Today we’d like to introduce you to Tynesha Anderson.
Hi Tynesha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Atlanta — a city that taught me early that your life should mean something. I was raised in environments where impact was expected, and I had the rare privilege of being shaped by extraordinary figures like Dr. Maya Angelou and Ambassador Andrew Young. Their influence didn’t just inspire me — it set a standard for how I show up in every room I enter.
But my story also has weight. I lost both of my parents before they reached the age of 50. What could have broken me was met by a community of strong, resilient women and mentors who stepped in, poured into me, and helped me find my footing. That experience became the fuel behind everything I do.
For over 15 years, I’ve dedicated my work to people — specifically young people who need someone in their corner. Today, I serve as Director of Engagement for Connections Homes, building relationships and expanding awareness for young adults aging out of foster care. It’s purposeful work, and it’s personal.
Eight years ago, I also founded Soar Hub Solutions, a marketing and business consulting firm that helps individuals and organizations grow with clarity and intention. In that same spirit, I’ve carried my message to stages across the United States and internationally, speaking on mentorship, intentional networking, and navigating careers in a world being reshaped by AI and emerging technology.
I’m a proud HBCU graduate of Alabama State University — Bachelor’s in Business Management and a Master of Accountancy, with a 4.0. And right now, I’m writing my first book: The Wisdom of the Fall: How I Stopped Rushing My Recovery — a deeply personal exploration of what it means to rebuild with intention, inspired by the spirit of my mentor, the late Dr. Maya Angelou.
Houston called me here at exactly the right time. This city sits at the intersection of innovation, community, and purpose — and that’s exactly where I live. I’m not just relocating. I’m building something new, and I couldn’t be more ready.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road, but I have learned that growth rarely happens in comfort. Some of my greatest challenges have also been the moments that shaped me the most.
One of the deepest challenges I have faced was losing both of my parents before they reached the age of 50. Grief changes you. There were seasons where I had to learn how to lead, build, and keep showing up for others while navigating my own healing. At times, I carried the weight of trying to be strong for everyone else while figuring out how to process my own pain.
As an entrepreneur, there were also challenges that came with building a business from the ground up. Starting Soar Hub Solutions required faith, resilience, and the willingness to keep going even when things felt uncertain. Like many entrepreneurs, I had moments where I questioned myself, had to pivot, or had to learn lessons in real time. But every challenge strengthened my ability to adapt and think creatively.
Professionally, working in youth development and nonprofit leadership can be emotionally heavy. You encounter real stories, real trauma, and real barriers that young people face every day. There are moments that stay with you. At the same time, that work has reinforced my belief in the importance of mentorship, community, and creating opportunities for others.
Another challenge has been learning not to rush my own recovery or growth. For a long time, I believed strength meant constantly pushing forward. Over time, I learned that healing, reflection, and stillness are just as important as achievement. That lesson has deeply influenced both my personal life and the book I am currently writing.
Despite the obstacles, I remain grateful. I was fortunate to have strong women, mentors, and leaders pour into me throughout my life. Their guidance reminded me that challenges do not define us, they refine us. Every setback has pushed me closer to purpose, strengthened my faith, and deepened my commitment to pouring back into others.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
One of the most meaningful parts of my professional journey has been my work with Connections Homes and the Don’t Go Alone (DGA) Mentoring Family Program. Although I did not grow up in foster care, this work feels deeply personal and, in many ways, like a full circle moment for me. Throughout my life, there were mentors, leaders, and strong individuals who poured into me during critical moments, especially after the loss of both of my parents. Because of that, I understand firsthand how life changing it can be when someone chooses to show up, guide you, and remind you that you are not alone.
That is why the mission of Connections Homes resonates with me so deeply. Every year, more than 20,000 young adults age out of foster care in the United States, many without stable support systems. Studies show that nearly 70% of trafficking victims report a history of foster care involvement, 81% of young men aging out will spend time incarcerated, and 71% of young women will experience pregnancy within the first year of aging out. Even more alarming, 97% of youth who age out without safe, stable support systems often find themselves facing chronic poverty or worse. Those numbers are not just statistics, they represent real lives, real stories, and real people in need of connection and community.
Since joining Connections Homes as Director of Engagement, I have had the opportunity to help develop programs that center dignity, voice, and authentic storytelling. One initiative I created is DGA Voices, a program designed to help young adults share their stories in their own way, without feeling exploited or reduced to their trauma. I believe storytelling should empower people, not just emotionally move an audience. DGA Voices creates space for healing, confidence, leadership, and ownership over one’s narrative.
More recently, I developed the DGA Ambassador Program, which focuses on empowering young adults who have been part of the program for two or more years to step into leadership roles. The goal is to help participants become advocates, mentors, and representatives for the next generation of youth entering the program. It is about creating a cycle of impact where those who have been poured into are now empowered to pour back into others.
There is a real need right now for more awareness, advocacy, mentorship, and community support for young adults transitioning out of foster care. As I continue building connections in Houston, I am excited about expanding these conversations, creating partnerships, and helping spread awareness around the importance of relational support and long term community for youth who too often feel forgotten.
What makes you happy?
Happiness, for me, has evolved over time. I have learned that happiness is often a temporary emotion. It comes and goes based on moments, seasons, people, experiences, and sometimes even circumstances. I am grateful for happiness, but I no longer build my life around chasing a feeling. What I desire more than happiness is joy, peace, purpose, and alignment.
What truly makes me happy is knowing that my life is being used in a meaningful way. Service brings me joy. Pouring into others brings me joy. Seeing someone realize their value, find their voice, or believe in themselves again makes me feel like I am walking in purpose.
My faith is a major part of that. There have been seasons when happiness was hard to find, but my faith gave me something deeper to stand on. It reminded me that even when life is painful, God can still use it. Even when I am grieving, growing, or being stretched, there is still purpose in the process.
I am happiest when I am helping someone else rise, when I am surrounded by people I love, when I am learning something new, and when I know I am becoming the woman God called me to be. I find happiness in quiet moments too, in gratitude, prayer, reflection, laughter, meaningful conversations, and the reminder that I have survived things that could have broken me.
At this stage of my life, happiness is not about everything being perfect. It is about being at peace with who I am, being faithful with what has been placed in my hands, and living a life that pours back into others. That is where I find my deepest joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tyneshaanderson.com
- Instagram: connectionshomes
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tynesha-anderson-macc-58562027
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectionshomes6571
- Other: https://connectionshomes.org/
