Her Story
About Tara
- Tara Kees is an experienced operations and healthcare professional based in New Orleans, Louisiana. She currently serves as an Area Manager at Amazon, where she has developed expertise in operations management, logistics, people management, and team leadership. Before joining Amazon, Tara spent more than a decade in healthcare, holding roles in patient access, financial counseling, and insurance verification. Her diverse professional background has given her a strong understanding of both operational efficiency and service-oriented leadership. Tara’s commitment to professional growth is reflected in her education. She earned a degree in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University and later completed a Master of Science in Management and Leadership. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her contributions, including receiving Employee of the Month recognition and an award for demonstrating strong conflict resolution skills and thinking quickly under pressure. She is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, reflecting her continued dedication to leadership and personal development. Beyond her professional career, Tara is passionate about empowering the next generation. She founded GEAUX This Way Ladiez, a nonprofit organization focused on teaching young women in grades eight through twelve practical life skills, including adulthood, dating, dining etiquette, financial literacy, economics, self-presentation, and public speaking. Her approach to success is grounded in perseverance and optimism, particularly her ability to find a positive perspective even in challenging situations. Through her leadership, career development, and community involvement, Tara demonstrates a commitment to helping others grow while continually advancing herself.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my perseverance and ability to remain optimistic, regardless of the circumstances. I always look for the silver lining and focus on what I can do to make things better. As long as I’m still moving forward, I believe there is always an opportunity to overcome challenges and create a positive outcome.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to establish healthy boundaries between your professional and personal life, and recognize that boundaries should evolve as you do. Know when they need to be revisited and adjusted, and have the self-awareness to recognize when you’ve simply outgrown them and it’s time to establish new ones.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the nonprofit industry is to plan ahead, be patient with the process, and understand the importance of getting things done the right way. Find a mentor or partner with someone with experience, and use resources like SCORE to learn from those who have already done it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see in my field can be navigating a traditionally male-dominated network. As a woman, I recognize that these barriers can be even more significant, making it important to continue creating opportunities for greater inclusion and representation.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are purpose, leadership, and making a meaningful difference. Earlier in my career, awards and recognition were meaningful, but today I measure success by the impact I make and the legacy I leave behind. To me, leadership is about how you treat people, what you teach them, and what you leave behind. Through Geaux This Way Ladiez, I want young women to feel prepared, understand their value, ask questions, and make informed decisions about their future.
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