Last week's Speaker: Tania Laird - Woman behind the Badge

Some speakers are interesting. Some speakers come from harsh backgrounds. Some have may have experienced discrimination, outright bullying, racism. Some have genuine charisma and charm, and on top of that are good looking.  Few have real presence. Perhaps, they have presence because all of the above applies.

 

Born in Auckland "sometimes in the 60's", Tania was born to a single mother. Unable to afford to bring her up, her mother had no choice but to foster her out into a "care environment" when she was 3 months old.  Then her foster parents separated. Tania was assigned to a new foster family who had 5 kids of their own plus 5-8 foster children, depending on the season.

 

Ultimately, Tania was adopted. It caused family-internal issues: "But why would you adopt a coloured child?" was the openly asked question (and perhaps the continued 'elephant in the room'). In primary school, Tania was one of only 3 coloured children.  We all know that children are naturally cruel, and thus she quickly learned and experienced what racism was all about.  Still, her personality would not let her down: she found two close friends.

 

On to 'Intermediate School', on to College.  And at 15, Tania left school to start a career in Retail.  Today, she is in charge of membership, Advertising, Sponsorship Sales at the Australian Security Industry Association.  And if you ever have met Tania, you are not even surprised. With a perennially engaging, positive attitude, really, the sky is the limit.  Can't wait for Tania giving us the second segment of her presentation!