Tanya Watkins is a visionary leader, community advocate, and the passionate Founder and Executive Director of Why We Care NFP. Tanya brings years of experience in nonprofit leadership, grant management, and small business consulting.  Under her leadership, Why We Care NFP launched the impactful Women Evolve Cohorts and the annual Christmas in July Health & Resource Festival. With a deep commitment to equity, justice, and empowerment, Tanya has built Why We Care into a trusted community anchor, providing critical resources and support to underserved populations across Chicago.

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Throughout her career, Tanya has centered her values of amplifying marginalized voices, fostering community healing, and building sustainable systems that create long-term impact. As Director of Student Development Projects at Olive-Harvey College, she has overseen more than $9 million in grant funding, using those resources to drive workforce development initiatives and expand educational access for marginalized communities. Tanya’s consulting firm, WWC Inc., is dedicated to equipping small business owners from underserved backgrounds with the tools and strategies they need to build sustainable businesses and create generational wealth. Currently pursuing her MBA, Tanya brings a unique blend of academic excellence with lived experience to drive meaningful change.

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Tanya’s leadership is rooted in a heartfelt dedication to family and community. She is a mother of two as well as a member of Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative, Cohort VII. Her journey reflects a lifelong commitment to serving others and transforming lives through action, advocacy, and love.