From the heart of her community to the boardroom, Tina M. Greene has dedicated her career to empowering others through service, leadership and faith. As executive director of Nana’s Foundation Inc. in Elkridge, Maryland, she leads an organization committed to fostering growth and resilience among individuals seeking to improve their lives. In this capacity, she builds relationships, creates business partnerships, and compiles resources with a focus on mental health and wellness, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and education. Under her guidance, the foundation operates entirely through volunteer service, primarily serving the greater Baltimore region.
Ms. Greene’s educational background forms the foundation of her career success. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in management from Concord University and is pursuing coursework toward a Master of Arts in Christian ministry at Regent University. Her professional training also includes culinary studies through the American Private and Personal Chefs Association, which prepared her for her early success as a private chef serving individuals and celebrities.
Beyond her leadership at Nana’s Foundation, Ms. Greene has demonstrated entrepreneurial drive through her ownership of MawMaw’s Baked Goods in Maryland. Her business reflects her creativity and commitment to uplifting others through food and community. Her entrepreneurial journey began more than two decades ago with the launch of Southern Comfort Food, where she provided private and personal chef services. She later expanded her culinary expertise as owner and chef of Southern Comfort Café in Beckley, creating an inviting space and combining Southern hospitality with business acumen.
Transitioning from hospitality to insurance, Ms. Greene also built a strong foundation in corporate management and client services. She served as an auto appraiser at USAA Auto Insurance in Maryland and as a total loss manager at Nationwide in Glen Burnie. Earlier, she worked as an auto appraiser with the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund in Annapolis, developing expertise in claims and customer service. Her corporate career began at State Farm, where she excelled as an auto insurance claims and estimatics manager. During that period, she earned multiple sales and leadership awards that recognized her professionalism and commitment to excellence.
Earlier still, Ms. Greene honed her leadership skills as a retail manager at JCPenney in Charleston, where she gained experience in operations, team management and customer engagement. In addition to her corporate and entrepreneurial accomplishments, she has contributed to faith-based organizations, serving as executive assistant to the founder of C-Suite for Christ and supporting Fishers of Men as a part-time contributor. These roles reflect her deep belief in service as a lifelong calling.
Ms. Greene professional achievements have earned her significant recognition. She was named a Women to Watch honoree by Black Leaders Worldwide for two consecutive years and has been featured in the Baltimore Sun for her influence as a business owner and community advocate. She maintains an active presence in professional networks through her membership in the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she holds several industry certifications, including ServSafe Manager from the ServSafe National Restaurant Association, associate in claims from the Insurance Institute of America, and certified professional food manager.
Throughout her life, Ms. Greene has drawn strength from her faith and the guidance of her paternal grandmother, whose lessons in decency and perseverance continue to inspire her leadership. Influential mentors have shaped her perspective, including a State Farm manager whose encouragement remains impactful. She values peer mentorship and believes that both triumphs and mistakes contribute equally to growth. A principle she lives by comes from Maya Angelou: “When people show you who they are, believe them,” a quote that informs her approach to authenticity and discernment in relationships.
Civic engagement remains a vital part of Ms. Greene’s life. She supports organizations such as United Way and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, volunteers at community events, and facilitates women’s Bible studies. These efforts mirror her professional dedication to service and empowerment. In the future, she envisions Nana’s Foundation growing into a sustainable, nationwide organization led by a new generation of compassionate leaders. Through every endeavor, she remains devoted to helping others find hope, purpose, and the confidence to achieve their dreams.