Tomiaka Wingard, M.Ed.

Serving as the Director of Youth Programs for YWCA Central Carolinas, Tomiaka oversees the eight Youth Learning Centers in Mecklenburg and Union Counties. She is responsible for leading and advancing YWCA Coordinators in high-quality after-school and summer programs with the core competencies of literacy focus, parent engagement, and character development & cultural enrichment in the forefront.

Tomiaka Wingard joined YWCA Central Carolinas’ team in May 2024. Tomiaka (pronounced Tah-MEE-ka) joined us with extensive experience in education, program management and leadership roles. Most recently, Tomiaka served as a Special Education Consultant at Thompson Child & Family Focus, ensuring compliance in educational services for students in psychiatric residential treatment. Previously, Tomiaka served as director of leadership and learning for Teach for America Charlotte, following over a decade of her service to exceptional children through Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. At CMS, Tomiaka was also a Title 1 instructor, coaching educators.

Tomiaka earned a Master of Education (Curriculum & Instruction) at University of Phoenix, teaching certification at UNC Charlotte and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at South Carolina State University. She sees how many disparities exist due to racism and intersect with education, housing, healthcare and more, and she is excited to advance YWCA’s mission with our dedicated team of educators.