Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammy Washington.
Hi Tammy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in a small town located in Denmark, SC. My family moved to Decatur, GA when I was eight years old. I truly value being raised in the City of Decatur. We received the a small-town feel in a city area. I graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and my MBA with a concentration in public administration from Keller Graduate School. I started my career working with a financial planner during my apprenticeship in high school & college. I consider Gary Martin and his wife Barbara as my family. I still talk with them today, even though they are both retired in Florida. I learned a lot about finance from him. After 9/11, I was having trouble finding employment and I heard about an opening with the City of Decatur. I’ve been with them for 19 years and currently an Operations Analyst. I value working within the city I grew up in and love. I love to display “love” to people. We have people who are not getting this. That “love” can come from a smile, conversation, hug. In December 2007, I gave my life back to the Lord and my life has truly changed for the best. I’m so happy to be a working vessel for Him. I’m a member of New Life In Christ Ministries, which is located in Orangeburg, SC (with a location to come to the metro Atlanta area soon.) I’m able to attend services virtually.
I’m also a member of Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights. I’ve been a member since the start of the organization in 2015. I truly value being a member and serving on the board. Beacon Hill empowers, advocates, educates and organizes people of African descent who have been affected by systemic racism and oppression on issues of equity in education, housing and the legal system in the city of Decatur and surrounding communities. As a member, I serve on the education, criminal justice and most recently the unhoused committees. The unhoused committee has a special place in my heart. I had a family member who was homeless and died in 2021. I was unable to attend his funeral due to an upcoming surgery and having to be quarantined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After his death, my goal has been to help the homeless, especially those located in DeKalb County & City of Decatur. My goal has also been to work with those diagnosed with epilepsy. As one who has been diagnosed, I feel that they should know that they are valued and loved. There is no need to be embarrassed and they should walk with proud & courage. It’s not easy having to take various medications to find the ones right for your condition. Plus, the medication can be expensive.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road and I’m glad. With the road being too smooth, I would not have appreciated the many blessings I’ve received along the way. I’m so happy & value them all. It’s a true blessing to have my mom Joyce, my sister Tracy and my nieces & nephew right here. I thank the Lord for blessing me with my true friends and allowing me to be a member of my uncle’s church, a true man of God. The side effects from the surgery I received in 2021 had me down for almost three months. This allowed me to just spend time with the Lord, leaving other things alone for a while.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work with the city of Decatur as an Operations Analyst. I have been there for over 19 years. My work consists of finance. I work with the Decatur Business Association, Downtown Development Authority plus more. I also have a business called Overcoming the Breakthrough. My business is to offer words of encouragement to those who are going through “life” and to be a listening ear to them. I want to let them know that they can overcome it all, just keep walking – even if the walk hurts.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I feel that education, compassion, communications, integrity, loyalty, honesty, respect, patience, happiness and peace are important to success. All of them are needed in life, whether professional or personal.
