Attorney Tamara J. Titre serves as deputy commissioner for the State of Connecticut Office of the Claims Commissioner and is the first person to be appointed the role of deputy claims commissioner. In this role, she oversees claims filed against the state. She previously served as assistant general counsel for the State Board of Labor Relations. Before entering state service, she worked for the city of Bridgeport as a senior labor relations officer and assistant city attorney. She is a graduate of Fairfield University and Michigan State University College of Law.
Attorney Titre is president-elect of the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association and secretary of the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association, where she is also on the presidential leadership track. She is active in the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA), serving on the Nomination Committee and the Government and Public Sector Committee.
In 2023, she was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont as a commissioner on Connecticut's Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. That same year, she was appointed by then Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson to serve as faculty for the Judicial Branch's Civics Academy, teaching middle school students about the rule of law.
Attorney Titre mentors with #100GirlsLeading inc., serves on the advisory board for Journey 2 Justice Inc., and occasionally volunteers with the CBA’s High School Mock Trial Competition and Lawyers in Libraries program.
In honor of Black History Month, we asked Attorney Titre to reflect on her heritage, how she celebrates it, and the advice she would share with younger professionals:
How has your heritage shaped your personal and professional journeys?
I am from the Caribbean, with roots connected to the Commonwealth of Dominica and the U.S. Virgin Islands. My heritage comes from cultures shaped by resilience, strength, and perseverance. Dominica’s journey from slavery to emancipation to independence – including the powerful milestone of becoming the first British Caribbean colony to have a Black-controlled legislature in 1838 following the abolition of slavery in 1834 – to the rich legacy of the U.S. Virgin Islands rooted in survival, community, and pride, these narratives reflect generations of people who protected their identity, land, and traditions despite immense challenges.
Caribbean history is Black history. It is a story of resistance, leadership, culture, and triumph in the face of systemic oppression, and those same qualities have deeply influenced how I navigate through both life and work.
I was raised to keep going even when things feel uncertain, to seek solutions instead of dwelling on obstacles, and to carry myself with pride and integrity. Professionally, that resilience allows me to adapt, lead with empathy, and stay grounded in the face of challenges. In my personal life, my heritage reminds me that I am part of something much bigger, a legacy of Caribbean people who overcame obstacles and created opportunities in unexpected spaces.
How do you celebrate and honor your heritage during this month?
I honor my heritage by intentionally reflecting on the contributions, sacrifices, and achievements of those who came before me. This month, I’ve committed to supporting Black-owned businesses, engage in meaningful conversations that center and uplift our stories, and educating myself about my history beyond conventional narratives.
At home, I celebrate in personal ways as well by watching films from the African diaspora with my 7-year-old son and having thoughtful conversations about our history, culture, values, and the importance of understanding different perspectives. This month, I’m responsible for creating the Black History Month bulletin board at his school, and he’ll be helping me with it. That shared experience gives us another meaningful opportunity to honor our heritage together and create joyful memories.
Passing down knowledge, pride, and awareness to the next generation is one of the most powerful ways I can celebrate and honor the richness of where we come from. Where I come from.
What advice would you give to younger professionals from the Black community?
My advice to younger professionals in the Black community is simple: do it scared. Growth rarely comes from comfort, and you don’t have to feel completely ready to take the next step. Trust yourself – you are more capable than you realize, and that’s something I’m still learning.
Never shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Your presence, perspective, and voice matter. Stay grounded in faith, prayer, or whatever spiritual belief that keeps you aligned, because that foundation can steady you when pressure and doubt arise.
Just as important, lead with kindness. The way you treat people matters. Be respectful, supportive, and willing to uplift others. You never know who needs encouragement, and your character will speak just as loudly as your accomplishments.
At the same time, protect your peace. Ambition is important, but rest is essential. Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being, set boundaries, and remember that success means very little if you’re burned out. You deserve both achievement and balance.