Tanya Leah Lombard currently serves as Vice President, Head of Multicultural Engagement and Strategic Alliances at AT&T. Her core areas of responsibility focus on creating, promoting and managing the company’s brand messaging to minority communities and women through the development and stewardship of tactical community-based relations, strategic policy initiatives and special projects. Ms. Lombard is a native of New Orleans and is recognized as a confidante to leaders at the highest levels of government, business, entertainment, national, civic and professional organizations.
During President Clinton's administration, Ms. Lombard had the honor to serve as Special Assistant to the President and Director of Political Affairs. In this capacity, Ms. Lombard advised the President, Vice President, First Lady and senior White House officials on the national political climate in the United States and abroad.
Ms. Lombard is active in several professional and civic leadership organizations. She currently serves on the NAACP Foundation Board, and the Board of Directors for the National Action Network, ColorComm, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation.
In recognition of her community and civic leadership, Ms. Lombard has received numerous honors and awards including the President’s Award from the Black Women’s Agenda, Inc.,
National Action Network’s Keepers of the Dream Award, National Urban League Donald H. McGannon Award, National Newspaper Publishers Leadership Award; Woman of Distinction Spirit Award from the Greater New York Chapter, The Links, Incorporated; Corporate Leadership Award for the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Black Broadcasters Association, Power Player Top 100 Corporate Executives List by Uptown Professional Magazine, ColorComm Circle Award, Essence Strength of a Woman Award, Essence Woke 100 Women, Ciroc-Variety Empowered Woman, Walkers Legacy Power 15 Award and the Champion of Digital Equality Award from the Minority Media and Telecom Council.
Q. Just like success, people define and measure power differently. Some define it by dollar amount, while others measure it on a greater, more personal and internal level. What does Power mean to you?
Power is having the ability to transform lives for the better and to ensure the success of others.
Q. Given your platform and success, how do you demonstrate your responsibility to help inspire others? Be it through your real-life actions, social media, etc.?
I created The Humanity of Connection series at AT&T to shine a light on people that don’t usually receive it and the program stemmed from my responsibility to help others. It has enabled me to provide support to groups and issues that might otherwise be overlooked.
Q. How do you ensure that you stay "charged up," in both the inspiration/motivation sense, as well as physically, in energy?
I’m spiritually based and faith propels me but much of my energy is derived from the work I do to lift others.
Q. Long after you retire, what would you like your legacy to be?
I tried to make a way for others truly embodying The Humanity of Connection.
