We recently had the chance to connect with Tameika Manning and have shared our conversation below.
Tameika , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
One word, “MUSIC”. I live and breathe music. Music is a true oxymoron. While it is a constant in one’s life, its impact continually evolves. The right song (or song lyric) has the power to warm your heart or break it.
Music can also welcome new life, as it did, when I sang as two of my nieces were being brought into the world. It can also be a call to action as in Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and Teddy Pendergrass’ “Wake Up Everybody” and even unite a nation as Whitney Houston did when belting out the Star Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XXV. When asked about her groundbreaking performance, Whitney stated her performance was driven by a desire to bring hope during the Gulf War. She said, “It [her performances] was about hope, we needed hope, you know, to bring our babies home and that’s what it was about for me.”
Whitney’s rendition provided a voice and a face to the intense panic and patriotism of the time.
Now more than ever, music is a resource everyone has access to. Music is a huge part of my life because it penetrates every part of it–from listening to early morning radio shows to winding down with late night smooth grooves. Dick Clark and Stevie Wonder once said, “Music is the soundtrack of your life” and music is definitely the soundtrack of mine.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tameika Manning and I am the Founder and CEO of the Green Team Mental Health and Wellness Initiative. We create and institute corporate programming surrounding Mental Health and Wellness. By serving as a conduit between employees and an organization, the Green Team creates a cohesive work environment that betters the employee and the office environment, thus increasing business productivity and employee wellness. A healthier and happier employee joined with a conducive and balanced work atmosphere, means a solid and profitable outcome for all down the line. While centered on building corporate communication, The Green Team also focuses on community and charity.
I addition, I serve as an active and dedicated Board Member and Community Outreach Chair of the DFW Network CHAMBER (DFWNC). Non-profits such as DFWNC are close to my heart because I believe in being an advocate for EVERYONE. As part of the DFW Network Chamber, I work with an AMAZING TEAM that fights for and supports small businesses by helping them navigate this journey. We provide small businesses constant and innovative design ideas, brand development, marketing strategies, continuous promotion, and The DFW Network Chamber creates a vast and diverse network of business professionals to work with and learn from. Without the DFW Network Chamber’s resources, guidance, collaboration and cooperation, the Green Team would not be here.
As a dedicated Board Member of the Tattoo Mark Foundation (TMF), it was my honor to serve as its Event, Sponsor and Donation Chair. This organization supports sick children by giving teddy bears to them as they battle Mental and Medical Illnesses at local hospitals.
I have since moved on from that role, however, The Green Team will continue to support children and accept any and all stuffed animals to be given to children in crisis–(such as in government or foster care, homeless & domestic violence shelters, or during any type of familial or social intervention or transition where a loving stuffed animal is requested, needed, or much appreciated).
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship between My Parents and I definitely shaped how I see myself. From the very beginning, they taught me I could be whatever and whoever I wanted to be. After foregoing Law School (because the thought of convicting even one innocent man was overwhelming), I continue to fight for the underdog in both my personal and professional life. My parents always held integrity, honesty, respect and truth in high esteem. Personally, My word is my bond and I will always take accountability and responsibility for my words and actions. The most valuable and lifelong gifts my parents taught me were about love, compassion, strength, and the necessity of balance knowing and embracing your own beauty and identity as well as valuing your self worth. My parents complemented each other well. Their life lessons and skills have definitely added to the Blessings and Joys I find in my roles as daughter, sister, aunt, friend, employee, board member, business owner and the woman I am today.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to be patient and stay true to yourself. Please know that life is not a sprint but a journey. Stand up for yourself. Also, realize you don’t have to be a shield for everyone, esp. at the cost of yourself. Do what’s right and Stand up for what’s right, even if you stand alone. The world is a massive place, so be fearless. Have fun. Enjoy yourself. Don’t be afraid to try something new. You only get one life to live, so enjoy it and do what makes you truly happy.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Hands down, John Walsh, Creator of America’s Most Wanted. John Walsh was able to turn the tragic disappearance and murder of his son, into a lifelong mission to help children and the world at large. He founded the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, helped pass The Adam Walsh Child Safety and Protection Act (which pushed for a national sex offender registry) and created America’s Most Wanted. The fortitude, strength, determination and drive that John Walsh has is a testament to his inner strength and outer courage. John Walsh is definitely an inspiration that encourages me to fight for what’s right, to fight for my needs and those I love as well as to fight for those who cannot stand up and fight for themselves.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I believe that everyone can (and should) do something when a need arises.
One should use their platform to assist mankind whenever possible. If your school needs school supplies, do a school supply drive – – at work or church. If there is a deadly natural disaster, like the recent floods in Kerr, San Antonio, San Angelo, etc. rally for canned food and cleaning supplies thru your social media platforms.
If you are worried about hunger, contribute locally and close to home. Pay lunch tabs at your child’s school. We all can make a difference–when (and if) we choose to do so.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @iamthegreenteam
- Facebook: Tameika Manning; The Green Team
