The former Executive Director of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women in Afghanistan and Chair of Entrepreneurship and Assistant Professor of Small and Medium Enterprises at the American University of Nigeria, Tamara is an internationally recognized pioneer in enterprise development. She has led enterprise development initiatives in nations such as Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bosnia, Kenya, Croatia, Uganda, India, Myanmar, Liberia, and Rwanda.In her spirit of ‘giving back’ Tamara founded a critical mentorship program for Nigeria’s Chibok girls. Tapping into her passion for women’s causes, Tamara has developed the framework needed to support these women as they reorient themselves and navigate PTSD. Many of these women are now enrolled in universities in their homeland and abroad. As well, Tamara is lauded internationally as the founder of Afghanistan’s first-of-kind mentoring program for women entrepreneurs as well as the male support group for Afghan women in business. She has succeeded in establishing and edifying a robust support network for sustainable women-owned businesses, and many of her graduates have gone on to exceptional successes including participation in Barack Obama’s Entrepreneurship Summit and the Clinton Global Initiative, as well as recognition with Global Leadership Awards, Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women, and Time Magazine’s Most Influential People. For her work with women and enterprise development, Tamara received the Woman of Excellence Award for her home province of Nova Scotia, Canada, and commendation for her leadership in establishing the mentoring program for Nigeria’s Chibok girls.

With a formidable background of experience including laying the groundwork for Saudi Arabia’s first university for women and the first entrepreneurship studies program for women in post conflict Rwanda and Afghanistan, as well as conflict-ridden Northeastern Nigeria, Tamara is well-prepared to begin tearing down the significant barriers impeding the economic advancement of young people. She embodies both the executive operational leadership qualities and fundamental teaching and instruction expertise to begin making meaningful changes while navigating cultural and social challenges. A proactive team builder, principled leader, and exceptional motivator, she is a superlative professional for senior academic leadership and instructional roles.

Credentials

• Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University
• Masters in Human & Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University
• Executive Director of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women and the American University of Afghanistan Consultant for the Women in the Economy at Flag International
• Certificate in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University
• Former Chair of Entrepreneurship, School of Business and Entrepreneurship, American University of Nigeria