Our Team | Tumaini DC, Inc.

The Tumaini Tribe

Portia Richardson

Founder + Executive Director

A native of Washington, DC., Portia Richardson started her entrepreneurial journey as the Executive Director and Founder of Tumaini DC, Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that designs and facilitates holistic Social and Emotional Learning opportunities for students and adults. A creative motivator, former DMV Top 30 Under 30 Award recipient, Teach for America alumni, Author of the 21-Day Purpose Challenge and Virtually Resilient e-book, Restorative Justice Practitioner, Social Emotional Learning Expert, The Tumaini Way Curriculum Developer, Serial Entrepreneur, and Captivating Speaker, Portia Richardson has a deep passion for pushing individuals and organizations to their greater purpose.

A public school educator with 10 years of experience in DC public and charter schools, Portia has witnessed the gaps in our education system firsthand. Her upbringing in Southeast, DC coupled with a temporary relocation to Beijing, China, and ongoing moments of reflection perpetuated her belief a holistic education is essential to student success. Portia is dedicated to tackling issues of trauma and educational inequity in her community through the development of Social Emotional Learning resources and opportunities for students and adults.

Portia started her post-educational career at North Carolina A&T State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and later earned a Master of Science degree in Public Policy from Drexel University and a second Master of Science degree in Special Education from George Mason University. In her spare time, Portia enjoys traveling the world, spending time with her husband & children, and attending local events.