About the Executive Director

---

Tanyka is US Navy disabled veteran with 30 years of federal service as a Senior Contracts Specialist and she holds a bachelor of science degree  in Business Management. She is also a Mom to her one and only son, a ”Banana” to three of the most beautiful grand babies ever and a Rottie Mom. 

She has always had a dream to "change the way children are regarded from underserved and marginalized communities" and this is how TEP Inc., was born.

Tanyka grew up in the Burke, VA area of Fairfax County, Virginia and graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School. The traditional educational program included English, History, Science, Math, and even Home Economics and Shop back in the day. What she noticed while raising her own child in the ‘90s was how different times were when she was his age. In 2024, it was clear the children were missing out on a lot. Now there is the internet. The focus is on phones, all kinds of electronics and no real outdoor play, breeding less social interaction, more bullying and more alone time. We believe we must meet them where they are to gain their interest. 

The Empowerment Project has been in the works in Tanyka’s mind for many years but she is convinced that now is the time! It is important to educate and advocate for children from underserved and marginalized communities. We need to teach children all they will need to know so they may create the life they want for themselves in their future. And so it is. 

The Empowerment Project Inc., An Educational Movement and A Social Movement began to make plans. And we need your help to succeed.