Tia Hawkins, Creator & Executive Director
A Chicago native, Tia graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and received her Master of Science degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University. Since 2010, Tia has worked with a number of independent brands, helping emerging entrepreneurs reach their full potential and helping them turn their visions into realities. Serving as a brand consultant specializing in start-up branding, marketing and brand development, Tia offers advice from social media tactics to website design and promotional advertising to the overall do’s and don’ts of basic marketing.
Tia has worked with several nonprofits and other programs geared toward helping today’s youth reach their potential to be tomorrow’s leaders. #OperationBlossom was birthed from Tia’s passion to encourage and motivate young girls, from those she connects with every day to those she may never meet but strives to impact in a special way. She hopes you and your daughter will be influenced by our program and that it will be an experience you will never forget!
Erika Randle, Assistant Director
Erika graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in History in December 2015. As the President of her Undergraduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and the President of National Pan-Hellenic Council at her Alma Mater, Erika worked with various groups from different backgrounds to advance their common goals. Erika has served in various roles that contribute directly to success of businesses and organizations, including Operations Manager and Life Skills Trainer, proving her track record for excellence and leadership.
Erika is a product of a Chicago mentor program, which she participated in as a young girl through her teenage years. Because of the active role her mentor played in her life, growth and development, Erika has a deep appreciation, understanding, and love for mentoring young girls. She brings a unique and much needed perspective to #OperationBlossom, and serves as its Assistant Director. It is her goal to ensure that each mentee receives the best experience and truly benefits from the relationship with her mentor, as Erika still does today.
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.”
– Lady Bird Johnson
