Alumna Offers P.O.W.E.R. to Single Parents

TARAZA N. TYLER ’10 , made the most of her time at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) as a member of the Student Government Association, the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, the Student Activities Board, the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the cheerleading squad.

Today she is making the most of lessons learned at NCCU and from her mother and grandmother, while helping single parents improve their lives through P.O.W.E.R. Inc. Community, based in Cary, North Carolina.

Tyler founded Parents Owning Wealth Through Education & Resiliency as a nonprofit in 2018 to create a supportive space that empowers single parents to overcome and flourish amidst the myriad challenges of single parenthood.

The nonprofit’s website displays a quote by noted author, speaker and pastor John Maxwell that says, “Leaders become great not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.”

P.O.W.E.R. is much more than just a business to Tyler, who grew up in a single-parent household and is a single parent to her daughter, Skylar, 9.

“I founded P.O.W.E.R., Inc. Community as a response to the unique challenges faced by single mothers, a journey I share with many,” Tyler said. “I chose to channel my personal experiences into an opportunity to provide support. Our community is dedicated to breaking the silence and alleviating the pain often associated with single parenthood.”

Through a holistic approach aimed at raising awareness about available resources, P.O.W.E.R. strives to bridge the gap between single parents and those resources while empowering them by upholding core values of integrity, accessibility, prosperity and resourcefulness.

Among P.O.W.E.R.’s offerings are mental health and wellness initiatives, including mindful walking, and educational initiatives, including end-of-grade/end-of-course (EOG/EOC) webinars, and a back-to-school program. The nonprofit also sponsors a Father’s Day basketball clinic, a Mother’s Day makeover and an annual conference to assist young girls and parents with healing and thriving.

Last year, P.O.W.E.R. served over 275 families through its annual Book Bag Drive and held its first community baby shower with partnering organizations, giving away diapers, clothes, formula, wipes, car seats and other supplies.

Asia Cunningham, principal of Pearsontown Elementary School in Durham, has known Tyler since they grew up in Duplin County. Their relationship strengthened at NCCU, where they both participated in the Upward Bound program and joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Professionally they have collaborated on community and advocacy work, including feeding families at Thanksgiving, donating toys at Christmas and educating parents on best practices to prepare their children for school.

“We both share a passion for education and determining the resources that will help connect our children, particularly children of color,” Cunningham said. “We both came from humble beginnings and were the first in our families to go to college. Taraza embodies the work we do as Black women and as a single mother.”

Cunningham follows Tyler on Facebook and believes greater things are in store for her. Atop Tyler’s bio on the P.O.W.E.R. website is a quote by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright that says, “It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.”

Valencia Faulkner of Virginia Beach, Virginia, comptroller for the U.S. Navy, has known Tyler for 16 years. They met through Delta Sigma Theta, and today Faulkner’s a member of the P.O.W.E.R. Board of Directors and Skylar’s godmother.

“Ms. Tyler is successful because she understands the power of networking and community,” Faulkner said. “She can communicate P.O.W.E.R.’s initiatives in any room she enters to ensure the needs of her clientele are always met. She succeeds in her professional and personal life. She and her daughter have a tight bond.”

Faulkner described Tyler as trustworthy, reliable, outgoing, supportive and determined. “Ms. Tyler has always shown up for me, even if that means taking a three-hour drive and going back the same day. She always builds community and supports those she loves while never giving up on her personal goals.” Faulkner and Cunningham admire Tyler’s heart and willingness to care for others but hope she makes time for self-care.

Tyler, whose hobbies include spending time with family and friends, bowling, reading, traveling, and journaling, said she takes time for herself and the importance of doing so is among values instilled in her by her mother and grandmother.

A recipient of NCCU’s ‘40 Under 40’ award, Tyler credits her alma mater with playing a pivotal role in shaping her.

“NCCU instilled the belief that I can overcome any challenges I face,” Tyler said. “Embracing the University’s motto of ‘Truth and Service,’ I attribute my personal growth and the impact I am making in the single-parent community to the experiences I had during my time at NCCU. It was at NCCU that I found my voice and learned the significance of community partnerships, fostering long-lasting relationships, actively participating in my community and the value of service.”

’BY LAURIE WILLIS DAVIS