April 18th 2024.
Tiana Tukes is a remarkable force in the business world. Breaking barriers and shattering ceilings, she has made a name for herself as the first transgender Black woman in venture capitalism. Tukes has worked tirelessly to create funding opportunities for minority-owned businesses within the LGBTQ+ community. Her journey to success has been anything but conventional, but it is filled with remarkable achievements, unwavering confidence, and a deep sense of faith.
Tukes' path to making history began when she was selected as an Oprah Leadership Scholar. From there, she continued to rise, working with prestigious companies such as Accenture and Spotify. She even collaborated with the New York City Mayor's office to create programs aimed at empowering marginalized communities. Currently, Tukes is a lecturer at Spelman College, where she shares her wisdom and practical guidance on entrepreneurship with the leaders of tomorrow.
As an alumni of Morehouse College, Tukes has a special connection to the Atlanta University Center, which includes Morehouse College, Spelman, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse School of Medicine. In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Tukes shared her journey to teaching, business, and entrepreneurship at Spelman College, and how it has come full circle for her.
Tukes co-founded LGBT+ VC because she saw a gap in the industry and knew she could make a difference. She recognized that when she first started her career, there was a lack of support and resources for individuals like herself. So, she and her team developed a program that has helped numerous queer and trans college students launch their careers in the venture world. They have also partnered with organizations like the New York Mayor's office, foundations, non-profits, and corporations to expose LGBTQ high school students to various career opportunities.
Attending Morehouse College, an HBCU, played a significant role in shaping Tukes' knowledge, love, and business acumen. As a part of her family's legacy and a collective legacy, Tukes felt a strong connection to her alma mater. She was inspired by the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Samuel Jackson, who also attended Morehouse. Tukes also knew that there were queer and trans upper-classmen and graduates, which gave her a sense of belonging and duality.
Her love for education and her HBCU experience led Tukes to Spelman, which is considered Morehouse's sister HBCU. She never imagined that she would have the opportunity to be a part of the Spelman community, but now she is a member of the faculty. Initially hired as a consultant for the economics department, Tukes now co-teaches the Black Entrepreneurship Mindset course with Professor Campbell. She considers it a privilege to be able to make an impact on her community and beyond, as she knows firsthand the importance of community support and kindness.
When asked if her identity as a transgender woman with VC experience changes the way she teaches entrepreneurship, Tukes emphasizes that she is a whole woman first and foremost. She believes that there are many facets to one's identity, and her transness is just one of them. However, it does provide her with a unique lens through which she views the world. In the classroom, Tukes makes it a point to highlight the value that queer and trans individuals bring to society. She wants her students to know that they are sacred, divine, and an integral part of all indigenous cultures.
As an educator, Tukes' goal is to inspire her students to dream bigger. She draws inspiration from her ancestors and the phenomenal teachers she has had throughout her life. Tukes firmly believes that teaching is a medium for liberation, and she wants her students to see the college campus as a forum for just that.
Looking back on her journey, Tukes hopes to inspire others to dream bigger and to never give up on their dreams. Her own dreams have kept her going during the toughest of times, and she wants others to know that they too possess the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacles that come their way. As Tukes continues to make her mark in various industries, one thing is for sure - her journey is far from over, and she has no plans of slowing down.
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