Tamara was born and raised in Western Canada, the eldest of three children. She married her best friend, Sherwin, 21 years ago. She has three sons, a bonus daughter, a son-in-law, and two bonus grandchildren. They enjoy spending time outdoors together.
“A few years ago, I decided to go back to school to earn my degree,” Tamara recalls. “It was a challenging time as I worked to balance it with a full-time career and raising my three teenage sons. There were times when it would have been much easier to quit or postpone it, but I pushed through with the support of my mentors, friends, and family.”
“A few years ago, I decided to go back to school to earn my degree,” Tamara recalls. “It was a challenging time as I worked to balance it with a full-time career and raising my three teenage sons. There were times when it would have been much easier to quit or postpone it, but I pushed through with the support of my mentors, friends, and family. I wanted to be a role model for those around me, showing that you can achieve anything you put your time, focus, and energy into. I now have a bachelor’s degree in leadership and a certificate in applied psychology.”
She has been in the financial services industry for 26 years, and from the day she started, she knew this would be her forever career. “I love helping people realize their greatest goals. My first official leadership role was 12 years ago, and I knew right away that this was my intended path. I enjoy helping others build skills and achieve success, and the bonus in my industry is that I remain connected to our clients.”
“You need to define what success means for yourself and then take the necessary steps to achieve it. This is what I enjoy most about leadership—supporting those around me while encouraging and challenging them to become the best version of themselves.”
Tamara believes that women’s empowerment is about giving women the confidence, power, and freedom to live their best lives. She emphasizes creating opportunities for women to thrive in their personal and professional lives. This includes mentorship, education, and fostering environments where women feel supported and valued. By empowering women, society as a whole benefit from their contributions, creativity, and leadership across various fields.
“I have learned that there are still roadblocks to this, and we must continue working hard to remove them so women can live the most fulfilling lives. Find advocates and be one—this is what helps break down these barriers. This means creating opportunities for women to access education, leadership roles, and equitable pay. By supporting mentorship programs and challenging societal norms, we can foster environments where women feel empowered to pursue their ambitions without fear or limitation. This requires persistent effort to challenge stereotypes, promote diversity, and ensure women have access to resources and networks. By amplifying women’s voices and supporting their ambitions, we can create a society where everyone thrives. Empowerment is not just a goal but a collective responsibility to foster equality and opportunity.”
Her mom helped Tamara by serving as an ideal role model. “I have had many extraordinary women go before me. They have carved the path, and I see it as my role to do the same for future women leaders.”
She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and allyship, as these create pathways for women to thrive. By fostering collaboration and challenging stereotypes, Tamara envisions a society where women can lead with confidence and inspire others.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ensures that every person can show up as their most authentic self and be successful. “I have seen how much more effective diverse teams can be. When teams are composed of individuals with varied perspectives, they can approach problems more creatively and find innovative solutions. This inclusivity not only enhances productivity but also fosters a sense of belonging, which is essential for long-term engagement and organizational success. This is the type of team I strive to be part of and to lead.”
Tamara admires her mom. “She had me when she was 17 and went on to have my two younger brothers by 21. She and my dad have been married for 46 years and have shown me what perseverance and dedication look like. She has built and currently runs her own highly successful travel business.”
Success is personal, Tamara believes. “You need to define what success means for yourself and then take the necessary steps to achieve it. This is what I enjoy most about leadership—supporting those around me while encouraging and challenging them to become the best version of themselves. My advice to every woman is: Learn who you are and what you want to accomplish, and be okay with this evolving over time. Then, surround yourself with people who make you feel great and who support you on your journey to success.”
Tamara’s favorite book is Radical Candor by Kim Scott, and she describes herself in three words: Determined, thoughtful, resilient.
