Meet Tamika Wagner-Osio
Commissioner. Systems Builder. Program Director. Small Business Owner.
Tamika Wagner-Osio
A builder, not a bystander!
Tamika Wagner-Osio is a homeless services provider, City of Long Beach small business owner, and systems builder whose work is grounded in solving real-world problems where policy meets people.
Tamika is the Founder and Executive Director of Connections for Women, an organization providing temporary emergency shelter and support services to homeless families, and a state-licensed Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) serving at-risk youth in the foster care system, contracted with county social services. She has also implemented Enhanced Care Management (ECM) services through her other nonprofit, Nexxus Integrated Services, expanding coordinated support for individuals and families with complex health, behavioral health, and social service needs. Through this work, Tamika operates within highly regulated systems to ensure accountability, safety, care coordination, and measurable outcomes for families and young people navigating housing instability, trauma, and other barriers to stability
Small Business Perspective
As a City of Long Beach Small Business Owner, I understand firsthand the challenges local entrepreneurs face rising costs, regulatory hurdles, public safety concerns, and the direct impacts of homelessness on neighborhood business corridors. I work alongside other District 1 business owners and understand how economic vitality, neighborhood safety, and compassionate homelessness solutions must move together. As the creator of SheltrLink, a data-driven solutions platform designed to improve coordination, accountability, and outcomes in homelessness services, I bring a builder’s mindset to leadership.
I have also played a key role in advancing equitable economic policy in Long Beach. I was at the forefront of advocacy efforts that led the City to expand social equity retail licenses exclusively for equity applicants, opening doors for small business owners who had previously been locked out of opportunity. This work reflects my commitment to fairness, responsible regulation, and ensuring economic access across sectors.
I am on the Board Co-Chair and a sworn commissioner of the Long Beach Continuum of Care for Homelessness and an active member of the National Council of Negro Women, the Association of Latino Professionals for America, and Zeta Amicae, Long Beach Chapter. I am widely respected for my ability to bridge sectors, navigate complex systems, and deliver practical solutions.
Rooted in Service
Public service is not new to me, it is a part of my family and my foundation..
My great great great grandfather, Joshua Houston, was one of the first Black statesmen in Texas and a civic leader during the post Reconstruction era. He led early Juneteenth celebrations, helping commemorate freedom while advocating for civic participation and representation in a deeply divided time. His leadership reflected courage, community advocacy, and belief in the power of civic engagement.
Decades later, my grandfather, Patrick Osio, served as Vice Consul for the Mexican Consulate in 1938. In his diplomatic role, he worked to represent and support his community through public service and international engagement.
Across generations, her family’s story reflects advocacy, public responsibility, and commitment to community. That legacy continues to guide my approach to leadership today.
Housing Stability & Youth Development
I bring real experience, real results, and a deep commitment to the people of District 1. Through my leadership with Connections for Women and Youth Connect, I have worked to expand housing stability for families and strengthen services for vulnerable and transition-age youth. My work has focused on creating practical solutions that connect people to shelter, supportive services, trauma-informed care, and long-term opportunities for stability and growth.
I know what it takes to build programs, navigate systems, and fight for resources that change lives. District 1 needs leadership that not only understands the challenges our families and young people face, but has a record of doing the work. I am ready to bring that experience to City Hall to help build a safer, stronger, and more supported community for everyone.
As the creator of SheltrLink© Tamika's approach is direct: when systems don’t work, they should be fixed not defended. SheltrLink© is an all-in-one shelter operations platform designed to help homeless service providers streamline daily workflows, improve client support, and strengthen reporting. From intake and service tracking to inventory management, incident reporting, and real-time data insights, SheltrLink helps organizations operate more efficiently while delivering better outcomes for the people they serve.
A Systems Builder
Community Leadership
Tamika has also played a key role in advancing equitable economic policy in Long Beach. She was at the forefront of advocacy efforts that led the City to expand social equity retail licenses exclusively for equity applicants, opening doors for small business owners who had previously been locked out of opportunity. This work reflects her commitment to fairness, responsible regulation, and ensuring economic access across sectors.
