Tia Leathers

Tia Leathers is a passionate community leader, educator, and advocate for family and student empowerment. She was the inaugural director of the Duval County Public Schools Parent Academy, the nation’s 21st largest school district, and co-led the launch of the Parents Who Lead program.Her extensive community involvement includes serving as a co-creation team member of the MyVillage Project, cohost of the Scratchwerk ^EDU podcast, a member of the Board of Library Trustees for the Jacksonville Public Library, and the Alpha Beta Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is the corresponding secretary for the Bold City (FL) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, assistant secretary for the Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP, Charter Member of Top Ladies of Distinction - Duval Chapter, and is the national liaison for the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. Additionally, Tia is a board member for Educating Minorities about Transplants and Teen Leaders of America, as well as an adjunct professor at Edward Waters University. A lifelong learner, Tia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of North Florida, a Master of Business Administration degree, and professional certificates from the University of South Florida, Pennsylvania State University, and Harvard University. She was honored as a 2021 “40 Under 40” recipient by the Jacksonville Business Journal, is a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville’s Class of 2017, and has authored two books.Tia is the mother of one amazing daughter, Taige, who serves as her constant source of motivation and inspiration. Through her consulting business, Tia supports impactful community initiatives, finding joy and purpose in the work she does each day to uplift and strengthen communities.