Tanya Wilson’s Next Chapter

Exuberant. Visionary. Pragmatic — these are words that describe Floridian Tanya Wilson who I originally featured back in August of last year for First Boulevard. 

As the former Planning, Zoning, and Development Director for the City of North Miami, she played a key role in helping city residents navigate through the Covid 19 pandemic. She had this to say after resigning from her post late in 2021.

“I love North Miami and the amazing businesses, institutions, and residents who have called this great city their home. It was a difficult decision, given the many strides, innovative plans, new discoveries, and personal growth made over these many years.” 

In terms of her next chapter as the Assistant Village Manager with Miami Shores Village, she offered this:

“I look forward to building new connections and working collaboratively with the Village Manager Esmond Scott, staff, elected officials, and residents to further enhance the quality of life of this wonderful community.”

Tanya is also the author of Living The Mango-Licious Life: Sips & Tips On Surviving & Thriving Beyond Seasons Of Adversity. About the book, she adds, 

“Well, I happen to be a mango addict. Beyond the bitter and sour seasons, I believe that this luscious fruit offers one of the best metaphors for describing the bittersweet life that we live.” 

She says that the book is primarily aimed at bringing encouragement to people like her, who have or are experiencing their own season of adversity or may be emerging from it. She endeavors to help them feel re-energized and empowered by celebrating the sweetness of a life that’s worth living and savoring. 

Tanya is also a big reader herself. Asked about what book has captured her attention of late for Black History Month, she immediately mentioned having read “Douglass: Prophet of Freedom” by David Blight.

Says Tanya:  

“In telling the story of Frederick Douglass, author David Blight really sheds new light on his struggles and triumphs. It humanizes him to a level that takes away his deity status and makes him relatable.

Blight pulled back the veil and presented a more relatable Frederick Douglas who was a scholar, international traveler, garden lover, and family man. He asserts that Douglass had a fiery temper, fledgling business, and managed to juggle a civil rights career, spanning decades, while maintaining a lifelong relationship with his German mistress Ottilie Assing.”

She says that it was easily her favorite read of 2021:

“Having lived a pre and post-slavery existence, Douglass is without question one of the great American icons, one who helped disrupt the status quo and brought international awareness to the injustice, plight, and blatant violation of enslaved blacks in the US. 

Douglass is often described as a "self-made man" and in some sense was deified by many to the ranks of sainthood. Yet he was flawed, had struggles, and legitimate fears. While he was definitely a man of flaws and imperfections, he left an indelible mark that shaped the course of history for generations.” 

Tanya says what resonated with her more than anything was Douglas' insatiable desire to be limitless, to transcend bitterness, and instead chart a course toward a better life of prosperity and freedom. She views Black History Month as a time of self-reflection and celebration in honoring the contributions of all blacks in the United States of America.

“Let's be real though, it's a mere teaspoon serving in an ocean of truth. It's hard to squeeze hundreds of years of history into one month when so much of our fractured story is still yet to be uncovered. I'm thankful though for my mother who instilled in me a strong awareness of black culture, self-love and the need to be a community supporter. I was reminded time and again that whether we were dropped off on a sugarcane plantation in Jamaica or a cotton field in Alabama we were all children of Africa living in the Americas. Black History month is about coming together with one love and one heart.”

Tanya pointed out that her reading list is not limited to just Black History books. In line with her professional background as a city manager and urban planner, she is now immersed in the book The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert Caro.

“I'm reading it now and am finding that the book is packed with history and perspective on one of the country's Fathers of Parks and Open Space. You find that there was a lot of deal-making and the art of strategy when you read this Robert Moses biography.”

In terms of personal development, she is also heavily into a book called Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything by Jim Kwik, a book I had the pleasure of reading last year. 

“It’s a book that helps me become more focused on building a better me. I have declared this as my year for self-investment and pouring into my Tanya The Mango Lady  brand building.”

In a concluding thought she had this to offer: 

“These past two years have reminded me of the power in pausing. In other words, life will command a pause and reset at times. It's ok to be still in those moments and leave room for healing, growth, and solid rooting. During my pause, I was reminded that I'm not a one dimensional kinda woman. All the unique parts make up my whole purpose-driven life. I'm ok being extra, plenty, and multi-talented too, and have become unapologetic about this over these last few years. I'm happy being me and I'm learning to guard my peace. I’m building the gifts God entrusted me with as a  spiritual daughter, industrious working woman, creative blogger, and outdoor tree hugger. 2022 is my next chapter brand building year.”