DBT40 Honoree: Tamara Brown of TNTP

Photo by Luigi Ciuffetelli

AGE: 34
TITLE: Project Director
COMPANY: TNTP
CITY: Wilmington

What the nominator said: “Tamara Brown is a vibrant, results-driven “changemaker” with an 11-year progressive and distinguished career in nonprofit leadership, education and philanthropy. She is an engaged resident of the city of Wilmington and has successfully won two consecutive multi-year federal grants that annually award teachers $4 million in education scholarships.”

Social media platform you can’t live without: Facebook. I’ve been on it since its inception in 2004.

Your biggest break: Before pursuing a graduate certificate program in philanthropic leadership, I needed to find a job. I interviewed for an administrative position at one of the largest education-based foundations, but was “over-qualified.” Three days later, they offered me a position created especially for me that paid better and was in my field of study.

Best career advice you ever got: Leave every position on a high-note and maintain a strong relationship with all of your managers, even after you’ve departed from their leadership.

Two words that best describe you: Genuine and resilient.

Work/life balance technique you recommend: Discover what makes you happy outside of work and schedule time weekly to “cultivate your happy.” You’ll find work and life demands to be more manageable when you’re simultaneously doing something you love.

If you were in charge of Delaware: I want to make Wilmington in particular a place where both native Delawareans and transplants can thrive. I would provide more recreational opportunities for youth and families, work with officials and community leaders to reduce crime, and promote events, activities and opportunities that keep citizens engaged.

In one sentence, define “success.” Success feels like that moment when all facets of your life are working together harmoniously. It’s when you stop and think to yourself, “I’ve got this. My life is in order.”