Meet Dr. Tashena Briggs

We recently connected with Dr. Tashena Briggs and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Tashena, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room, especially as a Black woman, has taught me the importance of resilience, self-assurance, and purpose. In spaces where I may be the only one who looks like me, I lean into my identity, knowing that my presence is not just about me, but about opening doors for others who may follow.

I’ve learned that authenticity is my superpower. Early in my career, I felt the pressure to conform or prove myself in ways that compromised who I am. But I realized that my unique perspective, rooted in my lived experiences as a Black woman, brings invaluable insight to the table. I lead with that truth, and it’s given me the strength to not only navigate these spaces but thrive in them.

Another key to my success has been fostering relationships. Whether in leadership meetings or collaborative projects, I find ways to connect with others, showing up as my true self while also building a sense of community in spaces where I may be the minority. I believe that by focusing on excellence, maintaining integrity, and leading with empathy, I’ve been able to break barriers and show what’s possible when we hold space for diversity of thought and experience.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As a first-generation college student raised by a single mother in Markham, IL, I’ve always valued the power of education to change lives. My journey has taken me from those humble beginnings to earning my Doctorate in Education, founding H&H Higher Education Services, and now working to help families, students, and communities access the resources and support they need for success.

What excites me most about H&H Higher Education Services is the deep impact we’re making, especially through our College Bound & Transition Coaching Program. This program is not only helping families navigate the often-overwhelming process of preparing for college, but it’s also ensuring that students are fully equipped to succeed and transition into higher education.

Our Girl Talk Mentoring Program is another initiative I’m deeply proud of. We are successfully uplifting young women by building their confidence, developing their leadership skills, and creating safe spaces for them to thrive. It’s incredible to witness these young girls stepping into their power.

On a personal note, I have been married to my loving husband Aaron for 11 years. Our sons, Harper and Hunter, are the inspiration behind H&H. The H&H in our name is a tribute to them—my greatest blessings. I started this journey because I want to ensure that every child, no matter their background, has the same opportunities and support that my boys have.

As we move forward, I’m excited to share that we are expanding and building more community partnerships to further our reach. We believe that when families, schools, and communities come together, we can create lasting change. Stay tuned for more as we continue to grow and bring new opportunities for students and their families.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities that have been most impactful for me are resilience, the ability to build meaningful relationships, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Resilience has been crucial in my personal and professional life. Being a first-generation college student and navigating spaces where I was often the only person who looked like me required perseverance. There were moments of doubt and challenge, but I learned that staying focused and bouncing back from setbacks was key. For anyone starting their journey, I’d say embrace the challenges—they’re going to make you stronger. Resilience is like a muscle that grows with every obstacle you overcome.

Another vital quality is relationship-building. Throughout my career, the connections I’ve made with colleagues, mentors, and peers have opened doors and created opportunities I could never have imagined. My advice for those early in their journey is to invest in people. Authentic relationships can offer guidance, support, and collaboration that will be invaluable as you progress. Always be open to learning from others and be intentional about the connections you make.

Lastly, lifelong learning has shaped my entire path. Education doesn’t stop when you earn a degree—it’s a continuous process of growth. Whether through formal education or personal development, always strive to learn something new. For those just starting out, don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek out new experiences, and stay curious. The world is evolving, and staying adaptable through learning will keep you relevant and help you thrive.

My journey hasn’t always been easy, but these three pillars—resilience, relationships, and a commitment to learning—have been my foundation. Focus on building these in your own life, and they’ll carry you through even the toughest times.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! At H&H Higher Education Services, we are always looking for like-minded partners who share our passion for uplifting communities and empowering individuals through education and resources. We love partnering with K-12 districts, teachers, staff, and administrators, as well as community organizations, public libraries, and other institutions that value education, resource-sharing, and personal development.

We believe that collaboration is key to creating lasting change, and we’re excited to work with anyone who is committed to helping families and individuals thrive. Whether it’s preparing students for college, providing career coaching, or mentoring young women through our Girl Talk Mentoring Program, we’re always open to new ideas and partnerships that can amplify our impact.

If you’re reading this and feel aligned with our mission, we would love to hear from you. You can connect with us through our website www.hhcollegeprep.com or reach out via our social media channels (@hhcollegeprep and H&H Higher Education Services). Let’s work together to create stronger communities and brighter futures for all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hhcollegeprep.com
• Instagram: @hhcollegeprep
• Facebook: H&H Higher Education Services
• Linkedin: H&H Higher Education Services
• Other: https://linktr.ee/hhcollegeprep