment, and advocacy, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 Years? In 5 years, I see myself remarried and residing in a beautiful country home, where my children, their spouses, and grandchildren can gather. I envision dedicating my time fully to advocacy and running my nonprofit organization without the need for additional employment. In 10 years, I hope to have expanded my advocacy efforts and made a significant impact in bridging communities and supporting marginalized individuals.

What is your vision and purpose? My gift and vision come from God, but my earthly inspiration is my father. He was a beacon of hope and reconciliation, changing lives wherever he went. His love for God and his commitment to helping others profoundly influenced my own journey and aspirations.

Whats your favorite Holiday?  My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because it allows me to reflect on the blessings in my life and spend quality time with my children. I cherish the opportunity to express gratitude and enjoy delicious food together.

If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? If I could be any animal, I would choose to be a lioness. Like the lioness, I strive to embody strength and bravery while maintaining elegance and nurturing qualities. Despite being perceived as strong and resilient, I also possess a passionate and delicate inner nature.

FunFact about you? One fun fact about me is that I was actively involved in my school’s Associated Student Body from elementary through high school. This experience instilled in me a passion for leadership and community involvement, fueling my aspirations to run for political office as a House Representative in the future.