Tamika L'Ecluse

Tamika L’Ecluse is child, family, and community advocate in Sacramento. Born in Sacramento and raised by a single mother, Tamika grew up impoverished and relied on public education and government assistance for survival. At 18, she enrolled at American River College in hopes of earning an Associates Degree in Science, but later shifted her focus to Early Childhood Education, and attended Sacramento City College. In 2006, she completed her certification through the National Center for Montessori Education (NCME) accredited through the American Montessori Society.

Aside from teaching, Tamika was active in the community and social causes at an early age. Following generations of women who took active roles in civil and women’s rights, she began her advocacy in campaigning against Prop 22 (marriage inequality) in 2000. She has also advocated for women’s freedom of choice, gender equity, LGBTQ rights, children’s rights and anti-violence measures. Her advocacy has most recently focused on supporting healthy growth in her community, empowering residents and coaching parents and school officials on positive discipline practices.

After 13 years of teaching in Early Childhood and Early Kindergarten, she joined the Greater Sacramento Urban League as a program manager, working toward reducing African-American child mortality in the Oak Park community of Sacramento. Tamika has served as board member, Vice President and President of the Oak Park Neighborhood Association, serves on the Board of Directors for the California Montessori Project, and is an appointed member of the Sacramento Promise Zone Resident Council. Most recently she was recognized as 2017 Woman of the Year for Assembly District 7 by Hon. Kevin McCarty. Tamika continues to be an active voice for community members who seek social justice, smart growth, and inclusive practices for all, with future aspirations of running for local office.

She is the wife of Devon L’Ecluse, mother to Xavion and Makeo L’Ecluse, and loves to spend her free time with family and close friends. She enjoys cooking, spontaneous day trips with her family and singing.