Dr. Tamara P. Glover of Pine Bluff has been officially named Mrs. Arkansas 2025, earning the opportunity to represent the Natural State on the national stage with the USA World Pageants organization, known as the “grand slam of pageantry.”
Later this year, she will join women from across the United States competing for the Mrs. USA World title, a crown that could lead to representing America on the international stage. Her selection is both a personal milestone and a platform to bring national attention to issues affecting mothers and families across Arkansas.
A survivor of postpartum depression, Glover turned her personal pain into purpose by creating “Yes Ma’am: Empowering Mothers, Elevating Mental Health,” a movement dedicated to ensuring women feel seen, heard, valued and worthy. With Arkansas ranking among the highest in maternal mortality rates, she provides education, resources and community support to address and remove the stigma surrounding maternal mental health.
“This crown is more than an accessory, it is a promise,” Glover says. “When I walk onto that national stage, I am carrying the voices, dreams, and resilience of Arkansas. I want every woman and girl to know that her story matters, her voice matters, and her dreams are worth chasing.”
Under the leadership of Executive Director Akela Douglass, USA World Pageants celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion while elevating women who use their voices for change. For Glover, this is not just a competition, it is an opportunity to amplify a message of hope, healing, and unity for Arkansas and beyond.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“I am honored to represent Pine Bluff while serving as an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, my alma mater, which along with Arkansas State University and Jackson State University, shaped my academic and professional journey,” Glover shared. “For over 20 years, I have championed mental health causes, working to change the narrative, expand access, and inspire hope. As co-owner of Fulfilled Life Counseling with my husband Leonardo, I am blessed to serve individuals and families across Arkansas. This is more than my journey, it is Arkansas’ journey. I am truly grateful for the encouragement, prayers, and love from my hometown, my colleagues, my students, and my family, especially my husband Leonardo and our two sons Sasuke and Samson, my mother Mrs. Terry Smith, my bonus dad Mr. Tracy Smith, my parents-in-love Dr. Leslie Glover and Mrs. Mattie Glover, my uncle Dennis Johnson, my aunt Arlene Dolls, and my cherished family and friends, including the Yes Ma’am Tribe, who have carried me to this moment.”
Glover invites Arkansans across the state to stand with her on the road to the crown. Whether through sponsorship, financial support or simply sharing her story, every act of encouragement is a reminder that Arkansas is united, strong and ready to shine, according to a news article. She holds firmly to Romans 8:28, that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose, and she trusts His will for her life. Her mission is deeply rooted in service, empowerment, and the belief that every dream is within reach for those willing to pursue it with faith and determination.
Glover invites everyone to follow her on her journey on social media @DrTamaraPGlover, via email at Tamarapglover@gmail.com, or send support via Cash App $MrsArkansasUSAWorld or Venmo @MrsArkansasUSAWorld to become part of Team Arkansas.
“Together, we can bring the crown and the message of hope home to Arkansas,” according to the news release.