With the life motto of “The world hasn’t been given us to contemplate but to transform” (Arizmendiarrieta), Tara is inspired not only by the potential of Co-operatives as a whole but by the strength of the Worker Co-operative movement to lead this change towards a transformed future.
Tara (she/her) is a bi-racial woman of Cantonese American-born Chinese and White Canadian-born English, Welsh and Dutch descent. She grew up and now lives on the lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) səl̓ílwətaʔɬ /Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and has immigrant roots to the lands of the Muwekma Ohlone peoples. She acknowledges her privilege of being a cisgender settler, masters educated, neurotypical, partial woman of colour and how this impacts her lived experience.
As a visionary leader in the Co-operative landscape, Tara leverages her expertise to shape strategic visions and curate collaborative experiences. A founding Member of GIA Consulting Co-operative, she supports Co-ops and Impact-based businesses to build comprehensive and actionable solutions in Member Engagement, Marketing, Human Resources, business and strategic planning and incorporation, setting the stage for Co-operative success. With a profound understanding of the Co-operative model’s potential, Tara champions its power to dismantle systemic barriers and foster inclusive growth.
Tara has worked at Vancity Credit Union for over 16 years in a variety of roles from Human Resources, Marketing, Member Engagement, Project Management, Product Management, Payments, Systems, Policies and Processes, Technology, and Operations. She is passionate about building community and, where asked, being a strong ally, using her voice and power to amplify those of others.
Tara also acts as the lead of Vancity’s Women’s Equity Employee Resource Group and previously lead the Women’s Networking organization Bringing Women Together. Through these groups, Tara has actively challenged the limitations of white feminism, pushing for a truly intersectional understanding of women’s struggles.
Tara has served on several Co-operative Boards including as Co-Chair and HR Lead for Terminal City Glass Co-operative – the first Glass Blowing Not-for-Profit Producer Co-op in Canada, the Co-operative Management Education Alumni and Student Co-operative where she held several roles including President and the Co-operative Management Education Co-operative.
Welcome, Tara!