Her Story
About Tanisha
I have dedicated over 20 years to the field of forensic science, with my main expertise in performing autopsies. My most meaningful professional achievement came during the COVID pandemic, when I had the opportunity to work with so many families who lost loved ones and was able to provide comfort to them during their most difficult moments. I earned my degree in forensic science in 2018, which has shaped my journey in this field. I attribute my success to the people who saw the value in me and gave me a chance, and I continue to be guided by the values of leadership, loyalty, and the ability to leverage whatever I'm doing.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tanisha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to people who gave me a chance. I attribute that success to people who actually saw the value in me and gave me a chance. It's those individuals who believed in me and provided opportunities that have made all the difference in my career and allowed me to get to where I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to be happy with what you're doing in life. Don't go to a job that doesn't fulfill you or sustain you. Whatever it is you're doing in life, be happy with it, and make sure that it sustains you. This advice has guided me to find work that is both meaningful and supportive of my overall well-being.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would like to say to them to pace yourself. Whatever it is, whatever is for you is going to be for you, and it will not pass. Don't rush or feel pressured to achieve everything at once. Trust that the opportunities meant for you will come to you in the right time, and they won't pass you by if they're truly meant to be yours.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is that there are very few women in our field. It's a male-dominated industry, which presents obstacles for women trying to enter and advance. However, the opportunities are endless. You can go anywhere with this position because if you don't want to be in forensics doing autopsies, there are other avenues you could take in forensics. You don't have to be doing autopsy - there are many different paths and specializations available within the field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are leadership, loyalty, and leverage. I believe in being a leader in what I do, staying loyal to my commitments and the people I work with, and being able to leverage whatever I'm doing to create the most impact and opportunity. These three values guide how I approach both my professional responsibilities and my personal relationships.
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