Featuring Tawanna Jamison & Mary McCallum discussing Vice President Kamala Harris’ potential for success as President and Commander-in-Chief
I had the privilege of an impromptu conversation with two exceptional women who have each embarked on unique journeys of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of their Next Best Act. Tawanna Jamison and Mary McCallum are women of extraordinary depth —leaders who have broken barriers and inspired change in fields as diverse as the military and the arts.
In 2014, I attended a performance of Mary’s play, Six Triple Eight, a powerful piece based on historical events. This play follows four Black women with distinct backgrounds and aspirations as they navigate life in World War II’s first and only all-Black, all-female battalion tasked with delivering mail overseas. The characters – Sadie, a widow with spiritual gifts; Sammy, a charming
country girl searching for love; Cleo, the dramatic Broadway actress; and Paige, whose devout beliefs create both structure and tension — stayed with me long after. They embodied unexpected and formidable leadership qualities that resonated across time. By 2019, Mary and I partnered to adapt her story for a wider audience. While circumstances prevented it from being produced then, I still believe in its profound impact and hope to see it come to life on the big screen one day.
As a brief disclaimer, this stage play is not affiliated with or endorsed by the movie to be released by Netflix entitled, “Six Triple Eight,” it’s producers, creator, or affiliates. The use of the title and contents of the pre-existing play are purely for the purpose of commentary and does not imply any official connection with the movie or its creators.
Tawanna and I met as fast friends at a social event, instantly drawn to each other’s energy. Learning about her extensive background in military leadership, I shared stories from my conversations with Mary about women in military history. With her expertise in logistics and her role as a Senior Logistics Corps Officer, I knew the two needed to connect. Their combined insights were sure to shine a light on the evolution and importance of women’s roles in leadership, from the military’s structured hierarchy to the creative freedom of storytelling.
When Vice President Kamala Harris announced her candidacy for President, it sparked excitement for each of us. Mary, Tawanna, and I agreed that true leadership embodies compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serving all—qualities that resonate deeply with women and women in the military. Harris’s potential as the first female President and a woman of color carries a historic weight, and we agreed she would strive relentlessly to succeed. If Harris brings the collaborative spirit and empathetic leadership that women like Tawanna and Mary advocate for, she could redefine what it means to lead with integrity and vision.
Representation: A Foundation for Leadership
African American women account for 33% of the United States Military, outpacing all other female recruits.
Tawanna’s military career is a testament to the profound importance of representation. Rising from an enlisted soldier to a Senior Logistics Corps Officer, she demonstrated that leadership is not merely a title but a mission of service and visibility. “Representation is the opportunity to spotlight or model something special you bring to an organization,” she shared. “It’s critical to showcase your best people so others see that success is achievable for everyone, especially women of color.”
Her reflections on Vice President Harris emphasized why such representation matters. “It’s empowering to know that we’re not boxed in,” Tawanna said. “Representation fuels confidence and reminds us of women like Shirley Chisholm, who defied expectations. It shows we can be level-headed, strategic, and lead with sound judgment.” I felt her words resonate – I, too, have seen how representation can be a beacon for aspiring leaders. Harris’s run for President symbolizes this beacon, proving that women from diverse backgrounds can lead at the highest levels with poise and capability.
Mary’s devotion to sharing underrepresented stories through her art adds another layer to this conversation. “I’m a history buff,” she said, her eyes lighting up as she recounted discovering a photo of 800 Black women marching in Europe during WWII. “They were strong and resilient
— qualities little girls need to see in their heroes.” Through Six Triple Eight, Mary ensures their courage and leadership are remembered and celebrated. Her work affirms that representation isn’t just visibility; it’s about preserving legacies and inspiring new ones.
As Harris takes on the monumental task of campaigning to lead the nation, the importance of showcasing capable, diverse leadership becomes even more pronounced. Both Mary and Tawanna see this as an essential part of moving forward — reminding us that leadership rooted in authentic representation can reshape narratives and inspire future generations.
The Power of Personal Stories in Shaping Leadership
Jimmy Carter once said: “We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.”
Tawanna’s journey in leadership was guided by her faith and early experiences in the military. “In the military, leadership is not just about giving orders; it’s about lifting people up,” she shared. This sentiment resonated deeply with me. True leadership nurtures those around you, guiding them to realize their potential. Her transition to becoming a Sr. Chaplain allowed her to blend her structured military experience with empathy, providing support that extended beyond rank and duty. It’s a quality that Harris, known for her nuanced approach to leadership, would bring into her role as Commander-in-Chief – balancing strength with humanity.
Mary’s storytelling also embodies resilience. One of her most compelling characters, Sadie, finds leadership in the face of profound loss. After losing her husband and son in the Port Chicago disaster, Sadie’s quiet strength emerges as she devises an efficient mail distribution system—a solution others overlooked. “Her leadership e
merges when she devises a system for distributing mail efficiently—showcasing overlooked potential,” Mary noted. This struck a chord with me as a reminder that leadership often blooms from personal trials, a theme that echoes in the journeys of countless women redefining their stories. Harris’s potential journey to the presidency would draw upon this same narrative—turning challenges into catalysts for change.
Common Goals: The Core of Effective Leadership
“Leadership is never a solo act,” Tawanna said, reflecting on her military service. “It’s about building a collective drive toward shared goals. Inspiring people comes from showing that their contributions matter.” This insight into leadership grounded in collaboration and recognition struck me as essential—true leaders create a sense of belonging and purpose.
Mary’s approach to directing her plays mirrors this sentiment. “It’s about connecting people through shared experiences,” she said. “The women in Six Triple Eight overcome immense odds, showcasing the collaborative spirit needed in leadership.” Hearing this, I could see how leadership—whether in the military, the arts, or politics—requires unity. Vice President Harris’s leadership would rely on such a spirit of collective purpose to galvanize diverse groups and unify the nation. As Tawanna pointed out, success “requires collaboration,” and Mary added, “And vision—leading with empathy and strength.” These reflections remind me of the many times I’ve witnessed women coming together to achieve incredible feats.
Overcoming Conflict with Empathy
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate) once said: “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough. The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If women rise to the challenge, they will not only end wars but also prevent them.”
Tawanna’s ability to manage conflict stood out during our conversation. “I focused on leading by example — showing respect and building trust,” she said. “Addressing sexism or racism means confronting issues head-on but with empathy.” Her approach reminded me that it’s not just about tackling problems but doing so in a way that maintains dignity and fosters growth.
Mary’s Six Triple Eight also embodies this theme. “I included scenes that emphasized camaraderie and subtle competition that ultimately led to unity,” she shared. Sadie’s character, in particular, demonstrates how quiet resilience and strategic thinking can help overcome adversity-a lesson that echoes far beyond the stage.
For Harris, empathy will be an essential tool for navigating political divisions and international challenges alike. She can end wars and prevent them and I hope that she gets the chance to prove it. Just as Tawanna and Mary have shown, addressing conflict with understanding can lead to breakthroughs that transcend individual struggles and create lasting progress.
Finding Direction and a Path Forward
Guiding others through uncertainty is where true leaders make their mark. Tawanna spoke passionately about helping veterans transition to civilian life. “Transition is difficult, but having a support system and a plan makes it manageable,” she said. Her insights reflect a broader truth— leaders create pathways, not just for themselves but for those they serve.
Mary’s storytelling aims to inspire similar clarity. “Strength lies in acknowledging struggles and pushing forward,” she said. I could imagine how her characters, if they lived in today’s world, would advocate for themselves and others, embodying the courage needed to face modern challenges.
Both women have clear goals for their Next Best Act. Tawanna is determined to take her compassionate leadership further by becoming a death doula, providing support and guidance to individuals and their families during the end-of-life process. This path reflects her deep commitment to empathy and service, qualities that have defined her career and continue to inspire those around her.
Mary, on the other hand, is driven to expand the reach of her plays, ensuring that her stories find a broader audiences. She hopes to use her art to foster understanding and resilience, reminding people of the power of collective history and shared experience.
These aspirations echo the qualities they see as essential in Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential leadership: empathy, representation, and the pursuit of common goals. Just as Tawanna and Mary have taken bold steps toward their Next Best Acts, Harris’s journey could redefine leadership and inspire future generations to lead with strength and compassion.
…As Colin Powell once said: “Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand.”
Designing the Next Best Act for Women Everywhere
I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when women embrace their potential to redefine their lives. Please look for my Next Best Act Conversations where we all can explore many stories and inspire others to embrace the threshold to reinvent, reimagine, and thrive.
Tawanna and Mary exemplify what it means to embrace change and step boldly into new roles that are deeply aligned with who they are and the impact they want to leave on the world. Tawanna’s pivot to becoming a death doula and Mary’s leap into larger-scale production aren’t just career moves — their acts of courage.
These women are blazing trails for others to follow, showing us that it’s never too late to reimagine what is possible. Through their stories, I hope to help other women see what is within reach. Whether it’s starting a new venture, pivoting in your career, or exploring untapped passions, the journey begins with believing in your potential to transform.
So, tell me, what are you planning for your next best act?
