TAHJA E. LAUDERDALE
“Tahja is a mission-driven and passion led project manager and people leader with 10+ years of strategic planning, marketing, account management, business development and event production experience.
Tahja currently serves as the Associate Manager for Project Management at Ologie where she monitors project progress, establishes project deadlines, continuously evaluates project performance and ensures the efficiency of all client projects.
Mission-driven and passion-led, Tahja serves as the Executive Director and Chief Brand Manager for the Direction Up Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of youth through athletics and mentorship. As the organization co-founder, Tahja oversees all brand operations, communication channels, digital strategy, public appearance and operations among internal and external audiences. Additionally, Tahja manages the organizational fiscal planning and strategic partnerships, while also leading the coordination of Direction Up signature events including the annual basketball camp and 5k run.
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A lifetime sports enthusiast, Tahja is the head 8th (formerly 7th grade) coach for

the Columbus Academy Girls Basketball team. Affectionately known as "Coach TL," she leads the on-court coaching and development of academically qualified student athletes, facilitating all training and practice sessions. In 2019, 2021 and 2023 "Coach TL" led the Vikings to a regional championship.
Through the course of her career, Tahja has used her skills and expertise in project management and event production for brands and campaigns including (but not limited to) the BET Awards, Essence Music Festival, National Urban League, the Executive Leadership Council, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and Black Enterprise.
Tahja is a Who's Who in Black Columbus honoree and a member of the YWCA-Columbus marketing committee. Tahja received a Bachelor of Science in Technology from Bowling Green State University with a minor in Computer Science.”