Dr. Tamara Glover, proudly from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, represents her community as the reigning Mrs. Pine Bluff in the prestigious Mrs. Arkansas America pageant. Dr. Glover has built a distinguished career marked by academic excellence and significant impact. She began her educational journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, followed by a Master’s in Social Work from Arkansas State University. Driven by her passion for learning and social change, she earned a Ph.D. in Social Work from Jackson State University and further enhanced her skills with a Management Development Certificate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
As a Licensed Certified Social Worker, Dr. Glover’s career has included roles as an Associate Professor and the youngest Department Chairperson at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. She also served as a Mental Health Therapist and Social Work Professor at Arkansas State University for six years. Dr. Glover is the Owner and CEO of Level Up Social Work, LLC, a consultancy that equips individuals with the tools to excel as social workers. Alongside her husband, Leonardo Glover, she is also the co-owner of Fulfilled Life Counseling LLC, a private practice dedicated to supporting the mental health needs of individuals and families in the community. Her mission extends beyond academia, as she passionately educates and empowers students and professionals nationwide, inspiring them to become change agents in their communities.
Dr. Glover’s journey has been filled with accomplishments, but it has also included significant hurdles. After giving birth to her second son, she faced and overcame postpartum depression, a challenge that has made her more empathetic and resilient. With the support of her family, she emerged stronger and more dedicated to her mission of empowering women and advocating for mental health awareness. Through her platform, “Yes Ma’am,” Dr. Glover encourages women to take ownership of their mental, physical, and spiritual health, helping them lead fruitful lives and embrace their full potential.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Tamara Glover is a servant leader, empowerment specialist, motivational speaker, trailblazer, and published author dedicated to enriching and elevating lives. She has been happily married to her earthly King, Leonardo Glover, for nine blissful years, and together, they are rearing their two handsome boys, Sasuke and Samson Glover. Leonardo has been her biggest supporter, standing by her side since they first met, and continuously encourages her to pursue her dreams.
As Dr. Glover continues her journey to uplift and inspire, she is excited to participate in the upcoming Mrs. Arkansas America pageant, which will be held in Hot Springs, the organization’s home for over 25 years. The event, scheduled for June 21st, 2025, will be led by Mrs. Lynn Dejarnette, who proudly served as Mrs. Arkansas America in 1994. This pageant provides Dr. Glover with the perfect platform to inspire others, advocate for mental health, and represent the strength of married women across Arkansas. The system celebrates the power of marriage and offers women the chance to continue making a difference as they pursue the coveted Mrs. America title.
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact mrspinebluff@gmail.com
Heat Magazine: Dr. Glover, you’ve had such an inspiring journey—from growing up in Pine Bluff to being the 79thMiss UAPB and now becoming Mrs. Pine Bluff while preparing for Mrs. Arkansas America. Can you tell us what drives you?
Dr. Glover: Thank you! Honestly, my biggest drive has always been my passion for helping people. Growing up in Pine Bluff, I witnessed firsthand the challenges our community faced, and I knew I wanted to be part of the solution. That’s why I pursued a career in social work—I wanted to empower others to overcome obstacles and thrive. Today, that drive is stronger than ever. My role as Mrs. Pine Bluff allows me to be a voice for those who might feel unheard, especially when it comes to mental health. Through my platform, “Yes Ma’am”, I aim to inspire and uplift others. “Yes Ma’am” stands for:
Yes – Say yes to new opportunities, growth, and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Empowerment – Feel empowered to make choices that uplift your life.
Self-worth – Value your worth and never settle for less than you deserve.
Mental – Prioritize mental wellness as the foundation of your overall health.
Authenticity – Live authentically, embracing every part of who you are.
Awareness – Foster awareness of what brings you peace and joy.
Mindfulness – Practice mindfulness to stay present and connected to your journey.
I strive to create spaces where women feel empowered to prioritize their well-being and embrace their full potential. It’s about making a difference, one person, one family at a time.
Heat Magazine: You’ve been very open about your own experiences, including your battle with postpartum depression. How has that shaped your journey?
Dr. Glover: Going through postpartum depression was one of the hardest challenges of my life. Here, I was an educated, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I found myself experiencing postpartum depression. I remember thinking, “This can’t be happening to me.” But mental health doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anyone. I knew that if it was happening to me, there were others suffering in silence, and I wanted to break the stigma around getting help.
I felt vulnerable and overwhelmed, but I learned the importance of leaning on my support system. My husband, Leonardo, and our family were there for me every step of the way. That experience made me even more passionate about advocating for mental health. It’s why I’m so open about it—because so many women go through similar experiences, but we don’t talk about it enough. I want women to know they aren’t alone and that it’s okay to ask for help.
Heat Magazine: You’ve mentioned how your platform, Yes Ma’am, is about helping women say “yes” to themselves. What are some specific steps women can take to start doing that?
Dr. Glover: Saying “YES” to yourself starts with recognizing your worth. One of the first steps is prioritizing self-care, whether that’s through daily exercise, meditation, or just taking a few moments to breathe and relax. It’s also about setting boundaries and learning to say “No” to things that drain you or don’t align with your well-being. Another big step is finding a supportive community. We thrive when we have people around us who encourage us to be our best selves. Finally, it’s about self-reflection, regularly checking in with yourself, setting intentions, and being honest about what you need to feel fulfilled.
Heat Magazine: You have such a distinguished career already—Licensed Certified Social Worker, professor, CEO of Level Up Social Work, LLC, and co-owner of Fulfilled Life Counseling LLC. What made you want to add pageantry to the list?
Dr. Glover: For me, pageantry is about expanding my platform and creating a bigger impact. It allows me to discuss what matters most—mental health, family, and community empowerment on a larger stage. Serving as Mrs. Pine Bluff is currently pushing me out of my comfort zone, especially since this is my first time competing in a pageant since becoming a mother. It has helped me embrace my femininity in new ways and connect with incredible women who are making a difference.
I love everything about the pageant world it opens doors, creates opportunities, and provides a safe space for growth. My journey started with a church pageant and continued as I served my beloved university as Miss UAPB. Each experience has taught me something valuable, and I am excited to continue growing through the Mrs. Arkansas America system.
Heat Magazine: What does your family think of you participating in the Mrs. Arkansas America pageant? It sounds like they’ve been incredibly supportive.
Dr. Glover: My family is amazing. My husband, Leonardo, is my rock. We’ve been together for nine years, and he’s been my number-one fan from day one. He always tells me, “Go after it, Tam. Whatever your dreams are, I’ve got your back.” And that kind of support is priceless. Our two boys, Sasuke and Samson, may not fully understand what mommy is doing yet, but I know they’re proud in their own way. My mom is also very proud and excited that I’m competing, she’s been cheering me on every step of the way.
I want to show my family and others that, no matter what roles you serve as a woman or as an individual, it’s essential to pursue your passions. Whether you’re a mom, a wife, or a professional, you can still go after your dreams and make an impact. It’s really a family effort, and I’m grateful to have them by my side on this journey.
Heat Magazine: What do you hope to accomplish this year as Mrs. Pine Bluff?
Dr. Glover: As Mrs. Pine Bluff, my goal is to create a positive impact on the community by advocating for mental health awareness and empowering women to say “yes” to themselves. Through my platform, Yes Ma’am, I want to hold workshops and events that provide resources and support for women, especially mothers, to prioritize their mental well-being. I also hope to work with local organizations to break the stigma around mental health and ensure that everyone, regardless of background, feels encouraged to seek help when they need it.
Another goal of mine is to highlight my city in a positive light. There’s often so much focus on the negative aspects of Pine Bluff but not enough discussion about the good that’s happening here. I want to assist in changing that narrative during my reign by showcasing the progress, the community efforts, and the amazing people working to make Pine Bluff better. Most importantly, I want to inspire others to pursue their passions, embrace their authenticity, and realize their potential—making a difference, one person at a time.
Heat Magazine: Lastly, what do you hope people remember most about your journey?
Dr. Glover: I hope people remember my unwavering commitment to being real, and my heart for making a difference. I want them to see that I didn’t shy away from the hard conversations—that I used my own challenges, like postpartum depression, to break stigmas and uplift others. I hope they remember that I stood for empowerment, authenticity, and the belief that every person, no matter their circumstances, has the power to say “yes” to themselves and change their lives.
As Mrs. Pine Bluff and a woman who has worn many hats as a mother, wife, social worker, and advocate, I want people to see that no role can limit you when you decide to follow your passions. I want to be remembered as someone who faced obstacles head-on, embraced vulnerability and used my platform to give a voice to those who may have felt unheard. I also want people to feel that they are valued, respected, and heard because everyone deserves to know that their story matters.
My journey is about demonstrating that greatness lies within each of us and the power to make a difference starts with believing in yourself. If I can inspire even one person to take that step and say “YES” to themselves, then I know my journey has been worth it. We all have the power to rise, and I hope to be a spark for as many people as possible on their journey to greatness.
