MITCHELL CONSULTING Turning heads and changing attitudes
Our tagline is turning heads and changing attitudes - that's what we do for communities.
Who We Are
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CEO
About Tanja Mitchell
President & CEO, Mitchell Consulting
Tanja Mitchell is the founder, President, and CEO of Mitchell Consulting — a firm dedicated to authentic community engagement, strategic development, and inclusive leadership. With more than 20 years of experience in community development, Tanja is known as a cultural connector and a catalyst for neighborhood transformation.
Her mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that every resident — regardless of background or zip code — is seen, heard, and equipped to shape the future of their community.
A Leader in Community Development
Tanja’s career in community engagement began with the City of Memphis Housing and Community Development and the Cooper-Young Community Development Corporation. A life-changing visit to the Uptown Hope VI redevelopment site introduced her to a development team — and a neighborhood — she would proudly become a part of.
Since then, she has worked alongside major developers, city leaders, and grassroots organizations to connect programs and resources to the people who need them most — always in an authentic, respectful, and empowering way.
Driving Impact Through Leadership
Tanja has served on numerous influential boards, including:
- Memphis River Parks Partnership
- Grow Memphis
- Memphis Depot Redevelopment Agency
- A Step Ahead Foundation (former Board Chair)
In recognition of her impact, Tanja was awarded the Downtown Vision Award in 2018 for her service to the Downtown Memphis community.
Today, she continues to serve on boards aligned with her passion for people and place, including:
- Downtown Memphis Commission (CCDC)
- Explore Bike Share
- Overton Park Shell
- Memphis Housing Authority (City Mayor Appointed Member)
Vision & Values
Tanja is passionate about building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities — places where people not only live, but thrive. She believes every citizen deserves a safe, decent, and fulfilling environment in which to live and play.
With unmatched expertise in community building, cross-sector collaboration, and public-private partnerships, Tanja Mitchell leads with purpose, authenticity, and heart.
Our Approach
At Mitchell Consulting, we believe that real community change starts with listening, trust-building, and collaboration. Our approach is rooted in authenticity and respect — ensuring that all voices, especially those historically overlooked, are included in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every community is different, and so is every project. That’s why we take time to understand the local context, history, and stakeholders before designing any strategy. Our work is guided by the principles of equity, transparency, and sustainability.
Whether we’re working with city governments, nonprofit organizations, or private developers, our process is always:
- People-Centered: We prioritize community voices and lived experiences.
- Place-Based: Our work is grounded in the physical, social, and cultural fabric of each neighborhood.
- Data-Informed: We use research and on-the-ground insights to guide decision-making.
- Collaborative: We foster partnerships that align public, private, and community interests.
From visioning sessions and stakeholder engagement to implementation support, we work alongside our clients to co-create strategies that lead to meaningful, long-term impact.
Goals and Impact
At Mitchell Consulting, our goal is simple but powerful: to help build a stronger, more united Memphis. We are driven by a mission to foster collaboration, elevate community voices, and address the issues that matter most to residents across the city.
We believe in the power of connected, safe, and thriving communities — and in the importance of making sure that every voice is heard, valued, and represented. Our work is rooted in authentic engagement and strategic action, always focused on creating real, measurable change.
Our leadership approach is about building bridges — across sectors, neighborhoods, and perspectives. We actively engage with diverse communities to empower people to shape the future of their city. With a blend of empathy and expertise, we deliver solutions that improve quality of life and strengthen the social and economic fabric of Memphis.
Whether advancing affordable housing, supporting local businesses, promoting neighborhood safety, or championing equity-driven initiatives, Mitchell Consulting is at the forefront of efforts to create a more inclusive and prosperous city.
This isn’t just our vision — it’s a shared call to action. Together, we can create lasting change and build a Memphis where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.
Building Stronger Communities
Habitat for Humanity Partnership
Mitchell Consulting is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity International and its Memphis affiliate to advance Black homeownership and expand access to affordable housing in underserved communities.
Through our collaboration, we help develop strategies that break down barriers to homeownership, build generational wealth, and promote long-term neighborhood stability.