Women To Watch Awards 2026 honors Tara McDowell

Tara McDowell is an accomplished leader and entrepreneur with a proven track record of excellence across public service, business, and community engagement. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Payroll for the Polk County School Board, bringing over a decade of expertise in managing large-scale payroll operations with precision, integrity, and strategic oversight.

Beyond her professional career in education administration, Tara is the owner of Xtisee Wines, an upcoming wine brand rooted in passion, creativity, and excellence. She is also the founder of Jareem Consulting, a purpose-driven organization dedicated to providing high school students with free access to sporting Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, empowering youth to navigate athletics and academics with confidence.

Tara is the author of The KookingwithKoko Cookbook and is widely recognized for her culinary creativity through the hashtag #KookingwithKoko, where she blends culture, family, and flavor into every dish. She is a proud member of Rho Sigma Alpha Sorority Incorporated, where she exemplifies leadership, service, and sisterhood.

Academically, Tara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Supervision and Management, along with a minor in Criminal Justice. She is also a devoted mother to one son, who is currently pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering, reflecting her commitment to education and generational success.

Driven by resilience and purpose, Tara McDowell continues to pursue success through all of life’s challenges, consistently transforming vision into impact while inspiring those around her.