Staff: Tamika Harris

Tamika Harris joined the Friends of the Bay Area team as a Professional Mentor in March 2024. Known to her students as Ms. Tamika, she started her journey of working with children with special needs in 1998 with the West Contra Costa Unified School District as a one-on-one instructional aide. She completed her Early Childhood Education Certification from Contra Costa College and continued to work for the WCCUSD for over 25 years in the role of a Paraprofessional. Her love for the outdoors led her to the role of Site Coordinator with the Mt Diablo Unified School district and the Albany YMCA where she coordinated summer and afterschool programs for over 500 youth!

Tamika credits her role as a mother to her 2 amazing children to the extensive years of working with students from different backgrounds and cultures. She is driven by the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their own identity through self-confidence.

Her journey in education and working with children has given her a profound understanding of the impact that positive mentorship can have on shaping young minds. Through various roles in mentoring programs, community outreach initiatives, and educational workshops, she has honed her skills in guiding and supporting young people through life's challenges and triumphs. Whether it's providing academic guidance, fostering leadership skills, or simply being a compassionate listener, Tamika is committed to being a steadfast advocate for the youth under her guidance.

Beyond her role as a mentor, her passion for fashion serves as a dynamic tool for connection and empowerment. Holding an Associate of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising from City College of San Francisco, Tamika believes that fashion is more than just clothing – it's a powerful form of self-expression that transcends boundaries and communicates individuality. "I encourage young people to embrace their unique identities and express themselves authentically through their fashion choices."

Tamika incorporates self-care by exercising daily, practicing yoga with her 9-year-old daughter, and thrift shopping all over California.