Tahira Christmon is the Vice President of External Affairs at ABFE- A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities. Charged with advancing ABFE’s mission and brand, she leads the organization’s membership, partnerships, and communications priorities. Before joining ABFE, Christmon was the director of membership for the Council on Foundations where she was instrumental in the design and strategic direction of all membership and engagement initiatives. She also served in various membership, communications, and cause marketing roles at Goodwill Industries International. Prior to falling into philanthropy, she was an award-winning television news reporter in the Washington DC metro area. 

Tahira is deeply passionate about addressing the systemic “isms” that impact the quality of life for all. She is a board member for New Endeavors for Women, a DC-based nonprofit committed to ending the cycle of homelessness, and Maryland Humanities. She received her master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Maryland College Park and her bachelor’s degree in journalism and Spanish from Syracuse University.