TARA DAVIS FROM THE COMMUNITY COALITION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFIKING

Contrary to what is often portrayed, human trafficking is not just a problem in other countries and major U.S. cities—it is happening here in East Tennessee. Regionally, it often just does not look like what we might expect. Common misconceptions about human trafficking often prevent the public and even professionals from recognizing and responding to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in our own communities.

Tara Davis, Community Engagement Coordinator, will share about human trafficking in East Tennessee, the work the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking is doing to end and prevent it, and how Rotarians can support them in their mission and engage with this issue!

Born and raised and then raising a family in Knoxville, Tara is a proud graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in Speech Communication. Much of her early professional experience came in the public sector with positions in local, state and federal agencies working in the areas of human services, fair housing and community development. After a brief stint working in public relations for AAA-The Auto Club Group, Tara pursued a lifelong dream of being an actress and model.

Tara joined CCAHT in the summer of 2019 as the Operations Coordinator, happy to be in a position that utilizes her varied personal and professional skills. Recognizing her deep connections to the community and her skills in speaking and engagement, the Community Relationship Coordinator position was created for her in 2021. In this role, she speaks with community and civic groups, coordinates volunteer activities, and works in donor management, media relations and special events on behalf of the CCAHT.

Tara describes herself as a relationship-builder who believes everyone has something of value to offer. She feels it’s her mission to bring that out in people as much as possible and provide them the opportunity to connect and share their gift with the world.

Away from CCAHT, Tara can be found doting on her beautiful family, her husband and two adult daughters, and still acting and modeling. She is also involved in church ministry and volunteer work through her sorority and other community organizations and enjoys doing crafts of every medium to relax.

Inspiration: Stan See; Pledge/4 Way: Mavis Ziegler; Fellowship: Ann Lewis; Zoom: Beth Stubbs