Tamara L. Shewmake is a native of the City of Portsmouth, VA. She graduated from the Historic I. C. Norcom High School in 2000, where she received her Advanced Diploma. She is a graduate of Norfolk State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and graduated Cum Laude with a M.B.A. in 2010. Tamara is the mother of three beautiful children Nyla, Nyle and Nia.
She spent her early years in the field of banking and later transitioned into the federal, local and state sector. Tamara served on a number of boards over the past 20 years; from being the youngest board member of Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia to becoming an elected board member. On November 6, 2018, Honorable Tamara L. Shewmake was elected to the City of Portsmouth School Board. In fact, she was the only woman listed on the City of Portsmouth ballot to win a seat that year. Early literacy, financial literacy and vocational training (Career and Technical Education) was her campaign platform, and she has dedicated her time and votes on each entity since being elected. Honorable Shewmake has committed to ensuring an equal and high quality education for all children throughout the City of Portsmouth.
Honorable Shewmake was one of the honorees of the 2021 Inside Business Top 40 under 40, named Cultural Ambassador at the Prestigious Women of Portsmouth, and Ladies in Red 10th Annual Exceptional Woman Award.
Since elected, she has successfully advocated locally, statewide and federally for teacher raises. She strongly advised for PPS to implement a mental health program, and through her advocacy birthed PPS “Here to Help”. Honorable Shewmake recommended for the CTE programs to have pathways to guide students towards a certification or licensure upon graduation. Now, not only does PPS provide CTE Pathways to give all students an opportunity to have a career upon graduation, her advocacy on a stand alone CTE building will come to fruition Fall of 2026.
Articles:
“It’s easier to see the bigger picture, when we all work together.”
— Honorable Tamara L. Shewmake
WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN WIN!