Growing up in a high-crime neighborhood in Washington, D.C., Tanisha Tate knew she had to find a way forward. Curiosity, determination and a willingness to try new things helped her beat the odds — qualities she now encourages in the young girls she mentors. 

“It was challenging growing up,” she said. “It wasn’t until a few years ago that I learned that I need to talk about how I grew up.” 

Exposed to the world’s dangers at a young age, Tate saw people with guns and witnessed a murder scene near her front door. 

Her home life, shaped by economic hardship and emotional distance, offered little refuge from the dangers of her neighborhood. Her mother worked long hours to make ends meet and struggled to show affection, leaving Tate to take on much of the responsibility for raising her younger siblings. As the oldest of five girls, Tate sought to be a positive role model for her four sisters. 

“We saw a lot of unfortunate things in our neighborhood,” Tate said. “I couldn’t adapt to it, so I signed up for every extracurricular activity I could find to avoid what was happening in my neighborhood.” 

Extracurricular activities provided stability, mentorship and adult guidance. Tate played soccer and volleyball, participated in cheerleading and even signed up to learn the xylophone. But it was Upward Bound — a program that helps low-income students prepare for college — that ultimately gave her a way out and became a pivotal part of her journey. 

“When I found out that I could get away and go to college, I knew I had to take the chance,” Tate said. “I was the first to leave, finish college and get a master’s.” 

Tate remains grateful for the nonprofit and community outreach organizations that helped her flourish and now seeks to reflect those lessons in her own work. As Ms. Full- Figured Virginia, she and her court plan quarterly community service projects across the state aimed at encouraging service, opportunity and collective responsibility. 

“I was trying to be an example and break the norm of the poverty that I grew up with, but I’ve learned to release all that pressure,” she said. “It’s been a lot to carry. Living my life well is the example.” 

After moving to Richmond two years ago, a stranger told her about the Ms. Full-Figured pageant. She didn’t know anything about it but ended up researching it. 

“The Ms. Full-Figured pageant is about Black women and leadership,” she said. “We’re highlighting their voices and empowering others.” 

What is the Ms. Full- Figured Pageant? 

The Ms. Full-Figured Virginia Pageant is focused on building women’s self-confidence through our competition. It operates as a division of the Ms. Full-Figured USA national pageant, emphasizing that size has no barrier to beauty. It was created to dispel the stereotypes. It’s a safe space. 

Why is there a need for full-figured pageants? 

It provides an empowering platform for full-figured women to gain confidence and recognition through various competition phases and sisterhood. Historically, women who were plus-size and curvy were discounted because of their size when looking to model, become an actor or have a career in the media. The pageant levels the playing field. 

Why have pageants? 

On the surface, it’s just glitz and glam, but there’s a sisterhood. There’s a connection, a network and support. We are a community, and we support each other. 

What’s the mission? 

It is our mission to empower women through pageantry, inspire others and serve the community. We believe beauty is important — however, giving back is priceless. 

Some critics ask whether full-figured pageants promote unhealthy health standards. How do you respond? 

The world has beaten down full-figured women. We do get the health support we need and learn to manage our weight in a healthy way. Some women have lost weight as a result. 

What are some of the ways the pageant has helped women manage their weight? 

There are exercise classes, including dance lessons. We partner with gyms and dietitians to learn about health and exercise. 

What advice do you offer Black women? 

Stop leading from survival and lead with confidence. 

Talk about your community service efforts. 

We go out and speak in the community. I curate events for Black women, such as “Minding My Black Joy,” where we connect community members with self-care service providers. It’s free because I coordinate with businesses to donate services. I also volunteer with Woodland Cemetery and Pretty Purposed, and I do a drive to provide gift baskets of essentials for the homeless. 

How has the pageant impacted Black women? 

The community sees us as women who are supporting each other and building a way for people to come together beyond chasing a crown. 

What do you tell girls who are facing the same challenges you did growing up? 

The girls get frustrated because they see people with good intentions show up in ways that are so different from theirs. They say that I don’t understand, so I have to tell them that I do. My story is like theirs. 

What’s your educational background? 

I have a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Benedict College and a master’s in forensic psychology from Grand Canyon University. 

Why did you study criminal justice? 

It stemmed from growing up in Washington, D.C., in a low-income area, seeing a lot of crime. I didn’t want to be a police officer, but I wanted to do something that helped crime victims. I worked as a victim advocate for seven years. 

Why did you move to Richmond? 

I wanted to be closer to my family in Washington, D.C., but not in D.C. 

Tell me about your family. 

I’m married, but we don’t have kids, and there’s my mom and my four sisters. 

Where do you live now? 

Henrico. 

How do you start the day? 

After prayer, I listen to music and struggle with what to wear for the day. I pack my lunch, which is my leftover dinner from the night before, or I may make a salad and wraps. 

What’s your day job? 

I coordinate, train and manage business relationships for students in work-study at Cristo Rey Richmond High School. 

What do you do in your downtime? 

I’m hugging the corner of my couch, watching a show. I watch shows rather than movies. I’m also exploring Richmond. 

How did you meet your wife? 

I met her in college. During my senior year, we had a senior group project. We were just acquaintances. We started dating after college. 

What do you like to cook? 

I like to cook turkey burgers. I experiment. I want a pop-up turkey burger shop someday. 

What’s your favorite hobby? 

Putting Legos together. I’m actively building a collection. It fuels my creativity. 

Who is your dream dinner party guest? 

Lisa Nichols, an author, life coach and motivational speaker. 

Who has influenced you the most? 

My grandmother. 

What was your last concert? 

Brandy and Monica. 

What’s next? 

I’m running in the national Ms. Full-Figured competition in April.