From Bowie State to Global Impact: Tamani Lyn Empowers Women Entrepreneurs

Bowie State alumna Tamani Lyn has transformed her passion for community into a global force for change. From launching a simple blog during her college years to creating WOMEN OF LYN (WOL), an international nonprofit that mentors and supports women entrepreneurs of color, Lyn has built an organization grounded in faith, leadership and the confidence she gained at Bowie State. Her journey, shaped by determination and a desire to give back, shows how following one’s calling can create a lasting impact even in uncertain times. 

When Lyn arrived at Bowie State University in 2016, she could not have imagined that just a few years later she would be leading an organization empowering women across the globe. What began as a personal passion project during her sophomore year has grown into WOL, an organization offering mentorship, workshops and community support for women building their businesses. 

Lyn, who graduated in 2020 with a degree in communications and public relations, did not originally plan for this path. She came to Bowie with her sights set on joining the Air Force, but after a year in ROTC she realized it was not her calling. “Growing up in PG County, I was surrounded by Black excellence,” she said. “I kept seeing women starting businesses and chasing their dreams. I wanted to highlight and support them, and that’s how WOL began.” 

Starting as a simple blog, WOL quickly gained momentum. As Lyn told the stories of women entrepreneurs in her community, people began reaching out for advice on how to do the same. A handful of conversations became dozens, then hundreds, of women seeking mentorship. That demand led to the creation of the organization’s flagship program, the Boss Academy, which offers 16 weeks of one-on-one guidance to help women launch and sustain successful businesses. 

Through it all, Lyn credits her time at Bowie for building her confidence and leadership skills. “At Bowie, you can’t just sit in the back of the classroom,” she said. “They make you speak with authority because when you leave, you represent Bowie.” That confidence proved essential when she graduated in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. She faced an uncertain world and launched a nonprofit during a period when funding was scarce. WOL remains 100% self-funded today, which Lyn views as both a challenge and a point of pride. 

Faith has also been a steady guide in her journey. Lyn lives by Psalm 46:5: “God is within her; she will not fall.” It is a daily reminder, she says, that even when the path feels heavy, she has the tools to keep moving forward. 

Despite her growing impact, Lyn has not forgotten her roots. She stays connected to Bowie State by offering internships to students, collaborating with professors, and speaking at events to encourage the next generation. “The door is always open for Bowie State students,” she said. “If they ever want to get involved, whether it’s interning, shadowing me or joining our events, they’re welcome.” 

Today, WOL continues to expand through community events, high school workshops and speaking engagements designed to equip young women with skills like public speaking and leadership long before they enter college or start a business. For Lyn, it all comes back to the mission that shaped her as a student at Bowie State: empowering women of color to dream bigger, lead boldly and know they are not alone. 

Students interested in internships or learning more about WOMEN OF LYN can email womenoflyn@gmail.com. They can also visit womenoflyn.org and follow the organization on LinkedIn at “Women of Lyn” to stay connected and explore opportunities.