Andrew Purnell Jr. Trailblazer Award
Tiara M. Tucker ’04, M.S. ’09
Founder/CEO of Tiara PR Network and Speak That! Movement
Years before Tiara Tucker became an award-winning communications and public relations strategist, she was a Redbird who completed her undergraduate work in public relations and a master’s degree in communication. She was also a participant in various Dean of Students leadership programs while on campus. The experiences and education served her well, as Tucker has completed nearly 20 years at State Farm Insurance Companies with more than a decade in public affairs.
Beyond her corporate role, Tucker is an entrepreneur and self-described “empowerment connector” who is also a speaker, social justice activist, mental health advocate, and philanthropist. She has worked behind the scenes in the fight against inequalities and police brutality, partnering with some of the nation’s most prominent civil rights attorneys and coordinating media strategies for high-profile cases.
Tucker started the charitable organization Speak That! Movement, which is an impact-driven initiative to equip and empower professional women while also focusing on mental health issues and social justice roadblocks. She is also the founder and CEO of Tiara PR Network LLC, a communications boutique providing executive-level communication support and public relations strategies for professionals, organizations, and high-profile projects.
Education remains important to Tucker, who is always open to learning and consistently challenges her own thinking. She has completed courses at Harvard University and the University of South Florida and has received certificates in mindfulness; life coaching; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her work has resulted in many accolades, including being selected as a 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Dallas chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. She received the Dallas Skyline Community Recognition Award and was named one of 10 Amazing Black Women Making Moves by Black Enterprise.
A woman of faith, Tucker believes in the power of prayer to provide guidance, direction, and protection. She is committed to helping people dream bigger, speak louder, and shatter glass. Her life goal is to support and empower others by conveying hope and manifestation. One way she does so is through Speak That! Talks, which are her live virtual events that connect people from around the world.