Tarryn is currently an Eligibility Technician and has been with Minneapolis Public Housing Authority for 23 years. She is personable and has a strong passion for the diverse group of people she works with during her day. We were able to sit down with Tarryn and discuss Women’s History Month. Below are some highlights from our time together.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Empowerment, ownership, and equality. We are taking our time to shine and are being taken more seriously as contributors to society.
Is there a particular woman in your life that had an impact on you? If so who and why?
My Grandmother or as we called her, Lil’ Momma. She is powerful with her words and encouraged us. Even when we made mistakes she would always say, “Keep on living, you’ll learn.” She helped me to understand that I needed to keep moving forward and making mistakes and learn from them.
My daughters, sister, and my mom also all inspire me in different ways.
What female public figure, past or present, inspires you and why?
Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Cora McCorvey, and Verna Price.
When I hear these women speak, it makes me feel that I have room to grow and take up space in the world.
Is there a woman at MPHA that inspires you? If so, how, and why?
Tamika Baskin. When I first started working here, she trained me, and we sat right next to each other. She has this drive about her that has brought her to the position she is in today. Watching her move forward in life and in her career has always been inspirational to me.
Mary Boler. She is very strong in her position. She has been through a lot of change with MPHA and has stayed consistent with her passion for her work and the people that she leads.
What is something you wish you would have known early in your career?
Time waits for no one. I wish I would have pursued more education. You cannot wait for anyone or anything because time is not waiting for you.
Why is it important to see more women in leadership at MPHA?
It is important for the future generation to see women in leadership so they know they can do it too. It is also important for residents to see the representation of female leadership with our large number of head of households being women.
