Charisse D. Stokes has built her career at the crossroads of technology, innovation, and community leadership. As president of Tidal IT Solutions, she helps government and commercial clients adapt and grow in a rapidly changing digital economy.
She also serves as executive director of TechMGM and leads The Alabama Collective, both dedicated to strengthening Alabama’s tech ecosystem and creating opportunities for minority entrepreneurs.
Her path began at Clemson University, where she studied ceramic engineering, followed by an MBA in finance at Auburn University Montgomery. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, Stokes managed large-scale IT projects worldwide.
“I started my career managing diverse teams in high-stakes environments,” she explained.
“That experience gave me both the technical expertise and the leadership foundation I continue to draw on today.”
Courage to lead
Among her proudest accomplishments, Stokes points to the courage it took to step out on her own.
“The accomplishment I’m most proud of is having the courage to step out on my own to run both a successful company and a nonprofit that directly benefits the talent in my state,” she said.
“Founding Tidal IT Solutions allowed me to leverage my background in the Air Force and IT consulting to support government and commercial clients, while also carving out a space to drive innovation. At the same time, building The Alabama Collective has given me the platform to elevate tech talent and entrepreneurs statewide.”
She recalls the excitement of the Magic City Classic Business Pitch Competition, where students and professionals connected around innovation, and the launch of Montgomery TechLab, a model of public-private partnership.
These milestones, she said, reflect the bold step she took “to create something bigger than myself—ecosystems that position Alabama as a leader in tech and innovation.”
Barriers and perseverance
Stokes acknowledges that being a woman in technology and business has not been without challenges. “Honestly, I think some of the barriers are constantly being underestimated,” she said.
“You feel like you always have to prove yourself — that you are the one leading the charge, that you might be the smartest person in the room that day.”
She said overcoming those challenges comes with persistence. “Over time, practicing those responses and behaviors makes it easier to show you’re not only the right person for the job, but the right leader for the role.”
Purpose and vision
Her purpose, she says, comes down to four words: Expose, Educate, Engage, and Empower. “Alabama has incredible talent, but we often face challenges of access, exposure, and resources,” she said.
“My work bridges those gaps by connecting students, entrepreneurs, and professionals to pathways in technology and innovation.”
From her service on the Alabama STEM Council to her involvement with the I Dream Big Academy Board, she is determined to ensure that “our communities aren’t just consumers of technology but creators and leaders in the innovation economy.”
Leadership philosophy
When asked what makes a great leader, Stokes does not hesitate: “Integrity, relatability, sincerity, and discipline,” she said. “Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching—something my parents modeled and I carry into every boardroom and community initiative. Relatability allows leaders to connect authentically, whether speaking to a student exploring STEM for the first time or a CEO making investment decisions.”
She added, “Sincerity means leading with heart and purpose, not just titles. Finally, discipline is key—balancing multiple roles from TechMGM to The Alabama Collective requires clear vision, structured planning, and strong execution.”
Boards and recognition
Beyond her own ventures, Stokes lends her expertise to a wide range of organizations.
She sits on the board of Alabama Power and the Business Council of Alabama, serves on the Alabama STEM Advisory Council and the Alabama Computer Science Task Force, and was recently appointed by Governor Kay Ivey to the Alabama Commission on Innovation. Her service reflects a belief that Alabama’s future depends on collective leadership and bold ideas.
Her efforts have earned widespread recognition, including the AFCEA Distinguished Service to Education Award, the Women in AFCEA Award, and the Alabama Power Leader Award.
Advocacy and mentoring
Stokes also brings her passion for equity to her nonprofit work. She founded EduWerx, a program introducing minorities and young women to STEM, and led the Education Foundation of the Montgomery AFCEA Chapter, where she directed scholarships, grants, and internships. These initiatives, she says, are about ensuring the next generation has the support they need to dream big.
Her advice to young women is direct: “Never give up, and always practice,” she said. “Just because you may be talented doesn’t mean you don’t have to work hard. There will be challenges, and you can’t always work around them — you have to work through them.”
Inspired by family
For all her professional success, Stokes says her deepest inspiration comes from home. “At the core, my parents and my son inspire me daily,” she said. Her parents instilled integrity and perseverance, and her son Dylan — now a computer science major at Louisiana State University — “reminds me of the importance of building a future where opportunity is abundant and accessible.”
A Woman of Impact
Charisse D. Stokes embodies the qualities of a Yellowhammer News Woman of Impact: courage to lead, commitment to community, and a vision for Alabama’s future. From the Air Force to the boardroom, from classrooms to innovation labs, her influence is felt across the state. By elevating talent, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation, she continues to shape a legacy of leadership that ensures Alabama remains a place where opportunity and innovation thrive.
