We had the good fortune of connecting with Tammy Wilkerson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tammy, what are you inspired by?
By offering an environment that is trustworthy, and watching young people enjoy and be comfortable in their own uniqueness, while growing & developing into the best versions of themselves.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m employed with the City of Douglas as HR Director. I have been with the City of Douglas for 22 years. I started out working in Utility Billing Department in the Customer Service Department. I saw the opportunity to climb the career ladder, so when an opening postion became available in the HR Department as Administrator Assistant, I applied and landed the position. I served in this capacity for 12 years. While serving I recognized my love for helping & interacting with the employees . What I didn’t realized at the time was that this position was prepping and preparing me for my now found purpose in life of mentoring. However, what I did realized was that my boss would retire one day , and I need to put myself in a good position to be able to be her successor when she retired. Therefore, I enrolled in college and started my journey of higher education, and earned my Associate’s Degree in Business Management. Then I continued with earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management with honors. Since then I completed and earned my Advanced Certification through training with The University of Georgia Carl Vinson Insitute of Government where I serve as a member of Georgia Local Government Personnel Association (GLGPA).Through perseverance, many sleepness nights, essays, assignments, stress of navigating work & life balances, and of course, encouragements, and let’s not forget the grace of God, ” I made it”! You talk about a sense of accomplishment, whew, I can’t describe what an amazing feeling I felt. You see, I was always my worst critic . I would often cut myself short with lack of self confidence, and many years ago I never could imagine I would be where I am today in my career. I’m so thankful for great leaders in my workplace that believed in me and saw greatest even when my vision was blurry , and I couldn’t see it in myself. I’m so thankful that my work leaders invested time and resources to help me to flourish and grow into the leader that I am today. In 2018 my boss retired , and I’m proud to say I became HR Director for the City of Douglas through present. This career path has taught me patience, attitude adjustments, personal growth, gifts of help, how to encourage others, how to listen, how to help others to navigate though difficult situations, how to be a motivator, how to meditate, to name a few. Again all which prepared me to step into the role of mentorship.After years not knowing what imy life purpose was I.m so thankful to God for revealing to me to create a platform to help inspire young ladies to unlock those precious gems that they possess that lies within themselves. As I move forward God leads and guides me every step of the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Elliano’s & Starbuck’s, walks in the park, spa , community events.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout first to my phenomenal husband Carl & beautiful daughters Michaela & Nia for allowing me the space , and time to discover the gems that I possess without judgement of all my flaws. To my Pastor -Twanna Wilcox for her years of praying and pouring into me & her husband Anthony Wilcox for allowing God to use his voice to resonate , and awaken something in me that made me realize my purpose in life. To my amazing support team, for encouragement, fresh ideas, and being by my side. To my GEMS mentees for trusting , and believing in me, to pour into them. Lastly, to all my financial sponsors for helping to relieve my pocketbook and any financial lack, by providing the finances for me carry out my vision through engaging events. Thank you all to infinity!

Facebook: Tammy Brinson Wilkerson & GEMS Mentoring Program

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