The connectors within our community often go unsung, but their importance can not be overstated. For nearly two decades, Tawanna Streater has been one of those connectors in the Chicagoland area, making key connections and partnerships with and for several powerhouse entities that move the needle.
A native of Chicago’s South Side, Streater earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Illinois State University and a Master of Arts in Entertainment and Media Management from Columbia College Chicago before beginning her career as an executive assistant at the non-profit African-American-focused historical preservation institute, The History Makers. After five years in Foundation Relations at non-profit UCAN, Tawanna went to work for social service organization Youth Guidance, where she cultivated key partnerships with the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and White Sox and was a key contributor to the team that secured the prestigious Bank of America Neighborhood Builder Award, not one time but twice.
Since then, Streater has been tapped to take on momentous roles such as Director of Development at the Chicago Urban League, Director of Corporate/Foundation Relations at Rush Medical Center, and Director of Corporate Partnerships at the Shedd Aquarium.
Since July 2025, Streater has served as Vice President of Development at UNCF Chicago, where she leads the Midwest Division, overseeing fundraising strategy and development efforts across key markets including Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Columbus, and Minneapolis.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the master of partnership formation to learn more about career and personal keys to success.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Tawanna Streater?
Tawanna Streater: I am a woman born and raised on the South Side of Chicago by a teenage mother. I am a first-generation college graduate who has always believed there is more for me to accomplish, not only for myself but also for the people and communities I serve. I am a mentor to teenage girls and young fundraising professionals, a coach, a leader, and a lifelong learner. I am someone who looks at situations realistically, works hard to achieve my goals, and shows up for the people I care about. While I am proud to be a mother, sister, daughter, and friend, those roles are only part of who I am. I am confident, resilient and resourceful, and I am not afraid to take ownership or tackle difficult challenges. When I commit to something, I find a way to get it done.
What are three words your family and friends would use to describe you?
Ambitious. Pragmatic. Supportive.
As a child, what did you dream you would do for a living?
I wanted to become a doctor specifically, a pediatrician. However, I learned very quickly that I could not stand the sight of blood! Although medicine was not my path, my desire to help young people and make a difference in their lives never went away. I found another way to do it.
How did you begin your path into the world of corporate management and development?
I realized I wanted to work in development during my senior year of college while working in the theater department. I discovered a love for production and initially wanted to create events to support young people. That interest quickly evolved when I realized how much I enjoyed building relationships with corporate and foundation partners, developing strategies, and writing grants. I saw that fundraising was about much more than asking for money; it was about connecting people and organizations to meaningful work and creating opportunities for communities to thrive.
Please tell us about your role and some of your day-to-day duties as Vice President of Development – Midwest at UNCF.
A significant part of my day involves coaching and serving as a thought partner to my staff. I want to ensure they have the resources, guidance, and support they need to be successful. I also spend a great deal of time researching potential partners, developing fundraising strategies, cultivating relationships, and reaching out to corporations, foundations, and individuals who may be aligned with UNCF’s mission. Every day is different, but the goal remains the same: to create opportunities and secure resources that help students access and complete a college education.
What are three of your personal keys to success in business?
Maintain your integrity, love what you do, and never underestimate the power of collaboration. Your reputation will follow you throughout your career, so it is important to be honest, dependable, and consistent. Passion keeps you motivated, but collaboration reminds you that meaningful success is rarely achieved alone.
With so much on your plate, how do you maintain your mental health?
I am an avid fitness enthusiast, so exercise is one of the ways I manage stress, clear my mind, and take care of myself. I also make it a priority to spend quality time with my friends and family. Most importantly, I attend church and remain grounded in my faith. That combination of movement, meaningful relationships, and spiritual connection helps me maintain balance.
Can you name a book that changed or significantly impacted your life?
It may sound cliché, but reading the Bible consistently over the past year has had a tremendous impact on my life. It has strengthened my faith, changed my perspective, and reminded me to extend grace to myself and others. It has also helped me become more intentional about how I live, lead, and serve.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am extremely clumsy, which is funny because I wear heels almost every day. I trip, stumble, or run into something regularly. Somehow, I always recover and keep moving, usually while pretending no one noticed! That’s a lesson I learned in life: sometimes you may stumble, but you have to get back up and keep going.
What is your best advice or words of wisdom for young entrepreneurs?
Do not burn bridges. Treat everyone you meet as a potential partner, customer, or valuable connection. Do your research so you can approach people from a position of knowledge and preparation. Be authentic, remain open to feedback, and never stop learning. Most importantly, understand that how you treat people matters as much as the work you produce.
What is your favorite quote or affirmation?
“Let go of who you think you need to be and simply be who you actually are.”
For me, that means leading with authenticity. There is freedom and power in knowing who you are, embracing your strengths, and allowing people to experience the real you.
What is next for Tawanna Streater?
I am finally an empty nester, so I am taking the time to enjoy this new chapter and rediscover what I want for myself.
Professionally, I am focused on rebuilding and strengthening UNCF’s Midwest Division and helping position our team for long-term success.
Personally, I am seriously considering returning to school to earn a second master’s degree within the next year or two. I am still ambitious, still growing, and still open to where God leads me next.
Also, join us and save the date for the 43rd Annual Chicago Walk for Education. It brings us closer to sending more students to college and furthering UNCF’s mission. This event is an opportunity for Chicago to rally to help local students get the college education they need to compete in the global economy.
For more information, please visit www.uncf.org/local-offices/chicago.
