It’s International Women’s Day and we would like to highlight our Director of Corporate Operations, Tina Coleman. Tina came to the BC Wildlife Federation nearly two and a half years ago.
There are many women involved and doing some amazing things at the BCWF, whether it is running some of our programs, making the office function or being part of the Board of Directors. When asked what is it like being the female lead of the organization, Tina responds,
“It is very important as a woman to do your research, ask questions and present yourself with confidence. I don’t often like to think of myself being any different from the people I work with. If anything, it keeps powerful men in check as they become more mindful how they are treating you.”
Tina has faced many challenges in her life and her career, but she managed to juggle it all – being a mom, pursuing a career and being a student.
“As a working mother I found that I had to work harder and juggle many different duties. At some parts of my career I was working full time, raising two children with active extra-curricular activity calendars and going to night school. Later, after I became a CGA, I was a single mother of very active teenagers and working 3 days a week in a part-time position and servicing 4 clients. I eventually decided to just work full time and worked my way up to Director positions. Now I just face the challenges of restructuring organizations.”
Through it all, Tina gained inspiration from other female figures in her life and in her career. These are just a few of the powerful women Tina gained inspiration from: Diane Watts, the ex-mayor of the City of Surrey; Jane McNaughton, ex-CFO of Command Post and Transfer (who I reported to); and her sister Peggy Fischer-Flanigan, acting Deputy Chief of Police for the Calgary Police Department.
Tina says as women, “We may still have to work a little harder, but in the end it will be worth it. Women have a lot to offer in business as it is sometimes easier for us to make decisions with both head and heart.”
This International Women’s Day celebrate all the women in your life!
“Collectively, we can make change happen. Collectively, we can each help to create a gender equal world. We can all choose to be #EachforEqual.” – International Women’s Day