Today we’d like to introduce you to Tia McCullough.
Hi Tia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My Journey: From Uncertainty to Purpose in Communications and Content Creation
I graduated from Georgia State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, a minor in Sociology, and a concentration in Public Relations. My journey to that milestone wasn’t linear, it was one marked by perseverance, faith, and finding purpose in the midst of challenges.
Growing up, I never really enjoyed the academic side of school, but I thrived socially. I was active in sports and extracurriculars, but college wasn’t a major topic in my household. While some relatives had gone to college, it wasn’t something I was guided toward. When I graduated high school in 2008, I was determined to attend an HBCU, but financial limitations meant I had to choose a school that accepted me quickly and was affordable. That led me to Alabama A&M as a biology major with dreams of becoming an anesthesiologist. However, I soon realized that path wasn’t for me. I struggled, got homesick, and ultimately returned to Atlanta to regroup.
Back home, I retook my prerequisites at Atlanta Metropolitan College, then re-enrolled at Georgia State, this time with a clearer vision. I changed my major to journalism because I was drawn to media, but preferred working behind the scenes. I loved storytelling, networking, and helping others shine. But I still didn’t have the guidance I needed, and without direction, I floundered again and temporarily dropped out.
For a while, I believed maybe school just wasn’t for me. I took jobs in retail, restaurants, and healthcare, trying to find fulfillment, but nothing clicked. I knew deep down I was meant for more, and in 2018, I took a leap of faith and re-enrolled at Georgia State. This time, I stayed focused. I landed internships with respected public relations and media organizations, including iSpeakPR, A. Rye Productions (Angela Rye/CNN), and Impact Strategies, working on campaigns around entertainment, social justice and community empowerment. I graduated in the top 30% of my class, and it was one of the proudest moments of my life.
Since 2021, I’ve been working as a Communications Specialist with the Fulton County Board of Health, where I develop impactful communication strategies and help implement community health initiatives. I’ve also worked with industry leaders like Cox Communications and Cisco Software. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Communications at Wake Forest University (class of 2026) and have earned certifications in digital marketing, project management, and more. My work has been recognized through awards like the President’s List and by leading PR campaigns for events like BET and Essence Fest.
Outside of work, I’ve volunteered with nonprofits such as Hosea Feed the Hungry, Blessings Working Together, and Trees Atlanta. I’m a proud member of PRSSA and volunteered with Georgia chapter of the NAACP. In January 2023, I welcomed my beautiful daughter, Callie, who is now my greatest inspiration. Everything I do is for her future, to give her more than I ever had.
In 2024, I got baptized and re-centered my life on faith. I’ve chosen to stop doom-scrolling and instead use social media intentionally, as a platform to share my values, my story, and my skills. I’m now a UGC (User-Generated Content) and lifestyle content creator, focusing on faith, wellness, everyday living, and single motherhood. I’m passionate about showing up authentically, helping others feel seen, and using my voice and platform to make a difference.
I truly believe this is just the beginning. I’m walking boldly in my purpose, reclaiming everything the enemy tried to steal, and trusting that God’s plan for my life is greater than anything I could’ve imagined. My ultimate career goal is to become a Chief Communications Officer (CCO) or Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), leading bold, transformative strategies that shape how organizations connect with the world. But above all, I’m at peace knowing that even if my path looks different, I’m aligned with whatever purpose God has for me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. But every challenge shaped who I am today.
My journey has been filled with twists, setbacks, and moments where I truly questioned my path. From the start, I lacked guidance when it came to higher education. College wasn’t something I was fully prepared for, emotionally, financially, or strategically. I initially pursued a biology degree with hopes of becoming an anesthesiologist, but I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. I struggled academically and eventually left school due to poor performance and homesickness.
Returning home, I tried to get back on track by retaking courses, but without clear direction, I ended up flunking out again. That period of my life was incredibly difficult. I felt lost, unmotivated, and unsure of where I belonged. I took on various jobs, retail, restaurants, healthcare front desk roles, but none of them fulfilled me. I knew deep down I was capable of more, but I had no blueprint to follow and was just trying to survive.
Eventually, I made the decision to go back to school and finish what I started. It wasn’t easy, but I leaned into my strengths in communication, creativity, and relationship-building. I found internships that aligned with my passion, including working on social justice campaigns with Angela Rye’s team. I pushed through, stayed focused, and graduated in the top 30% of my class at Georgia State in 2020.
Another major challenge has been balancing personal growth with motherhood. I became a mother in 2023, and while it’s been the most beautiful blessing of my life, it’s also added another layer of responsibility and motivation. I want to give my daughter a life full of possibilities and show her what resilience and faith look like in action.
Every obstacle, from academic struggles to career uncertainty, taught me how to fight for myself, trust in God’s timing, and keep going even when the road seemed impossible. These challenges didn’t break me, they built me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’d love to share more about my work, it’s truly a reflection of my passion, purpose, and creativity.
I currently work as a Communications Specialist at the Fulton County Board of Health, where I develop and execute strategic communication plans that inform, engage, and uplift our community. My work spans across public health campaigns, internal communications, digital content strategy, and public relations efforts that support vital health initiatives. I specialize in social media marketing, event planning, community engagement, and content creation, with a strong emphasis on storytelling that resonates.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with respected organizations like Cox Communications, Cisco Software, and Angela Rye’s Impact Strategies, where I helped lead public relations efforts for campaigns tied to social justice and culture, including BET and Essence Fest and global affairs with clients in tech. One of my proudest professional moments was coordinating an innovative spring conference that was permanently adopted at the Fulton County Board of Health, a testament to my ability to create lasting impact through strategic programming and communication.
Outside of my 9-to-5, I’m also a UGC (User-Generated Content) and lifestyle content creator, using my platform to highlight faith, wellness, motherhood, and everyday life. My content is grounded in authenticity, transparency, and intention. In a digital world full of noise, I strive to be a relatable, uplifting voice, especially for other women, mothers, and creatives navigating life with purpose.
What sets me apart is my resilience, empathy, and vision. I didn’t take the traditional path. I had to overcome a lot of doubt, failure, and lack of direction. But that journey made me resourceful, grounded, and deeply passionate about connecting with people through meaningful communication. I’m not just chasing titles, I’m building legacy, cultivating community, and using my gifts to make a difference.
Whether I’m crafting a campaign, leading a workshop, or sharing a faith-based message online, I bring my full self to everything I do. I’m most proud of the fact that I never gave up and that I now get to do work that reflects my heart and values every single day.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Atlanta is truly a city like no other, rich in culture, history, and energy.
What I love most about Atlanta is its resilience and diversity. There’s such a powerful sense of Black excellence, creativity, and entrepreneurship here. Whether it’s the thriving media scene, innovative tech spaces, or the deep-rooted activism, Atlanta is full of people chasing purpose and breaking barriers. I’ve been blessed to grow personally and professionally in this city, and I’ve met some of the most talented and inspiring individuals here. It’s a place where culture meets opportunity and that’s a rare combination.
I also appreciate how deeply connected the city is to civil rights history. You feel the legacy of leaders like Dr. King in the way Atlanta continues to push for social change. And of course the music and community events always keep things vibrant!
What I like least, though, is the lack of accessibility and affordability. The cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years, making it harder for everyday working families to thrive here. Public transportation is another challenge, it’s not as developed or reliable as it could be, which limits mobility for people without cars. I also think there’s still room for improvement in how we support underserved communities, especially when it comes to housing, education, and healthcare access.
Still, Atlanta is home. It’s where I’ve learned, struggled, grown, and found purpose and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiainspired_?igsh=MXFzYmdrMHBtYmw5Yw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AeDySkaei/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/tiamac
- Twitter: https://www.threads.net/@tiainspired_
