Shaping Leadership Through Purpose, Risk, and Community

Erinn Tucker-Oluwole, PhD shares how her upbringing, early career choices, and willingness to follow passion shaped a dynamic path across sports, golf, hospitality, and education. From moving across the country to pursuing roles where she was often the only woman or person of color, she describes how each inflection point expanded her perspective and deepened her understanding of people.

Her leadership evolution accelerated through association work, where shifting from logistics to guiding others taught her patience, listening, and the true meaning of leading through service. Today, her work - from co-founding Washington D.C.’s DMV Black Restaurant Week to chairing an academic department - reflects intentionality, resilience, and a commitment to lifting communities.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• Her Chicago upbringing “shaped my comfort in understanding . . . what’s important to people.”
• “I did the research . . . really feeling like I was informed helped prepare myself for [taking bold opportunities with confidence].”
• “Having patience and allowing grace were definitely two things that I picked up from [leading a professional board].”
• “Being intentional is so important. It’s so critical.”
• “Treat your colleagues well… treat the person that comes into your office and cleans your garbage can every day [well].”

Closing Reflection

Erinn’s journey shows that courage, curiosity, and intentional action create lasting impact. Her experiences remind us to embrace opportunities, learn from every chapter, and invest in people. Leading with purpose begins with knowing your value and lifting others along the way.

‍