Rooted in Liberty City.
Committed to its future.

Growing up in Liberty City during the 1970s and 1980s, Tanya understood firsthand the sacrifices a parent makes to provide for a child. Her mother worked hard to support their family in a one-bedroom apartment. Through determination and a commitment to academics, Tanya graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School and went on to graduate from Bethune-Cookman. Her achievements later earned recognition in Northwestern’s Alumni Hall of Fame.

But her story is not simply about overcoming difficult circumstances. It is about helping other children find opportunities of their own.

The beginnings of her after-school work were deeply personal. While serving through her church in Liberty City, Tanya learned of a young girl who had been killed while playing on her porch, waiting for her parent to return home from work. Tanya responded by opening the church to neighborhood children who needed care until their parents returned from work, paying for their snacks and drinks herself.

With a social worker’s help, she took the steps to become certified and formally establish the program. What began as an immediate act of care became a lasting commitment to children and working families.

Her commitment to the community’s children spans generations. For more than three decades, Tanya has led Camp Kanya, helping young people develop their talents and confidence. Today, many of the children she mentors are the daughters of women who attended her camp years earlier. Those continuing relationships reflect not only the length of her service, but the trust families have placed in her across generations.

Since 2019, Tanya has also donated her time to lead and coach the Miami Northwestern Senior High School majorettes, giving back to her own alma mater. A certified Florida Bandmasters Association adjudicator, she brings her experience in performance and mentorship to helping young people grow in skill, discipline and self-belief.

Tanya also brings a substantial record of public service to her work. During 13 years as a Special Agent with the Miami-Dade Office of the Inspector General, she investigated fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, helping protect public resources. Her ministry has included serving as executive pastor of New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. She also serves as Chaplain of the Broward County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and chairs its Chaplain’s Circle.

Today, The Dream Center carries her commitment forward as part of The National Auxiliary Association, Inc. Her experience as a minister, investigator and youth mentor complements something more personal: an understanding of the community and a determination to help its children prosper.

For Tanya, caring has always meant taking action: opening a door, giving her time, and continuing to show up for the next generation.