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Tamara Dawson
Director of Programs at The Campaign Against Hunger
Professional Background
Tamara Dawson is a highly accomplished professional in the marketing and nonprofit sectors, with over 16 years of experience dedicated to minimizing food insecurity and enhancing emergency feeding programs. Starting her career in marketing at a young age, she worked with leading corporations like Citigate Global Intelligence and Westfield Corp. Ms. Dawson's early exposure to managing corporate events, direct mail campaigns, trade shows, and graphic development laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors.
Beyond her corporate experience, Ms. Dawson's passion has always been rooted in social service, particularly in the nonprofit sector. She has transitioned from a volunteer to a critical leadership role, guiding one of New York City’s most impactful anti-hunger organizations, The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH). As the Director of Programs, she collaborates closely with the Executive Director and Founder, effectuating innovative projects and programs to address food insecurity effectively. Her journey within TCAH, from program assistant to director, exemplifies her commitment to serving the community and evolving as an expert in her field.
Education and Achievements
Ms. Dawson's educational background is impressive, complementing her extensive professional experience. She studied for a Master of Theology at the International Theological Seminary of California, adding to her understanding of spirituality and social responsibility. Furthermore, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Berkeley College of Business, where she maintained an academic standing of 3.5.
Through her progressive journey, Ms. Dawson has made significant contributions to the nonprofit space. She has served three terms as Co-Chair of the Bedford Stuyvesant Community Partnership Program and is an influential member of the Administration for Children Services (ACS). Recently, she accepted the role of Vice President of Programs for the Roosevelt Parent-Teacher-Student Association, where she continues to advocate for initiatives benefiting children and families in her community. Ms. Dawson’s leadership qualities were also recognized when the New York State Assembly 43rd District cited her for mobilizing resources to help hard-hit New Yorkers during the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2021.
Notable Achievements and Contributions
Ms. Dawson's passion for community service and exceptional leadership skills have propelled her to become a mentor for other executive directors of emergency feeding programs, offering invaluable advice and support to peers in her field. Her extensive knowledge spans Programmatic Development, Operations, Negotiation, and Conflict Resolution. She thrives in team-oriented environments and demonstrates a results-driven approach to achieving meaningful outcomes.
Apart from her role at TCAH, Ms. Dawson has served as a fiduciary member of the Food Bank NYC Junior Board of Directors for four years, guiding the organization toward a sustainable and impactful future. Currently, she is a member of the Launch Floyd Bennett Field Community Advisory Committee, where she leverages her expertise to create New York City’s first state-of-the-art campus focused on a farm-to-school model of sustainability. Additionally, she completed the American Express Leadership Academy and the CRE Innovation Bootcamp, underscoring her commitment to continuous professional development and innovative problem-solving in the nonprofit sector.
Conclusion
Tamara Dawson’s multifaceted career illustrates her dedication to combating food insecurity and fostering community resilience. Her combination of corporate marketing experience and expertise in nonprofit leadership uniquely positions her to make significant contributions to social equity initiatives. As she continues to drive impactful solutions and inspire others, Ms. Dawson exemplifies the spirit of service and leadership that is vital to the nonprofit landscape.