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Tosha Dash - Edisto High School '00
Tosha Dash

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: TOSHA DASH – A JOURNEY OF DREAMS, DETERMINATION, AND GIVING BACK

Tosha Dash’s journey from a town in Orangeburg County, to becoming a full-time serial entrepreneur and influential community leader is a story of strength, education, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. A 2000 graduate of Edisto High School, her story is proof that where you come from doesn't determine where you're going—it's the discipline, support, and belief in yourself that does.

Growing up in Orangeburg, she was surrounded by a close-knit community that played a pivotal role in her success. She credits her success not just to her ambition but to the strong community support she received throughout her educational journey.

“I’m a full product of Edisto High School; kindergarten through 12th grade. I’ve had some amazing role models who truly impacted my life. It wasn’t just about passing tests; it was about being nurtured and supported by people who believed in me when I didn’t always believe in myself,” she shared.

Her high school years were shaped by teachers and mentors who took the time to guide her and push her to do more. She remembers Ms. Carolyn Pinckney, her guidance counselor, as the first person to help her see the potential within herself. “She was the first person who really pushed me to think beyond the present moment, to envision a future where I could achieve things I hadn’t yet imagined,” she said. Along with Coach Herman Johnson, who became a father figure to many students, and other teachers like Ms. Meryl Smith, she was taught the value of hard work, focus, and perseverance.

During her high school, Dash was apart of the Upward Bound Program, which was a gateway into college. Claflin University, where she would later earn both her Bachelor’s in Business (2004) and her MBA (2006), became the institution that would set the stage for her future. “Claflin was the best decision I ever made. It wasn’t just the education—it was the community. Being a first-generation college student, I had no idea what to expect, but the support I received there from the staff really laid the foundation for my success,” she said.

Her story of higher education is evidence to the power of mentorship. With the help of Upward Bound and Student Support Services at Claflin, she navigated her college years successfully, determined to make the most of the opportunity. "They helped me through everything—from filling out financial aid applications to offering academic guidance,” she recalled.

Upon graduating, her journey didn’t immediately follow a clear path to entrepreneurship, but the experiences she gathered in higher education, as well as her time spent working in corporate America, eventually led her to discover her true calling. She started her professional career in higher education, working for schools like South University and Virginia College. However, it was in 2018 that she took a leap into entrepreneurship, starting her own business.

Her first venture was into the world of insurance, but it didn’t take long before she discovered her true passion: helping other women achieve their business goals. That led her to launch S.H.E. Dreams Consulting, a company dedicated to helping women turn their business dreams into reality. “S.H.E. Dreams Consulting is my passion. I work with women who are ready to step into their business dreams, but I also help them structure their business for long-term success,” she explained. The acronym S.H.E. stands for “See Her Empower your Dreams,” encapsulating her vision to empower women to pursue their dreams with confidence.

She didn’t stop there. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to become co-owner of Mr. Seafood
Northeast, a restaurant in Columbia, South Carolina. She calls it a “newfound respect” for the
restaurant industry, where she learned the day to day operations of the food industry. “It’s been
an amazing experience,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much I’d learn, but it’s given me a deeper
appreciation for running a restaurant and the hard work that goes into it.”

Beyond her businesses, she has never forgotten the importance of giving back. Inspired by her experiences at Claflin and the support she received throughout her life, she started a scholarship fund at her alma mater to support first-generation college students, just as she once was. “I know how important it is to have support, whether that’s financial or just emotional. I wanted to make sure that students at Claflin had the same opportunities I had,” she said.

Her commitment to her community extends far beyond her own alma mater. She has hosted book bag drives, been a guest speaker at Gear Up events, held workshops for small business owners, and frequently volunteered to read at local schools. Her efforts to uplift others in her community were recognized in 2021 when she was honored as one of SC Black Pages’ Top 20 Under 40.

For her, giving back isn’t just about writing a check; it’s about mentoring, empowering, and sharing her knowledge with the next generation. "I try to instill in others what I’ve learned, that if I can do it, so can they. It’s about showing them that the path to success isn’t always easy, but it’s possible if you stay focused and committed," she said.

Her success as an entrepreneur and community leader is a reflection of her drive and determination. She firmly believes that Orangeburg County and small communities like hers have incredible potential. “We may not be the biggest, but we have heart, and we produce amazing individuals. Look around at the people who came from this area. We have doctors, business owners, athletes. This place nurtures talent, and I’m proud to be one of its products,” she said with pride.

Looking back at her journey, she is clear about the foundation that made it all possible: “I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love, discipline, and education I received from Orangeburg County Schools. The teachers, the support, the foundation—it was all there.”

Today, Tosha Dash is a successful businesswoman, an advocate for education, and a passionate community leader. She embodies the spirit of determination and the belief that no matter where you come from, with hard work and a clear vision, you can create your own path to success. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

Tosha’s family has been her foundation, shaping her into the person she is today. She credits her parents, Levine and Brenda Dash, for instilling in her the values of hard work, love, and determination. Their support and guidance have been instrumental in her journey. Tosha’s 13-year-old daughter, Parker, is her greatest joy and source of motivation, reminding her daily of the importance of family. In her free time, she loves spending time with her loved ones, cherishing the people who have always stood by her side. It is this strong sense of family, along with the support of her community, that has made her the woman and business leader she is today.

Her journey is an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced adversity and dared to dream big. As a business owner, community volunteer, and leader, she continues to make a lasting impact, proving that small towns can—and do—produce big dreams and even bigger achievements.


This piece is part of an ongoing series telling the stories of our OCSD Alumni! We share a new alumni story once a month, and we want YOUR story. If you or someone you know is a OCSD graduate and an excellent representative of the Orangeburg community and the idea of #WeAreOne, whether they live in Orangeburg County or not, please fill out the form linked below. You can also show your OCSD Alumni pride on social media with the hashtag #OCSDAlumniStories

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