Tameka Randle is CEO of Porch Initiative and Ward 2 Council Representative with the City of Cape Girardeau
Tameka Randle improves quality of life through understanding, communicating and carrying out a plan of solutions. As CEO of the PORCH (People Organized to Revitalize Community Healing) Initiative in Cape Girardeau, Randle has led the nonprofit in raising $1.3 million in private funding to support home ownership. Her work also links groups in the community as a city councilwoman and commissioner with the Missouri Housing Development Commission.
“Helping as many people win as much as possible — that’s very important to me,” she says. The Ohio native came to southeast Missouri to be a basketball coach and stayed: First working in education, where she saw the needs of students (and their communities) firsthand. Housing was one of those issues, with the city having an overwhelmingly high number of renters.
“It’s generational health and wealth, and it’s long-term,” she says of housing stability and sustainability. “You help a family, then they have children, then they have grandchildren, and so it’s long-term and sustainable. It’s the gift that keeps on giving; paying it forward.”
Given her distinct leadership roles, Randle says a moment of pride was when she was recently honored by three groups representing different segments of those she serves. In November, that included Church Women United’s Human Rights Award.
“I’m not just about one group, or one organization,” she says. “I think that’s important to note. I would say that in some arenas I gain respect and the people trust me to do the work — which allows me to work.”
Randle’s advice to other leaders: Find what you’re truly passionate about.
“It’s hard to have something long-withstanding if you don’t care about it and don’t have a concern,” she says.
Who inspires you? Send your suggestions of individuals moving the needle in your community to Kaitlyn McConnell, the CFO's writer in residence, at kmcconnell@cfozarks.org.
