Tahvia Washington Shaw, Treasurer
Tahvia Washington Shaw serves as Treasurer of the Peirano Family Foundation Board of Directors, where she helps provide financial oversight and strategic guidance in support of the Foundation's mission to expand educational opportunities, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact.
Professionally, Tahvia is the Principal of Terrace Community Middle School (TCMS), serving as the instructional leader and chief educational officer for the Back-to-Basics Charter School Foundation, which governs and operates the school. Throughout her distinguished 26-year career at TCMS, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to educational excellence and student success.
Over the course of her tenure, Tahvia has served in numerous leadership and instructional roles, including classroom teacher for grades 5–8, teaching both Mathematics and Science, 7th and 8th Grade Team Leader, 8th Grade Level Administrator, Assistant Principal, and now Principal. Her dedication extends well beyond the classroom, having volunteered as coach for the 5th and 6th grade basketball and volleyball teams and served as sponsor of the 7th Grade Math League, which has consistently achieved success in competitions throughout Hillsborough County.
In recognition of her outstanding leadership and impact, Tahvia was named Terrace Community Middle School's 2009 Teacher of the Year and was subsequently recognized by the School District of Hillsborough County for this achievement.
In addition to leading TCMS, Tahvia currently serves as President of Charter School Leaders (CSL-FL), a consortium of charter school leaders in Hillsborough County. In this role, she collaborates with fellow educational leaders to strengthen high-quality charter education, share best practices, and advocate for the needs of charter schools throughout the region.
Tahvia earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology Education from Kentucky State University and her Master of Education in Educational Leadership from National Louis University.
Throughout her career, Tahvia has remained steadfast in her belief in the transformative power of education. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing, inclusive learning environment where every student is challenged to achieve high standards while receiving the individualized support needed to succeed. She is a strong advocate for parental and community involvement and is passionate about educating the whole child—meeting students where they are, helping them set and achieve meaningful goals, and fostering the confidence, character, and self-esteem that prepare them for lifelong success.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Tahvia enjoys reading, music, movies, and spending quality time with her two children.
As the Treasurer of the Peirano Family Foundation Board, brings exceptional educational leadership, a passion for empowering students, and a steadfast commitment to creating opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and the communities they call home.
