Developing women who lead courageously and confidently!
Our Visionary
Tamara E. Springs is a native of Wichita, KS, and currently resides near Atlanta, GA. Since 2023, she has served as a Training Manager for the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), the largest reentry organization in the United States. In this role, she helps individuals cultivate their leadership skills and develop the confidence to seek gainful employment after successfully completing the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) internship experience.
In addition to her expertise in leadership development, Tamara is recognized as a credible messenger for criminal justice reform and reentry services. Before joining CEO, she worked with Gideon’s Promise, a national nonprofit based in Atlanta, GA, where she served as Program Director and later as Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Tamara has over 30 years experience in leadership training and development and has held numerous leadership positions in the fields of education and the non-profit sector. Since 1992, she has fulfilled the role of Classroom Teacher, Principal, Assistant Superintendent and Adjunct Professor. In the non-profit sector, she has served in the capacities of Executive Director, Advocate, Leadership Development Consultant, and Reentry and Workforce Development Specialist.
Tamara has a passion for service and mentorship and she firmly believes that the skills required to lead courageously must be developed and refined for optimal effectiveness.
A lifelong learner, Tamara enjoys reading, traveling, trying new cuisines, horseback riding, long walks on the beach, fishing, and spending time with her family. She is married to her best friend, A.R. Springs, and together they share four adult children. She is also a proud “Grand-Tam” to five grandchildren: Mason, Juelle, Chesney, Alexandria (AJ), and Monroe.
As a member of the "APS 12"—a group of Atlanta Public Schools (APS) educators indicted and criminally charged under RICO laws—Tamara endured two trials lasting nearly 11 months. In the first trial, she was acquitted, but in the second trial, she was convicted of RICO charges because three teachers in her region changed answers on a state test.
This grave miscarriage of justice was highlighted in the documentary "One Child Left Behind" by award-winning producer and director Jodi Gomes. The irony of her conviction is that Tamara was never involved in handling or administering tests and never received a penny of “bonus money” during her tenure with APS.
Even more shocking: every principal under her supervision was cleared of any wrongdoing, including the principal of the school where three teachers altered test answers. Yet, Tamara was sentenced to serve nearly 16 months of her life, primarily in a maximum-security prison for a crime she did not commit.
During her incarceration, she found purpose in helping other incarcerated women prepare for their return home through the Lee Arrendale State Prison reentry program. This experience helped shape her current work as a Training Manager for the Emerging Leaders Program at CEO where she continues to empower individuals to reclaim their futures.
In 2025, In 2025 she released her first book " Sordid Injustice... A Memoir of Courage, Conviction, and the Misuse of RICO.
Key Highlights
Education & Certifications
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B.S. in Elementary Education (Summa Cum Laude) – Langston University
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M.Ed. in Educational Administration – Wichita State University
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National Reentry Workforce Collaborative (NRWC) Reentry Specialist Certification
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District-Level Leadership Certification- Wichita State University
Service & Community Engagement
Tamara has a heart for service and has been an active member of several organizations, including:
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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
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Rotary International, Charter Member - Sunshine Chapter
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Jack and Jill of America, Charter Member - Wichita Chapter
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Various youth organizations and church affiliations
Awards & Recognitions
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Just Leadership USA 10th Annual "Leading With Conviction" 2024 Cohort Alumni
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Leadership Wichita Class of 2000
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Leadership Kansas Class of 2003
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Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. – Twyla J. McFall Young Eagle Leadership and Service Award (Wichita, KS)
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Power 100 Women Who Mean Business (Wichita, KS)
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Unity Awards Woman of the Year (Atlanta, GA)
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Stellar Performance Award (Atlanta, GA)
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Youth Enhancement Services Outstanding Service Award (Atlanta, GA)
Come to the edge," he said.
"We can't, we're afraid!" they responded.
"Come to the edge," he said.
"We can't, We will fall!" they responded.
"Come to the edge," he said.
And so they came. And he pushed them. And they flew.”