This week we catch up with our Tarrant Influencer, Tamara Albury.

How old are you? 40

What is your Linkedin address? Tamara Albury

What is your profession?  I am the Principal at Ft. Worth ISD’s Young Women’s Leadership Academy.

How long have you been connected to Tarrant County?

I moved to Tarrant County in 2002, I am originally from Schenectady, New York. I am the second class of Schenectady High School, a school that was created to address the educational inequalities in my hometown.

I wanted to level the education playing field.  From the Mississippi Delta to Wall Street, I wanted to help end oppression and racism.  And, that is how my passion for education was born.  I was a Sociology/Africana Studies Major with a minor in Russian Language and have seen personally how oppression and lack of education has impacted women in East Africa, Brazil and in rural America.

I moved to Mississippi to attend Ole Miss Univeristy for graduate school and began my career in Tunica, Mississippi.  Tunica, which was the poorest county in the country at one point, is referenced in Jonathan Kozol's, Savage Inequalities which is about the racial inequities in education.

In high school, I was a cheerleader, Homecoming Queen, student government president, Sunday School secretary, and member of the Black Student Union. I was chosen as to receive the Mayor’s Outstanding Youth Award and received a Key to the City, for my community service involvement in high school.

Please give a brief overview of what it is you do in your work?

I have been in my current position for 2 years.  In my work, I am an instructional leader. I provide the vision and framework for the school. I ensure that students receive a quality education and I ensure the needs of all stakeholders are met.

How is your organization making Tarrant County Better?

Young Women’s Leadership ensure that girls from all areas of Fort Worth have the preparation and support needed to go to college. Through rigorous academic curriculum, a supportive environment, and private-public partnerships students receive opportunities that transcend the classroom.  And, not only hone their academic skills, but also the soft skills needed to be successful in college, their career, and in community leadership.

What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your work?  Not so much the goals that are in your job description, but the goals you hold personally?

I want all of my students to be prepared effectively for success at Tier One college institutions.

Who were your childhood heroes?

Audrey Hepburn and my mother.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life?  Discuss them briefly.

Yes. I did have many mentors. In your career, it is always important to note who is where you want to be and who can grow you with the skills needed to be successful. Mentors can come in any form, it is important to have many and to never lose a growth mindset.

What do you see on the horizon in your profession?

All my students at some point will be prepared for Tier One institutions, and YWLA will be listed as one of the top schools in the country, on the U.S News and World Report list.

In your leadership position, what decisions do you find the most difficult to make? 

Those that are not student focused or in the best interest of what is best for kids.

How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?

I make sure that I review all pertinent information.

What's the one thing about you few people know about you?

I am first generation American born and my mom was blind.

If they made a movie of your life story... would it sell?

Definitely, it would be Oscar worthy.

What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs either personally or professionally?

A zip code does not dictate your destiny or potential, but your starting point. Growth is something that should be sought and relished. Every interaction in life is something that one can learn and grow from, and enhance their life in every facet.

As a busy professional, how do you unwind?

I get massages and reflect.

What do you think other people should know about Young Women’s Leadership Academy?

YWLA meets the needs of students from every corner of Fort Worth, socially, economically and culturally. We are a Title I school, with the goal of sending all of our students to college.

What is some advice you have for others who want to make Tarrant County Better?

It is important to build the leadership capacity of not just adults, but children as well. Empowerment can and should occur at all levels of society.

Tarrant Influencer is a space where we spotlight individuals in the community that are making contributions that are note-worthy.  If you know someone who is deserving, please email us at info@BetterTarrant.com.