Hailing from Lake View, S.C., Tabitha D. James is a trailblazer committed to fostering leadership, service, and inclusive community development.
She is a 2013 graduate of the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business at Coastal Carolina University and 2015 graduate of Florida Atlantic University College of Education.
For the past eight years, she has continued her professional development through workshops, seminars, graduate, and professional level courses. Ms. James is a driving force in community empowerment, business strategy, mentorship, and organizational leadership.
Her influence is exemplified daily through her role as Owner/Lead Strategist for SHEAM Strategic Consulting Group, a boutique business strategy firm serving clients across the nation. Her commitment to social responsibility is further evident through her active leadership across several civic and philanthropic organizations.
She is Executive Director of SHE Is Me Mentoring Program, an active leader in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Communications Co-Chair for the Coastal Carolina Black Alumni Chapter, and board member for the following organizations: Friends of the Florence Library, Pee Dee Regional Workforce, Dillon County First Steps, the Union AME Church Learning Center and Rural Area Leadership Dillon County. Guided by the principle that “A true leader not only leads others but advises and builds them to become leaders as well,” Tabitha exemplifies the concept of “selflessness through service” in all facets of her personal and professional life.
Her steadfast dedication to community, mentorship, and leadership development marks her as a beacon of inspiration and positive change.
Tabitha makes a difference “simply by being who I am, “ she says. “Leading by example through ambition, perseverance, and service. I dedicate my time, talents, and resources to uplift others, with a special focus on high-achieving Black teens from the South and Black female entrepreneurs. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or direct support, my goal is to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.”
What inspired Tabitha to make a difference? “My inspiration to make a difference comes from my parents, family, and church community. Growing up, I watched my grandmother, grandfather, mother, and other relatives serve in various capacities, making service feel like the norm rather than the exception, “ Tabitha said. “ My mother, in particular, set a powerful example, whether supporting people’s educational and professional journeys, volunteering at Union AME Church, assisting at the Learning Experience Center, or giving back to her alma mater. When she couldn’t go, she gave. When she couldn’t go or give, she prayed, and I’ll never forget that. She even provided transportation for those who had no other way to get to medical appointments, saving them from outrageous costs. Seeing service modeled so naturally instilled in me the belief that making a difference is both a responsibility and a privilege. I started serving at a young age and have remained dedicated to being a living testament that anything is possible,” she said.
“Additionally, I am the product of people who went the extra mile. A village of selfless individuals has poured into me spiritually, mentally, financially, personally, and professionally. Their unwavering support has shaped me into the woman I am today. I could never truly ‘pay them back,’ but I honor their investment in me by paying it forward, “ Tabitha said.
Her advice to others who want to make an impact in the community is “Find your lane and fall in love with it. Too often, I see people either do nothing and complain about everything or try to be everything to everyone, resulting in very little impact. True change comes from aligning your service with your skills and passions. Focus on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than stretching yourself thin. When you move with intention and purpose, your impact will speak for itself.”
BLACK HISTORY MONTH TRAILBLAZER: Tabitha James–A Living Testament That Anything Is Possible
