Tawana Tolbert is building a career around service, connection and community. A longtime utility professional and freelance publicist, she uses her work and her voice to help people, businesses and organizations in Charleston, South Carolina.
A Downtown Charleston native, Tolbert has spent nearly two decades working in the utility industry. She also works independently as “Tawana Tee,” helping local brands, creatives, nonprofits and businesses gain more visibility.
Her work reflects a strong connection to the city she calls home. Whether she is helping families access energy assistance, promoting local businesses or mentoring young people, Tolbert says community remains at the center of what she does.
Tawana Tolbert Builds a Career Around Helping Her Community
In her utility career, Tolbert serves as a Supervisor of Customer Assistance Programs. She leads a team that connects customers and community partners with energy assistance programs and outreach.
That role gives her a chance to work directly with people and help connect them with resources they may need. Her professional experience has also helped shape the way she approaches leadership, communication and service.
At the same time, Tolbert has developed a second career as a freelance publicist. Through her work as Tawana Tee, she helps local brands, creatives, nonprofits and businesses in areas such as food and beverage, youth services, arts and entertainment.
Her Charleston Roots Keep Her Connected to Home
For Tolbert, Charleston is more than the place where she works. It is home. That connection to the city is an important part of how she approaches her career and community involvement.
Her work as a publicist allows her to highlight local voices and businesses. Rather than simply promoting a brand, she focuses on helping people and organizations receive attention for the work they are doing.
That commitment also connects with her interest in Charleston’s food and culture. Tolbert enjoys supporting local chefs and appreciates the different ways they bring Lowcountry flavors and traditions to their work.
Delta Sigma Theta Sisterhood Has Shaped Her Leadership
Tolbert is a member of the Charleston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She describes sorority membership as an opportunity to lead, inspire and advocate alongside other college-educated women who are also serving their communities.
For her, sisterhood is not only about friendship. It is also about coming together when there is a need and using collective service to create a greater impact.
“Being trusted to lead inspire and advocate among like-minded, college-educated women doing the same things in their own spaces.”
Tolbert says her connection to Delta Sigma Theta has also helped her professionally. Through sisterhood, service and the legacy of the organization’s founders, she has expanded her network and found new opportunities, including clients and personal branding work.
Sisterhood Has Helped Tawana Tolbert Grow as a Mentor
The influence of sisterhood has reached beyond Tolbert’s professional life. She says being surrounded by women who show humility, determination and a willingness to challenge themselves has encouraged her to do the same.
That example has also helped her become a stronger mentor to young people and young adults. She sees leadership as something that should be demonstrated through actions, not simply discussed.
Her story shows how professional growth and community service can support each other. The relationships she has built through sisterhood have strengthened her work, while her work gives her more opportunities to serve and encourage others.
Tawana Tee Gives Local Brands a Stronger Voice
Tolbert’s public relations work has become another way for her to support her community. As Tawana Tee, she helps local businesses, creatives and organizations tell their stories and reach more people.
Her work covers several areas, including food and beverage, youth services, arts and entertainment. These are spaces where local voices can play an important role in shaping how Charleston is seen and experienced.
That makes storytelling a key part of Tolbert’s work. By bringing visibility to local people and organizations, she helps create opportunities for others while building her own professional identity.
Her Style Reflects Her Personality and Charleston Life
Tolbert also brings a personal sense of style to her life and work. She describes herself as a “SneakHERhead,” making sneakers one of her must-have fashion items.
Charleston’s changing weather is one reason she prefers sneakers that can work throughout the year. However, comfort is not the only thing she considers. She also looks for styles and colors that allow her to stay comfortable while still looking polished.
That combination of comfort and personal style reflects the wider approach she brings to her career. Tolbert presents herself as someone who values authenticity while making room for both professional ambition and personal expression.
Tawana Tolbert Celebrates Charleston Food and Culture
Her love for Charleston also shows up in the way she talks about local food. Rather than naming just one favorite restaurant, Tolbert highlights dishes from several local chefs.
She praises Kym Mosley-Freeman of Party Thyme Catering for her shrimp and grits, Chef Terrell “Funny” for his she-crab soup and Chef Marc Green for his stuffed spinach salmon sliders.
For Tolbert, what makes these dishes special is the way the chefs put their own spin on Lowcountry culture and flavors. Her appreciation for their work is another example of her interest in giving local talent recognition.
Her Message Centers on Service Sisterhood and Being Yourself
Tolbert’s story brings together several parts of her life that might seem separate at first. She is a utility professional, publicist, mentor, community advocate and someone deeply connected to Charleston.
Yet each role is tied to the same larger idea: using what she knows and what she has built to help others. Her career gives her professional influence, while her public relations work gives her another platform to amplify local voices.
Her “Life in Four(tees)” philosophy also reflects this approach. Through it, she encourages people to embrace sisterhood, service and authenticity while continuing to grow.
For women looking to build meaningful careers without losing their connection to their communities, Tolbert’s journey offers a simple reminder. Success can create opportunities to lift others, too.
