Shonna Tillman

Dr. Shonna Tillman is a public policy scholar, community organizer, and advocate for equity whose work bridges academia and grassroots action. She earned her Ph.D. in Public Policy & Administration from Mississippi State University, where her research focused on the political leadership of Black women and the power of collectivism in driving community change. Shonna is also the founder of Operation #iAM, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and empowering youth across Mississippi. A dynamic speaker and educator, she has delivered talks and trainings across the country, including her TEDx Talk, Why Grassroots Matters. Her work reflects a deep commitment to building inclusive pathways to leadership, breaking down systemic barriers, and inspiring the next generation to dream boldly and act courageously.

I’m passionate about creating pathways for community empowerment through grassroots organizing, collective leadership, and healing-centered spaces. I believe that when Black women lead, they open doors for communities to be more engaged, more equitable, and more resilient.

When Black women step into leadership, they carry more than their own ambitions; they bring their communities with them. Through grassroots organizing, collective power, and healing-centered spaces, they show that representation is not just about being seen, it’s about creating real change. When Black women win, neighborhoods become stronger, more engaged, and more equitable.

I grew up in Mississippi, where I saw firsthand how communities often carried both resilience and struggle. What I noticed early on was that when Black women stepped into leadership, entire neighborhoods shifted they became stronger, more connected, and more hopeful. That experience fueled my passion to research, teach, and organize around the idea that representation is not just symbolic it is transformational. My work has taken me into classrooms, grassroots movements, and community spaces where I’ve learned that leadership is not about one person at the top but about collective empowerment. Through my research and advocacy, I’ve seen how healing, organizing, and policy come together to open doors for communities that have been historically overlooked. My TED story is about showing that when Black women lead, communities thrive and that empowering them is one of the most powerful ways to build equity, justice, and opportunity for everyone.

People don’t know I’m good at transforming challenges into opportunities for connection. Whether it’s through grassroots organizing, teaching, or mentoring, I have a way of helping people recognize their power and use it to build stronger communities.