LaTonya Tate
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, AL USA
"Whimpering won’t get you anywhere. You can’t whimper and think you’re going to get results."
Career Roadmap
LaTonya's work combines: Politics, Government, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
When I decided to run for city council, people would say, "Where did she come from?" I'd respond that I've been here all along—you just don't know me yet. They'd say, "Nobody knows her!" I'd respond, "But you will!" Hard work and grassroots organizing got me elected to city council. I encourage everyone to mark out your journey, make vision boards, and go for it! Those who are closest to the issues we're trying to change are the experts, so I know I belong in the role and can make a difference.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Associate's Degree
Licensed Practical Nurse
Bevill State Community College
Bachelor's Degree
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
University of Phoenix
Graduate Degree
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
University of Phoenix
Graduate Degree
Public Administration
Grand Canyon University
Life & Career Milestones
1.
I grew up in North Birmingham, Alabama.
2.
After high school, I went to community college, became a licensed practical nurse, and worked in healthcare for over 15 years.
3.
When my son got into trouble and was incarcerated at 19 years old, I had no knowledge of the system in order to help.
4.
I decided to get into law enforcement and spent nearly 10 years as a probation parole officer for the state of Florida.
5.
As I learned more about the criminal justice system, I found myself wanting to become more involved with reentry.
6.
I struggled to find a job in reentry until being accepted into the Open Society-U.S. Soros Justice Fellowships program—I was one of 16 people selected out of almost 2,000 applicants!
7.
I started the Alabama Justice Initiative in 2018 with the mission of activating people directly impacted by the criminal justice system in order to end mass incarceration.
8.
In addition to my work with Alabama Justice Initiative, I decided to run—and was elected—for Birmingham City Council because I wanted to have a greater impact on my community.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
Nobody knows you. Where did you come from?
How I responded:
When I decided to run for city council, people would say, "Where did she come from?" I'd respond that I've been here all along—you just don't know me yet. They'd say, "Nobody knows her!" I'd respond, "But you will!" Hard work and grassroots organizing got me elected to city council. I encourage everyone to mark out your journey, make vision boards, and go for it! Those who are closest to the issues we're trying to change are the experts, so I know I belong in the role and can make a difference.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My son was incarcerated when he was 19 years old, so I know first-hand what it's like to be directly impacted by the criminal justice system. His incarceration spurred my career change into criminal justice work.