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Bio: Vanita Lee-Tatum, MBA ’13, has dedicated her career to advancing social and economic justice as a Vice President and Commercial Banker at Amalgamated Bank. With over 15 years in the field, Vanita serves nonprofits and mission-driven organizations across the Western Region, bringing a unique commitment to empowering underrepresented communities and advocating for equity in finance. A champion for women of color entrepreneurs, her contributions have been recognized by Fast Company, Yahoo! Finance, and USA Today. Vanita holds an MBA from Mills College at Northeastern University and a BA in Multicultural & Gender Studies from California State University, Chico.

A Journey of Growth and Impact: Since her graduation from the Lokey School of Business, Vanita’s career has been one of resilience, growth, and meaningful impact. Rising through the ranks in top financial institutions, she found herself drawn to a path of advocacy, a journey that eventually led her to entrepreneurship, where she empowered women of color to shape their own success. Now, as a VP at Amalgamated Bank in San Francisco, she channels her expertise into social impact banking, making a difference in communities through mission-driven financial services.
Her journey is also a testament to balancing personal and professional ambitions. During her MBA program, she managed the demands of being a single mother while advancing her career. Today, Vanita shares her life with her supportive husband, Jamar Tatum,  and their two daughters, Jaya, a freshman at Fresno State, and Jazel Monet, a spirited preschooler.

Pivotal Moments and the Courage to Lead: A pivotal turning point came when Vanita stepped away from traditional banking, confronting burnout and practices that clashed with her values. This decision opened doors to advocacy, mentorship, and consulting, allowing her to leverage her skills for community impact. By mentoring young entrepreneurs and focusing on social impact, Vanita redefined success as something greater than individual achievement—one rooted in community empowerment and equity.

The Impact of a Mills Education: As an Oakland native, Vanita’s connection to Mills began in 1996 when she joined the Upward Bound Program. During her undergraduate years, she returned to Mills as a teaching assistant, deepening her bond with the college. Mills is woven into her family’s story: her brother, Dr. Chris Harrison, and her sister-in-law, Dr. Nneka Allen-Harrison, are also alumni, with Dr. Nneka currently serving as a professor at Mills at Northeastern. This rich family legacy at Mills and the campus’s beauty have been sources of inspiration and peace for Vanita. Her MBA experience instilled in her the resilience and confidence that became foundational to her career and ignited her passion for sustainable business and social impact—values aligned with the Center for Transformative Action’s mission.

Triumphs and Advocacy in Finance: Walking away from traditional finance was challenging, but it allowed Vanita to step into roles where she could advocate for equity. As a business strategy consultant, she helped women in underserved communities realize their entrepreneurial dreams. At Amalgamated Bank, she now aligns her values with her work, advancing social justice by serving mission-driven clients and promoting a fairer financial landscape. Every day, Vanita is motivated by the progress she sees in communities and the positive changes her work fosters.

Advice to Current Students: Vanita encourages students to prioritize mental health and wellness, emphasizing these as the bedrock of genuine success. She advises building a support network and viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth. For Vanita, art became an essential outlet—a way to connect with her identity beyond career achievements and a source of renewal. She believes in embracing all facets of oneself to drive positive impact in the world.
Vanita’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of purpose-driven work and the impact of a Mills education. As she continues to trailblaze in her field, she remains committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of changemakers.