Educator, author, speaker, civil rights lawyer, and advocate for justice Dr. Artika R. Tyner is committed to empowering others to lead. From leadership, development, and career coaching for young professionals to educational materials for K-12 students, college and graduate students, faith communities and nonprofits; Tyner is a source of strength, support, and wisdom for many, with coursework including ethics, critical reflection, and organizational development. Her research focuses on diversity and inclusion, community development, and civil rights, and she has presented her research and conducted leadership training programs both nationally and internationally.
Tyner brought this experience and expertise to speak as part of our powerful “Women Driving Change” Roundtable at Amplifying Her Voice: In Moms We Trust. Before the summit, she shared her thoughts on what motivates and drives her to learn, lead, and seek justice; how she believes we can create needed change; the importance of shared humanity; wisdom from her mother, grandmother, and aunt; and much more.
What inspired you to join Amplifying Her Voice for Mother’s Day?
My foremothers paved the way for my leadership journey. I hope to share with the world the many lessons my foremothers taught me about the importance of leadership and service in the community.
What most drives and motivates you each day?
I am motivated by my faith and cultural heritage. My faith teaches me the importance of seeking justice and loving mercy. This inspired me to become a civil rights attorney and law professor. My cultural heritage reminds me of my connection to the people of the African Diaspora. We are over a billion strong around the world. We are the creators, innovators, leaders, and change agents of the future.
Who is your role model, and why?
Paulette Brown: She was the first woman of color to lead the American Bar Association. She modeled a spirit of excellence as she addressed the most challenging social justice issues of the 21st Century.
What cause, company, group, or movement are you a part of that you would like to share with us?
Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute.
What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing moms, families, and caregivers today?
Discovering the leader within: We are the ones we have been waiting for. We can create change and build sustainable solutions to the challenges facing women, from pay parity to maternal health.
How do you think issues like poverty, violence, racism, oppression, and inequality intersect with motherhood and with being a woman?
As a woman of color, racism is a constant threat to our physical safety and overall health. It attempts to leave us with a false sense of inferiority while providing our white brothers and sisters with a sense of superiority. Now is the time to discover our shared humanity and common destiny. We owe this to our children.
How do you feel being a mother is different now than it was in the past? What do you hope will change in the future?
My mother often reminds me that women face many challenges as the demands increase on our time and resources. My hope is that we will value the time of women and build the type of sister networks needed for us all to thrive.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
“Be the best original. Be yourself.” From my mother.
What is something you would like to share with the next generation?
I would like to stress the importance of fighting for justice. This is a daily challenge that requires daily action. For example, the law is a language of power. I wanted to become well-versed in order to serve my community.
I am a civil rights lawyer who focuses on education and criminal justice laws and policies.
Who inspired you as a child or young person, and how do you work to inspire the next generation now?
My Grandma Nellie and Aunt Geneva inspired me as a child. They taught me the importance of integrity, service, and faith. I teach these lessons to my family and students.
What do you think is the most important thing for women to keep in mind in terms of caring for themselves?
Self-care is a valuable gift that keeps on giving.
What are your views on “work-life balance” for women?
I seek balance in the moment. I make a conscious choice to use each moment to love and honor my family and community.
What advice would you like to share with girls and women looking to achieve their dreams and lift up one another?
Remain busy making our ancestors proud. Draw upon your ancestral strength of your foremothers, and make a difference in the world.
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We’re honored to have speakers like Dr. Artika R. Tyner join us, and inspired by her continued work for justice and empowerment of all. Watch the full discussion of “Women Driving Change,” and don’t forget to sign up for our latest summit, Amplifying Her Voice: Stronger Together.
