Every year, the Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ) highlights women who are not only leaders in their fields and organizations but are also poised to make a substantial impact on the Birmingham business landscape and beyond. The most recent inductee from United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) is Shakeitha Tatum, Vice President of Agency Relations. She will be publicly recognized at the BBJ’s annual Women’s Summit on September 27th.
In May 2023, Tatum was promoted to her current position in UWCA’s Community Impact Department. Her enthusiasm for this new chapter in her professional life is obvious. “I am thrilled to take on this new role at United Way,” she said. “I strive to abide by UWCA’s core values — putting people first, serving the community, doing the right thing and being collaborative — in my professional and personal life. I cannot wait to find new and innovative ways to implement them to better serve our partner agencies and the counties they are in.”
Tatum’s journey with UWCA spans more than a decade, during which she has become a linchpin in the organization. She previously served as Director of UWCA’s 2-1-1 Call Center, which provides information on, and referrals to, more than 800 sources of health and human services in Central Alabama. Under her leadership, the program achieved a highly valued accreditation for the first time. She also guided her team through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring that the vital services of 2-1-1 remained intact, reliable and efficient during a critical time when countless people were seeking help.
Tatum then transitioned to the Community Impact Department as Director of Agency Relations and Allocations. In this role, she cultivated partnerships across multiple counties, enhancing the visibility and collaboration of UWCA’s funded partner agencies. Her exceptional organizational skills and commitment to fostering strong, collaborative relationships were evident as she managed the annual allocation processes and served as the primary point of contact for 79 nonprofits in Central Alabama.
Her journey in higher education began at Miles College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama. Her dedication to lifelong learning is further demonstrated by her participation in the Momentum Upward Women’s Leadership Program.
Tatum’s impact extends beyond her professional roles. She was instrumental in conceptualizing the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society, a UWCA donor network uniting more than 400 African American changemakers who are passionate about philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. She is also active in the Junior League of Birmingham, is Co-Chair of the Jackson Olin Key Club with the Kiwanis Club of Vulcan and co-chairs the Collaborations Committee with the Upsilon Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Her leadership and community involvement were recognized in 2023 when she was named one of the “60 for 60” by the University of Alabama Black Alumni Association and was featured in About Town magazine’s “Trailblazer” issue.
Shakeitha Tatum exemplifies true leadership through dedication, excellence and enthusiasm. As we celebrate her recognition as a 2024 Women to Watch Honoree, we are inspired by the significant impact one individual can have on her community and beyond. Her journey serves as a testament to what can be achieved, and we eagerly anticipate the continued positive contributions she will make.