Tamara Atkinson on Connecting for Purpose and Building a Stronger Central Texas Workforce

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For Tamara Atkinson, every successful career starts with purpose.

Her philosophy of "connecting for purpose" has guided more than three decades of work in workforce development across Central Texas. From helping individuals identify career pathways to creating opportunities for economic mobility, Atkinson has dedicated her career to connecting people with the tools they need to succeed.

In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Atkinson shares how a lifelong appreciation for community impact and a career spent in workforce development ultimately led her to Goodwill Central Texas, where she now serves as President of Workforce Advancement Strategy.

The conversation explores how Goodwill Central Texas transforms donated goods into workforce training, adult education and career opportunities while preparing people for success in an economy increasingly shaped by technology and evolving workforce needs. Atkinson also discusses the importance of investing in people, strengthening communities, and building a workforce prepared for the future of Central Texas.

Release date: June 2026

Guest: Tamara Atkinson, President of Workforce Advancement Strategy, Goodwill Central Texas

Duration: 25 minutes

Sponsor: Amplify Credit Union

Timecodes:

06:55

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Learning About Goodwill: Atkinson highlights a few programs at Goodwill that are often overlooked, including an adult high school and an early childhood education facility.

08:32

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Bumper Sticker Purpose: How Atkinson challenged herself to find a purpose short enough to fit on a bumper sticker, and why that combined thrift stores and workforce development.

16:57

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The Dangers of Being Farsighted: Why it’s important for Austin to not become so “farsighted” that we look past the community’s immediate needs.

23:49

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Building a Better Workforce: Why business leaders should seek partnerships with organizations like Goodwill to help job seekers develop timely and in-demand skills.

What Is Goodwill central texas?

Since 1958, Goodwill Central Texas has empowered thousands of Texans to work. Goodwill turns revenue from over 37 retail educations into education and career programs, including job placement, career coaching and support, and more. Each year, Goodwill processes tens of millions of pounds of donated goods to support thousands of jobseekers in Central Texas.

Founded: 1958

Location: 1015 Norwood Park Blvd

Mission: To build a Central Texas where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Type: Nonprofit

Website: www.goodwillcentraltexas.org

Memorable Quotes from Tamara Atkinson

Tamara Atkinson

President of Workforce Advancement Strategy, Goodwill Central Texas

If you’re a person in the community looking to work at Goodwill or get skills through Goodwill, you’re gonna come through an area that I oversee.

We turn donated goods into revenue that we then put back into our community.

When employers ask for five years’ experience and a bachelor’s degree, they’re really discounting people who have a lived experience.

Let’s not get so farsighted that we lose track of who’s here and who’s really trying to make it and live here in Austin.

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How Connecting for Purpose Builds a Stronger Workforce