We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tiffany Wartman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tiffany below.

Tiffany , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic, teaching me the value of having a hustle, no matter the circumstances. Growing up, I was the kid with my heart on my sleeve. Following in my mother’s footsteps, I entered the financial industry, where she paved the way for me by providing the opportunity to work in the family accounting and tax business. I wore many hats, from tax preparer and accountant to marketer, the face of the company, bookkeeper, customer solutions representative, and staff uplifter. Eventually, I became Vice President of the company.

For over 20 years, I grew and worked in the family business before embarking on my own entrepreneurial journey. My mother’s guidance allowed me to start my own company, doing what I love—serving communities. Venturing into Educating Our Community, NFP, in April 2022, we’ve made a substantial impact, organizing over 5 full-day workshops with 350+ participants and 15 panel discussions involving over 500 young adults. As we look ahead to 2024, I am immensely grateful for the foundation my parents provided.

My father, in particular, imparted essential business principles, emphasizing the importance of being steadfast in my ideas and logistics, keeping my word, setting boundaries, and learning to pivot. Their guidance and belief in me have allowed me to give back to my community and youth through my organization. I am committed to building up my community, just as my parents did for me, and I am thankful for the chance they took on me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Educating Our Community, NFP, stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment, dedicating its efforts to enhancing the lives of individuals who may otherwise lack access to essential resources for survival and success. The organization operates with a profound mission: to elevate the quality of life for all, regardless of their circumstances.

Taking a proactive stance against societal hardships, Educating Our Community employs a comprehensive approach to empower underserved communities. The organization is guided by five fundamental pillars, each woven intricately into the fabric of an individual’s life:

1. Mental Health: Recognizing that a healthy psyche is the foundation of personal growth, Educating Our Community nurtures strong minds.

2. Physical Health: Acknowledging the pivotal role of a sound body, the organization empowers individuals to lead healthy lives, viewing physical well-being as a vessel for life’s aspirations.

3. Financial Literacy: With a commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty, Educating Our Community equips people with the knowledge and tools essential for taking control of their financial futures.

4. Creating Generational Wealth: Focusing on long-term success, the organization endeavors to help individuals build lasting prosperity for themselves and their families, thereby contributing to the creation of generational wealth.

5. Redefining Vocational Skills: In the ever-evolving job market, Educating Our Community provides essential skills and training, ensuring that individuals are well-prepared to succeed in their chosen fields.

The organization’s spotlight is on young adults aged 18 to 35, aiming to uplift and empower them by imparting the necessary skills, knowledge, and support needed to overcome life’s challenges and achieve their dreams. Educating Our Community is not merely an advocate for change; it is a catalyst for transformation, striving to create a positive impact that ripples through generations. Through its holistic approach, the organization aspires to build resilient communities where individuals thrive, irrespective of their starting point.

Educating Our Community, NFP, is proud to offer a diverse array of workshops and classes aimed at empowering and uplifting our community. We split each workshop/cohort into age groups so we can speak exactly to the demographic we are serving.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

When it comes to managing a team and maintaining high morale, especially in the startup phase, the key lies in recognizing the significance of your team’s role. It’s crucial to understand that not everyone may share the same level of belief in your vision, and that’s okay. What truly matters is working with individuals whom you trust and who trust you in return.

In the initial stages, having a team comprised of individuals who may not fully grasp your vision but wholeheartedly believe in you is invaluable. Their trust and support become pillars that uphold the execution of your mission. Surrounding yourself with a trustworthy and supportive team, even if they don’t fully comprehend the vision initially, creates a foundation for mutual growth and success. This dynamic fosters a positive and collaborative work environment, contributing significantly to team morale and overall effectiveness.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My partnership with Lisa Ford, Health Equity Officer for Educating Our Community, has been a pivotal force driving the growth of our organization. Beyond her impressive intelligence and accomplishments, what sets Lisa apart is her unwavering belief in my vision of empowering communities. Our paths crossed in Chicago, each hailing from different parts of the city—Lisa from the east side and myself from the south side. This diversity in our upbringing has endowed us with distinct perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of ideas to impact and uplift communities throughout Chicago.

Lisa’s roots trace back to the Southeast side of Chicago, in the South Shore neighborhood. Raised in an environment where her parents emphasized the importance of Social Equity and education in minority communities, Lisa developed a profound passion for implementation, social/health equity, and innovation. Her commitment to addressing health disparities in vulnerable populations earned her recognition as a leader in the field by the State of Illinois. Lisa’s journey in healthcare has been multifaceted, spanning roles as a vision therapist, junior genetic scientist, registered nurse in hospitals, and experience in home health and care management settings.

Our collaboration goes beyond professional synergy; it’s a union of shared values and a collective dedication to making a positive impact. Lisa’s diverse experiences and commitment to equity align seamlessly with our organization’s mission, making her an integral part of our journey toward community empowerment and lasting change.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.educatingourcommunity.com
• Instagram: educatingourcommunity
• Facebook: Educating Our Community