Tamara Dias, Ed.D.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Leading for Good
Dr. Tamara Dias is a seasoned leadership consultant, nonprofit advisor, and executive coach who specializes in guiding organizations toward impactful, sustainable growth. With a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, she partners with nonprofits to elevate their leadership capacity, strengthen board development, and streamline organizational strategy.
Her unique approach combines years of experience as an educator and executive with a strategic lens that helps organizations amplify their missions and address pressing community needs. Through her consulting practice, Dr. Dias empowers leaders to overcome challenges, create lasting impact, and cultivate cultures of inclusion, integrity, and innovation.
Outside her work in leadership development, Tamara embodies resilience and discipline in her personal wellness journey. She is an 8-time half marathoner and recently achieved the milestone of completing the Chicago Marathon, demonstrating her commitment to both personal growth and endurance. Her dedication to wellness and high-level achievement is mirrored in her professional life, where she continuously supports leaders to thrive both professionally and personally. With a passion for transformative impact, Dr. Dias remains a vital force for nonprofits seeking to lead with purpose and vision.
Work with Tamara
An experienced leadership coach and organizational strategist, Tamara specializes in guiding nonprofit leaders and organizations toward sustainable growth through equity-focused strategies and personalized support. With a holistic, people-centered approach, she fosters resilience, innovation, and long-term impact. A passionate runner and cyclist, Tamara brings the same dedication and endurance from her athletic pursuits into her work, always pushing toward continuous improvement and future success for her clients. Looking ahead, she is committed to expanding her reach, helping even more leaders unlock their full potential while maintaining balance and well-being.
Services
Leadership and Executive Coaching
1:1 Overcoming Leadership Challenges Coaching “Power Hour”
Training Programs
Strategic Talent Development for Future-Ready Organizations
Data-Driven Learning and Development
Coaching for High-Performance Teams
Leadership Development for Continuous Learning Cultures
Location: Tamara works with individuals and companies virtually and where needed. She is based in Virginia.
What sparked your love for adventure?
I think, as I get older, I am on a quest to be more active. This usually has me exploring adventure around me. I want to be able to see the world around me and be more present - and seeking out adventure allows me to do that.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for your adventures?
I have learned the importance of rest! It matters mentally and physically. I aim to not just sleep a certain amount of time, but to ensure that I'm having quality sleep. It helps so much.
What lessons have you learned from your adventurous passions? And how have you been able to apply to your personal and professional life?
One of the biggest lessons comes from my marathon training journey. I learned how consistency leads to big wins. I trained for months, and during that process - I had great runs. I also had some terrible runs that I wished never happened. But each run helped me prepare for the actual race, and each run made me a better runner. Consistency over perfection is always my goal.
How do you navigate the inevitable tough times during your adventures?
I think like many people, a setback or challenge can be discouraging. I try to remind myself that they're a necessary part of life. I also surround myself with positive people who encourage and uplift me. They remind me that these moments don't last forever, and they remind me that I can overcome them.
“I am always reminding myself that fear and/or uncertainty pop up when I’m venturing into the unfamiliar. I try to call out the fear, instead of running from it. I also remind myself that I don’t have to be perfect - I just have to try. We put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect, and I think that can keep us stuck.”
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start embracing adventure in their life?
I would encourage them to just take one small step towards adventure. Whether it's a five-minute walk or buying equipment to try something new. Take the step! And then, take another step. The small steps will have you exploring adventure before you know it.
What role does community play in your adventure hobbies/sports?
I have to say that community is probably the main reason I'm still exploring new adventures. I have so many people who encourage me to try new things, and they push me when I doubt myself. In fact, I don't even think I would've ever run my first marathon if it wasn't for community. I'm grateful to have really amazing people around me.
What about fear or uncertainty during your adventures? How do you handle those?
I am always reminding myself that fear and/or uncertainty pop up when I'm venturing into the unfamiliar. I try to call out the fear, instead of running from it. I also remind myself that I don't have to be perfect - I just have to try. We put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect, and I think that can keep us stuck.
Can you recall a time when an adventure brought you closer to someone else?
Anytime I've trained for a race with a group, I've instantly connected with people around me. There's something really special about setting a big goal, showing up consistently to train for weeks, and being able to share in the joy of completing the goal with others. You bond over all of the ups and downs throughout the training process. I've made so many new friends, especially in my running journey.
What part of adventure is the most exciting for you, and why? Pre? During? Post?
I love looking at pictures after! I try to document my adventures before/during, so that I can reflect on them afterwards. When I sit and look at the photos, they make me proud of what I've accomplished. They also get me excited about setting my sights on new adventures!
What do you think the childhood version of you would think of your current adventurous nature? What would you go back and tell that version of you?
I am positive that my childhood self would be SHOCKED! I shock myself now, because I can't believe everything that I've done. I would go back and tell that version of myself that anything is possible. I would tell her to go after whatever she wants, because so much lies ahead for her.
