Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tamyra LaFrance. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tamyra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I am a Black/African American woman and currently a Doctoral Candidate (or ABD, All But Dissertation) at Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Denton, TX, pursuing my PhD in Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS). TWU has traditionally been known as a Primary White Institute (PWI), and though recent Enrollment Reports may dispute that, looking around my classes for faces that look like mine and seeing few to none was a reminder that I was on an exclusive journey at a PWI. Now, my institution is exceptional for many reasons, but what sets TWU apart is that it is the nation’s largest woman-focused university, and I absolutely love that. But when you are pursuing a terminal degree, you need a tribe; BETTER YET, you need YOUR tribe, as this is NOT a journey you want to take alone. No discredit to those whom I’ve encountered, connected to, and tried to build with along the way, but finding my tribe would be more difficult than I thought. In undergrad, you usually build your support system, your tribe, by gravitating towards those whom you see often, which is more than likely your peers whom you have the most classes with, but when it comes to grad school, more specifically when it comes to pursuing a doctorate, it is a lot different. Your support system, your tribe, needs to include those who will be able to carry you, those who will become the expert when the textbook doesn’t have the answer. And to start, for ME, that would be other Black women on the journey to the PhinisheD Line. BUT, what happens when it is just not sticking, when the vibes aren’t vibing, when it seems as though you CANNOT get a seat at the RIGHT table? YOU BUILD A HOUSE with several tables, invite others in, and for those who stay, you give them their own table, and together you move forward in collaboration, but it would take more than a year into my program before I could start filling up the house and distributing tables. I am one who’s passionate about curating safe spaces for women to build authentic and lasting connections, especially for those who seem to be forgotten and left out. I am passionate about women’s empowerment, helping people to find their voice in the best way that suits them. I want EVERYBODY to WIN! The most meaningful project I’ve worked on didn’t even start as a project; it began as my attempt to connect to someone in my program/department who knew more than I. I was in UNFAMILIAR territory because at the start of my doctoral journey, I was coming from a world of finance, working almost 12 years for a financial institution, holding an MBA degree for almost 5 years, and running a Custom Apparel business for almost 4 years. I NEEDED HELP!!! And though my Bachelor’s Degree is in Human Services Management, a field related to HDFS, the most I had done that would come close to operating in this area was volunteering as a Vacation Bible School Teacher and working as a Site Director and an After-School/Summer Childcare Counselor for the YMCA. With that being said, the most meaningful project I’ve worked on is the Evolving Project that currently sits before me, affectionately known by two names, PhD Sistas and Black Educated Sistas. It started around Fall 2022/Spring 2023 when I started connecting with other Black Women. First, it was Felisha and Pat, next IJ, but then my attempt at connecting with others would evolve and elevate into a project when Felisha and I decided to start pulling the Black women we were each connected to together to form one large group. It would be this group that would become my much-needed tribe, and not just for support on my doctoral journey, but also on my health journey, because 1 year into my program, I would be diagnosed with Stage 4 Gastric/Stomach Cancer. Having a sisterhood that I could call on for help with assignments and prayer is very meaningful to me. I am excited for what’s to come amongst our Collective of now 18 Black women, most of whom are pursuing PhDs, as we reach out to continue to add more Black Women on their graduate educational journeys, but my will and desire to build community didn’t start and will not stop here, as building community amongst women is my passion.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I became what I needed. Whether it’s providing exceptional customer service as a black entrepreneur and creative or motivating other women to become the best version of themselves. What sets me apart is my willingness to go above and beyond to make others feel valued and heard. I am a visionary who likes to collaborate, and when collaboration isn’t possible, I still like to show up to fill in the gap by helping others brush up on areas of their business and lives that others may be too afraid to speak on. I am the woman who would walk up to many strangers with compliments in hopes of adding positive vibes to their day. I turn messy ideas into movements, and in all that I do, I lead with love and I create with purpose.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes! I just want to be on the right side of things by helping to create a world where people are empowered to live intentionally, prepare courageously, love deeply, and leave meaningful legacies for future generations.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As previously mentioned, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Gastric Stomach Cancer at age 39. Through it all, I’ve never stopped being a student, caregiver, or champion for my tribe. If dealing with my diagnosis wasn’t enough, I was laid off from my full-time place of employment, where I worked for over 16 years. To date, I am doing the work for the unknown next steps surrounding income and medical insurance. As I continue to build my brand, my businesses, or should I say my social impact ecosystem, I’m actively going through maintenance chemo, which consists of oral pills and infusions every 2 weeks. I’m still a mother and caregiver to myself, partially my mother, and a student, but in it all, I continue to trust God’s plan. I am still standing, and as long as I am still standing, I will continue to move.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @lafranceandco

Image Credits

Amari LaFrance