Running Toward Health: Tasha McDaniel-Thompson
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Tasha McDaniel-Thompson was born on July 18, 1968, in Lansing, Michigan, a city whose industrial roots and blue-collar values shaped her upbringing. As an only child, she learned early on the value of close-knit family ties, especially after her parents’ divorce. Her life was enriched by the love and guidance of her grandparents, who were integral to her growth. Tasha’s father, one of the first Black master electricians in the area, ran a successful electrical contracting company. It was under his mentorship that Tasha developed a deep understanding of entrepreneurship and resilience. The pride she felt when his company was named the state’s top minority vendor by the Michigan Department of Commerce became a formative moment, igniting her drive for excellence and perseverance.
Tasha’s mother, a constant pillar in her life, played an equally transformative role, shaping her sense of community service. The lessons learned from her parents' contrasting careers were the foundation upon which Tasha would build her future. She became a proud first-generation college graduate, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University-Bloomington, followed by a Master of Public Administration from Barry University. For Tasha, education was a passport to empowerment, and her parents’ sacrifices allowed her to thrive in ways they had never imagined for themselves.
Today, Tasha is a seasoned learning and development trainer for Ascendium Education Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to student loan guaranty. She designs virtual training programs, focusing on personal and professional growth, including emotional intelligence, stress management, and work-life balance. Her work allows her to reach people on a wide scale, inspiring them to elevate their lives. This role, which she carries out from her remote office in Ormond Beach, is a testament to her deep commitment to others’ development.
However, it’s her commitment to improving the physical and mental well-being of women that truly defines Tasha’s legacy. Her passion for health advocacy began after her mother’s hospitalization due to complications from diabetes. Tasha’s personal quest for a healthier lifestyle extended to her family, where she became the catalyst for change. Later, when her mother was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and underwent two heart valve replacements, Tasha’s determination only grew stronger. She became a certified health coach and behavior change specialist, channeling her experiences into a mission to empower women to live healthier, fuller lives.
Tasha’s professional and personal achievements are vast, but her experience as a runner holds a special place in her heart. She completed her first marathon at 49, and in 2022 and 2023, Tasha ran in the Selma to Montgomery 51-mile relay race, commemorating the historic 1965 march for voting rights. Each step across the Edmund Pettus Bridge was an homage to the sacrifices of civil rights leaders like John Lewis and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This experience not only fueled her passion for health but also solidified her connection to a larger legacy of activism and resilience.
If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.
In 2020, Tasha faced one of her greatest personal challenges when her mother passed away just a month after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her mother’s death was a blow to Tasha, who had always been her rock and guide. But Tasha turned her grief into purpose, co-founding the Women of Color Wellness Alliance, a nonprofit organization designed to address the health disparities faced by women of color in the Daytona Beach area. The initiative’s focus is on chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke—diseases that disproportionately affect Black women.
Tasha’s mission is to close the health disparities gap, particularly in Daytona Beach, where Black women face higher rates of obesity, hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. She aims to change the narrative by helping women prioritize their health. Through the Women of Color Wellness Alliance, Tasha provides crucial support to women navigating the healthcare system, helping them access resources and information that can improve their health outcomes. It’s a cause deeply personal to her, shaped by her own family’s struggles and the health challenges her mother faced.
As a member of Black Girls RUN!, Tasha has become a vital force in motivating women of color to embrace running as a way to improve their health and build community. Her Daytona Beach chapter of Black Girls RUN! has blossomed into a thriving community where women of all ages and fitness levels come together to walk, run, and support one another. For Tasha, running is more than just exercise; it’s a metaphor for life. It’s about pushing past barriers, training both the mind and body, and achieving what once seemed impossible.
Beyond her advocacy, Tasha is an avid runner who has completed over 50 half marathons, two full marathons, and numerous shorter races. She sees running as a tool for building resilience, both physical and mental. She’s also a fan of weightlifting and spinning, enjoying the diversity these activities bring to her fitness routine. Tasha also treasures time spent on the boat with her husband, disconnecting from the pressures of daily life and savoring the calm.
Tasha’s life has been shaped by the values of faith, health, loyalty, and diligence. She lives by the mantra, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you,” a phrase that reflects her belief in the transformative power of adversity. She encourages everyone she meets to embrace challenges as a means of growth, and she is living proof of the strength that comes from perseverance. Her personal and professional journey is an inspiration to countless others, particularly Black women who are navigating health challenges, pursuing careers, and striving for balance.
Tasha McDaniel-Thompson’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and dedication. Through her work, her advocacy, and her personal journey, she continues to inspire those around her to prioritize their health, take control of their futures, and embrace the transformative power of challenges. In her, we see a shining example of how to live with purpose and passion, even in the face of adversity.
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