Her Story
About Tara
Tara Rivard is the Executive Director in New England for Blood Cancer United, where she leads a team of more than 15 professionals to fuel the organization's mission of finding cures for blood cancers and enhancing the quality of life for patients and families. Her career in the nonprofit sector spans 12 to 15 years, beginning with work supporting DeafBlind special needs individuals at Perkins School for the Blind shortly after college and continuing through roles in national health-focused nonprofits. A graduate of the Jesuit liberal arts college Holy Cross in Worcester, Rivard draws on her pre-med studies and passion for service to blend patient-facing relationship work with scientific and funding aspects of the mission. She takes pride in building a positive team culture through internal promotions and attributes her success to consistently keeping the mission top of mind while adapting her leadership style as needed. Rivard values integrity, accountability, and investing in relationships, and she advises women entering the field to advocate for themselves, lift others up, and act with confidence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tara
01What do you attribute your success to?
Just keeping the mission in front. That's what really drives me. I acknowledge that different things drive different people, and in a people leadership role you have to be a little bit of a chameleon, but always keeping the main goal top of mind helps patients the most and comes back tenfold when you invest in the right things.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Advocate for yourself. I've been fortunate to have mentors who supported me in learning to speak up for myself and what's best for my team. It's been a huge growth piece for me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Advocate for yourself as you are climbing ladders and breaking ceilings. Take a peek back over your shoulder to lift others up. Act like you've been there. There is just as much of a place at the table for women who bring wonderful experience and ability to empathize.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In the healthcare, science, medical, and research space there are a lot of changes and challenges in terms of funding that has been drastically decreased for critical research. The biggest opportunity is finding people and partners to help bridge the gap, as the need is greater now.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and accountability for sure. My personal and professional life hinges completely on relationships, investing in the people around you and surrounding yourself with people that will do the same. It's a foundation of trust and making sure that you hold yourself accountable.
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