2025 Installation Honoree | Tamia Brown
EBLC to honor Tamia Brown with the Ellen O. Tauscher Distinguished Service Award at the 2025 Installation Awards.
Tamia Brown knows that the value of a good job goes beyond financial security — it lies in the dignity and independence it gives individuals to lead a fulfilling life. Yet far too many people remain disconnected from opportunity simply because they aren’t aware of what’s available to them. That’s why Tamia has made it her mission to empower the workforce, equipping individuals with the knowledge they need and urging them to take full advantage of career development resources.
“If I can change the trajectory of one person, one family, or one community, it is all the motivation I need,” she said.
Through a range of impactful workforce initiatives, Tamia has consistently worked to close the information gap between job seekers and the resources that can transform their futures — unlocking pathways to opportunity that fuel a stronger regional economy. It’s this unwavering commitment that has earned her the Ellen O. Tauscher Award at our 2025 Installation Awards.
Tamia became the Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board Contra Costa County in 2021, bringing with her 20 years of experience in the field and a depth of understanding about business and job seeker needs. Under her leadership, the Board has excelled in delivering workforce and education programs that build a skilled talent pipeline, support career advancement, and connect individuals to quality jobs.
Her current challenge? Ensuring training programs evolve fast enough to match the pace of the technological advancements reshaping today’s job market.
“Training and education institutions need to move at the speed of business. And often the public institutions responsible for helping job seekers don’t,” she said.
Organizations like Workforce Development play a vital role in helping job seekers gain the skills they need but meaningful progress ultimately depends on government stepping in with the policies and investments needed to meet the moment.
“Government and education systems must work together to establish themselves as trusted intermediaries capable of bridging the self-interest of both businesses and job seekers,” she said.
There’s still a long road ahead to build an empowered, diverse workforce and ensure good-paying jobs in high-growth industries are ready to receive them, but Tamia is revved up and ready to lead the charge.
“Winning this award stimulates a new level of motivation for me. I am inspired to keep improving, pushing boundaries and to continue working to improve the economic opportunities for the people in our communities,” she said.
INSTALLATION AWARDS EVENT INFO
Thursday, August 1
Cocktail hour | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Dinner & Program | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Pleasant Hill Community Center
320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill