Tamika D. Otis

Tamika founded KABOD Consulting Group LLC in 2016 in response to a growing need for culturally competent grant writing services in her community. A self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur and “grant geek”, Tamika formerly served as the Director for KeyBank’s Business Boost & Build program powered by JumpStart, Inc. In this capacity, Tamika was afforded the unique opportunity to leverage her strengths, passions, network, and resources to assist entrepreneurs of color and women entrepreneurs in starting or scaling their businesses throughout Upstate NY.

With a passion for serving underrepresented populations, Tamika has dedicated both her professional and personal life to empowering people to live their best lives. Prior to her current position, she served for 10 years as Project Director for the federally-funded Job Corps program administered by the U.S. Dept. of Labor. In 2016, Tamika was appointed by the County Executive to her local Youth Board for which she now serves as Vice President; was a recipient of the 40 Under 40 Latino Rising Stars awarded by the Hispanic Coalition of NY in recognition of her work in communities of color, and graduated from the “Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders” board development and diversity training from the Community Foundation of Central New York. In 2017, she was appointed as a member of the Leadership Council of the Central NY Women’s Fund whose mission is to empower and recognize the advancement and full participation of women and girls in Central New York through an endowment fund, grants, and initiatives. Tamika also serves as Secretary and Founding Member of the Black Women Give Foundation.

Tamika holds a “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace” certificate from the University of South Florida as well as an Entrepreneurship Center Manager Certificate from the InBIA (International Business Innovation Association).

Tamika is a sought-after subject matter expert and speaker in the areas of Entrepreneurship, DEI, Social Justice, Racial Equity, Building Inclusive Workforces and Ecosystems, and more. Tamika’s motivation in life is her two sons, Christian, 19, and Braylon, 12. She’s also head over heels for a handsome Goldendoodle puppy named “Brix”. She enjoys traveling, cooking, motivational speaking, and writing.