Tanynya Hekymara
Former Director of Admissions and Civic Engagement at The Oaks School
Approach to Admissions Consulting
Tanynya helps students and families navigate the private-school admissions process with empathy, reflection, and strategy. She believes that the most successful applications emerge when students feel seen and understood — academically, emotionally, and culturally. Drawing from her admissions and DEIB background, she guides families to identify authentic school alignments that support both intellectual growth and personal well-being.
Degree and Alma Mater
University of Southern California , Bachelor of Arts in English, American Literature. University of San Diego, Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice Facilitation and Leadership.
Biography
Tanynya Hekymara is an educator and systems-change leader with over twenty years of experience in admissions, education leadership, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). She began her career at the University of Southern California (USC), where she worked to increase access for Black and Latina/o students transferring from community colleges — an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to equitable education.
As Director of Admissions and Civic Engagement at The Oaks School, Tanynya led transformative equity and belonging initiatives that increased faculty of color by 45% and student diversity by 14%. Her leadership introduced bias-reporting systems, inclusive hiring practices, restorative processes, and affinity groups — cultivating a school culture rooted in belonging, accountability, and care.
She later founded We Belong to Each Other Consulting, through which she partners with schools, universities, and organizations to develop restorative systems, coach leadership teams, and create equitable admissions pathways. Tanynya also serves as a mentor and restorative justice coach with the University of San Diego’s National Restorative Justice Coaching Program.
When Not Consulting
Beyond her consulting work, Tanynya is a yoga guide and community educator who integrates mindfulness and restorative practices into her approach to learning and leadership. She serves on multiple boards — including organizations advancing arts, equity, and wellness — and continues to champion spaces of connection and belonging across education and community life.