“To be a living testimony showing others that our past struggles provided us with the knowledge and survival skills to transform from victims into Victors.”
“I was born into normalized violence.”
From a world where violence was part of daily life, Tasha Nichole emerged as a transformative force in the field of violence intervention. Her journey—from living as a second-generation gang member to becoming a respected Violence Intervention Professional—is a profound testament to her resilience, strength, and purpose. Affectionately known as the “Hood Auntie,” Tasha is a steady presence for those navigating trauma. She walks alongside victims and their families, helping them move from tragedy to healing, ensuring they do not become permanent victims of their circumstances.
As a community leader, Tasha Nichole has made a lasting impact on youth in her neighborhood. Through mentoring and tutoring, she has guided five out of seven young boys to graduate from high school and continue on to college or enter the workforce—empowering them to become productive citizens and support their young families. Her influence has steered them away from the dangers that once consumed her own life.
Tasha is not only a community advocate—she is the visionary founder and program director of Genuinely Me, Inc., a California-based nonprofit organization. Through this work, she promotes diversity and cultural awareness among service providers in the justice, healthcare, education, and social services sectors. Being biracial and tri-cultural herself, Tasha understands the urgent need for culturally competent interventions. She now trains professionals on best practices for engaging with diverse populations, striving to create environments of respect, understanding, and effective communication.
Her expertise has also led to meaningful partnerships with law enforcement, where she plays a key role in bridging the gap between community members, high-risk individuals, and police, reducing hostility and fostering trust.
Tasha’s wisdom is rooted in both her lived experience and her dedication to growth. She is a certified Community Health Worker, Trauma-Informed Care Specialist, and a Registered Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Her firsthand understanding of life on the streets allows her to provide support with genuine compassion and empathy, making people feel truly seen, heard, and safe.
This unique blend of personal history and professional expertise has made Tasha a sought-after mentor for individuals exiting incarceration or seeking to escape gang life. Her journey from gang-involved youth to a respected Violence Intervention Professional is a powerful reminder that healing and transformation are possible. She takes pride in having survived the streets and in becoming part of the solution, not just another product of the problem.
Tasha Nichole’s compelling story is featured in the 2024 PBS series Life On The Line (Season 7, Episode 4) in an interview titled “Hood Auntie.”
