Symposium
Speaker
Natosha Tallman
she/her/we
Director of Programs,
Northend Christian CDC
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Natosha Monique Tallman: A Leader in Community Development and Empowerment
Natosha Monique Tallman's introduction to the nonprofit sector began in 2008 when she joined Vanguard Community Development Corporation as an Executive Assistant. Her dedication and talent quickly saw her rise to the position of Program Director for the AmeriCorps Next Steps Community Reintegration Program. In this role, she designed workforce development programs to support returning citizens, igniting her passion for assisting marginalized populations and paving the way for her deep involvement in community activism and fund development.
Her next significant role was as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program developer for the Council of Michigan Foundation. There, she worked with a dynamic team to advance the mission of nonprofits across Michigan, fostering inclusive environments and equitable resource distribution. This experience reinforced her belief in the power of community-centric initiatives and the importance of diverse perspectives in driving sustainable change.
In 2017, Natosha joined the Northend Christian Community Development Corporation as a part-time Administrative Assistant. Her role quickly evolved into a full-time position as Director of Programs. She is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the organization and works closely with various steering committees, including the Michigan Non-Profit Relief Fund. Natosha also co-facilitated the Northend Co-op Academy in partnership with the Detroit Community Wealth Fund and the Detroit Justice Center, empowering residents through cooperative business education and support. In 2024, she was invited to become the Co-Director of the Detroit Cultivator Community Land Trust, an initiative of Northend Christian CDC.
Natosha's entrepreneurial spirit is exemplified through her co-ownership of STUFFED Detroit LLC, a fresh food cooperative café, and her establishment of IMX Innovations Group, a consultancy specializing in capacity building, marketing, and fund development for both nonprofit and for-profit entities. These ventures allow her to merge her passion for community development with practical business acumen, creating sustainable models that benefit local economies and promote healthy living.
Her hands-on experience extends to her role as Deputy Mini Grant Officer for the Create NED community development grant initiative, where she managed grant distribution and helped community groups identify and address local priorities. This role reinforced her commitment to fostering resilient, self-sufficient communities.
Natosha's work is characterized by her ability to create and execute plans that account for all requirements, constraints, resources, and deliverables associated with defined objectives. She excels in aggregating, organizing, and synthesizing program and project information to communicate effectively with extended teams and management. Her skills in risk management, process improvement, and tactical decision-making are integral to her success in various projects. She also manages communications across all channels, including social media, web, email, and print, and is responsible for fund development and reporting.
Breakout panelist