Tammy Meadows
About me
Traffic Vice-President Tammy Meadows is a community-minded Brooklynite who is dedicating herself to “rebuilding the faith of the membership and bringing everyone together.” The president of her Prospect Heights block association has been with the Traffic Department for 15 years, serving as both an in-house delegate and Manhattan borough delegate. “They called me ‘Angela Davis’ when I first came in,” Meadows laughs. “I made sure that members’ rights weren’t being violated.” Gearing up for the upcoming contract negotiations, the trained paralegal says members must “work for what we know we’re worth.”
About my company
New York City’s Traffic Enforcement Agents ( TEAs) are law enforcement professionals employed by the New York City Police Department. They work Closely with, and supplement the effort of sworn police office and /or peace officers employed by the department. TEAs enforce the vehicles and traffic law, as well as certain provisions of New York City’s Administrative code. They also have significant responsibilities related to ensuring the smooth and orderly flow of traffic within the five boroughs. Like police offices, firefighters, corrections office and certain other personnel, TEAs are classified as part of New York City’s elite uniformed forces.
I chose this career path because
I always wanted to be a lawyer. I thought with this job it just felt right representing people and recognizing their value. I am an in-house delegate.
I prepared for this career by
After finishing high school I attended college. I worked for the New York City Police Traffic Division for 15 years and did a lot of community work.
The biggest challenge I've overcome
The biggest challenge is being taken seriously. I am the only women from traffic being represented in the union. I work with a lot of different cultures and some do not believe a woman should be a Vice President. I have to stand up and me strong.
My greatest strength(s)
I totally care about what I am doing. I have learned from the ground up. When people call with an issue, I treat everyone with importance.
My greatest accomplishment to date
My greatest accomplishment is my daughter. She is 20 years old and I am so proud of her! I am also a freelance photographer. I love to see beauty all around me!
My personal/professional goals
I am contemplating running for the presidency of the union.
What/Who has inspired me the most
My inspiration comes from the way I was brought up. I used to be very shy and I forced myself out of it.
I most want to be known/remembered for
I want to be remembered for how I treat people. It's my trademark! We are all connected in some way. I am very forgiving and find the good in everyone.
I participate in the following organizations/memberships
I am the President of the Block Association and Treasurer of the Tenant Association.
I have received the following Honors/Awards/Scholarships
I have received many rewards for my photography for documenting things in the community. I took pictures of the Barclay Center from when they first started building it to the end and documented it all. The photos are going to be published one day.
I support the missions of these charities/volunteer my time
I support feeding the homeless and clothing the homeless.
I enjoy the following hobbies/interests
I enjoy my photography and spending time with my daughter.