Honoree Name: Tara Vargas Wallace
Company: Amplify POC, Hyannis
Career background / highlights: Twenty years working in human services with marginalized populations with severe socio-economic challenges. Creating and building Amplify POC. Barnstable County Human Rights 2020 Unsung Hero Award, citation from state Sen. Julian Cyr (2020). Graduate of Leadership Cape Cod, 2020.
Community commitment:
Eastern Region Politics and Civic Leadership Platform Coordinator of the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition. I also serve on the boards of NAACP — Cape Cod Branch, Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, MLK Jr. Action Team, People Against Trafficking Humans, and Housing Assistance Corporation and the Cape Cod Times Diversity Committee.
Favorite professional moment: I have had many impactful moments over the years working in human services, including when a previous homeless client purchased their first home, or when a domestic violence client won their case in court against their abuser, or when my sober client became a drug and alcohol counselor. Watching the light come back into a person’s eyes after they’ve been lost in the dark for so long and having some small part in that process has been the most rewarding part of my 20-year career.
Who is your role model / mentor? Too many to list. I make it a point to pay homage to all of those who came before me who have fought the good fight and to learn something from everyone I meet.
What mistake has taught you the most? I used to shrink myself when someone was intimidated by my light. I learned that shrinking myself only blocked my blessings and the gifts I have that are meant to be shared with the world. I no longer dim my light to make others comfortable.
What one book has impacted your life? “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison.
What is your superpower? I connect and amplify people.
Where can you be found on the weekends?
At the beach or at home. I’m a big homebody and enjoy my alone time.
