Tamika, a native of the state of Virginia, embarked on a prestigious academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts from The American University, a renowned institution of higher learning. Concurrently, she pursued her studies at Howard University, further enriching her intellectual and artistic horizons.
Subsequent to her academic pursuits, Tamika ventured to New York, where she poured her creative energies into penning her debut screenplay, "Jar By the Door". This remarkable achievement culminated in securing a coveted spot as a Sundance Finalist, a testament to her exceptional writing skills and dedication to her craft.
Furthermore, Tamika's screenplay garnered an impressive array of accolades, including the prestigious Gordon Parks Indie Film Award, a recognition that honors outstanding achievements in independent filmmaking. Additionally, her work earned her a substantial prize of $10,000, a tangible manifestation of her hard work and artistic prowess.
Tamika's life took a significant turn with the acquisition of a substantial sum of money, which enabled her to relocate to the vibrant city of Los Angeles immediately after completing her studies at the prestigious New York Film Academy. During her time at the academy, Tamika's passion for directing continued to grow, and she began to hone her skills in the craft.
This newfound talent and dedication soon led to a plethora of prestigious awards and fellowships, recognizing Tamika's exceptional abilities in both writing and directing. Some of her most notable accolades include the ABC/Walt Disney Fellowship in Screenwriting for her outstanding work on "Memoirs of A Virgin Whore", the Guy Hanks and Marvin Miller Fellowship, the CBS Director's Initiative, and the AFI's Directing Workshop for Women Fellowship.
As a result of these achievements, Tamika's name became synonymous with excellence in the film industry, and she was well on her way to establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of directing.
Tamika's professional endeavors reached a pinnacle with the production of the critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning short film, HOPE, which garnered widespread attention and subsequently aired on every major television network, a testament to her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft.
Following the success of HOPE, Tamika's skills and expertise were in high demand, and she was subsequently hired in dual capacities as both a skilled Camera Operator and a visionary Director on one of BET's inaugural reality television shows, College Hill, a groundbreaking program that paved the way for future generations of reality television programming.
Tamika has been actively engaged as a writer for the popular and critically acclaimed streaming series "Monogamy", which can be easily accessed and enjoyed on Amazon and UMC platforms. Furthermore, she has demonstrated her versatility and talent by not only writing for this series but also by taking on a multifaceted role that involves producing and starring in the Award-Winning Feature film, "Last Life" (also known as "Rise Again"). This remarkable film was penned and directed by the renowned Michael Phillip Edwards, a testament to Tamika's ability to work alongside esteemed professionals in the industry.
Tamika's altruistic endeavors have been marked by the establishment of the Make A Film Foundation, a remarkable non-profit organization dedicated to granting the cherished "film wishes" of children afflicted with severe or life-threatening medical conditions. Through this visionary initiative, Tamika has pioneered a unique approach by collaborating with esteemed actors, writers, and directors to craft poignant short film legacies that not only provide a therapeutic outlet for these young individuals but also serve as a lasting testament to their resilience and spirit.
Tamika's impressive professional journey has been marked by a remarkable output of over one hundred short documentaries, in addition to four outstanding short narrative films that have garnered prestigious awards. Throughout her illustrious career, she has had the privilege of collaborating with an impressive array of talented individuals, including renowned actors J.K. Simmons, Johnny Depp, Laura Dern, and directors David Lynch, Catherine Hardwicke, Theodore Melfi, Kerry Washington, Sean Astin, and Rodrigo Garcia, among many others.
Tamika was extended an esteemed invitation to take the stage at a TEDx event, where she regaled the audience with a captivating account of her remarkable journey with the esteemed Make A Film Foundation. This inspiring presentation, which can be easily accessed on the popular video-sharing platform YouTube, offers a unique glimpse into Tamika's experiences with the organization. Furthermore, Tamika has also shared her insights on her writing process through the acclaimed platform Film Courage, providing valuable insights to aspiring writers and creatives.
