Hi, I’m Dr. Tami DEan

I am a career educator with a passion and a calling for equity and social justice. I have been doing this work for the past 20+ years. I am excited to meet and collaborate with you.

Dragonfly Rising was born from the desire and need for a new direction and community in my life. I have always enjoyed building relationships and collaborating with people.

I want to build a community to engage and collaborate with others to provide support, resources, and tools to learn and share ways of supporting equity and social justice.

I’m sure you may be wondering about the name and where it came from. If not, that’s ok because I’m going to give you a little insight. Its meaning is a part of who I am.

The Dragonfly honors and represents my sister, Melissa. I lost her in August 2022 from Colon Cancer. She was 42. Dragonflies are a symbol connected to Colon Cancer; they are a symbols of change and rebirth and also to remind us that even though our loved ones are gone, they are always with us. Still I rise is my personal life mantra. Maya Angelo’s poem lives in my heart and her words are tattooed on my body. Still I Rise, in the face of the hardest of experiences and life, staying true to myself and my voice will always have me rising up!

The logo includes my favorite color yellow, my sister’s favorite color green, and colon cancer blue. I hope you can find the other small nods and gems in its design.

Welcome to the space. I look forward to getting to know you better and using our voices.

— Dr. Tami

Work with Dr. Tami Dean

Dr. Diane Wolf, Assistant Superintendent of Schools

“If you are looking for a passionate and realistic educator to help guide your staff, Tami Dean is the person you should be looking towards.”

Kelly Schrems, High School Teacher

“Dr. Tami Dean had an incredible impact on me. In the classroom, Tami led me to question my role as an educator and democratic citizen with compassion.”

Dr. Jada Stroud-Magee, Consultant

“Dr. Tami Dean has guided me towards finding my truth, passion and purpose in my career through mentorship, coaching and self reflection.”

Dr. Gabrielle Wallace, Executive Coach

“ I can say today because of Dr. Dean’s guidance work I’m comfortable being an equity practitioner that works with students, teachers, administrators, state leaders, and community members.”

As founder and CEO of Dragonfly Rising LLC, I believe in using my unique voice and experience to make a difference in the world. For me, social justice is about honoring and valuing every individual, regardless of their background or identity. It's about creating a world where everyone is free to be their authentic self without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

In all aspects of my life both personal and professional, I strive to promote inclusivity, empathy, and understanding. Through my work, I hope to contribute to a greater sense of community and understanding, and inspire others to stand up for what is right. Whether it's highlighting important social issues, amplifying marginalized voices, or simply using language that is respectful and inclusive, I believe that words have the power to shape our world and make a difference. It all begins with you and using any opportunity to use your voice and experience to make a difference.

Let’s make a difference together.

All it takes is one step at a time.

How will you use your voice today?

Step into your power and CONNECT WITH ME today.