Chief Community Relations Specialist
County of Hudson
Bayonne, New Jersey
Tamika McReynolds is a wife, author, radio host, advocate, mentor, and community leader whose life’s journey embodies resilience, redemption, and the power of healing. From her early challenges, including time in federal prison, to her role as First Lady of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Jersey City, NJ, alongside her husband, Pastor John H. McReynolds, she has transformed adversity into a lifelong mission of service, empowerment, and hope. Her inspiring memoir, From Federal Prison to First Lady, chronicles this powerful transformation and continues to motivate readers across the nation.
As the creator and host of 94.7 THE BLOCK FM Radio Get Your Mind Right Show, Tamika built a groundbreaking platform to bring mental health into the forefront of community conversation. Her show amplifies voices too often silenced—individuals living with mental health challenges, families navigating hardship, and communities seeking healing. By addressing stigma head-on, she has helped normalize conversations around mental wellness while fostering hope and empowerment.
Her influence stretches deeply into Jersey City and across New Jersey, where she has worked tirelessly to support vulnerable populations, create access to resources, and mentor youth and families. Through the Pastor John H. McReynolds Teen Magazine and TMI Consulting, LLC., Tamika inspires the next generation, equipping young people with tools to navigate mental health challenges, build resilience, and lead with confidence. Her mentorship has opened doors for countless teens to tell their stories, embrace their identities, and see possibilities for a brighter future. Extending her advocacy beyond programs and platforms into hands-on service inspired the creation of not only Hudson County’s but the Country’s first Community Outreach Unit under the leadership of Frank Mazza, Director of the Hudson County Department of Family Services and Reintegration. Federal resources and assistance are now available to eligible recipients, throughout 21 satellite offices outside of the County Welfare Agency. Tamika McReynolds partnership with Jersey City and Hudson County was recognized at the 2024 New Jersey League of Municipalities, where she was the recipient of the Innovation In Governance Award.
In her lifetime, Tamika McReynolds dedication to mental health, her commitment to empowering youth, and her unwavering belief in second chances have left an indelible mark on Jersey City, New Jersey, and beyond. She represents the very best of what it means to serve, to uplift, and to lead with heart.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM MDT