YourHartford.com

YH Magazine Meets Tara Spain

This month YH Magazine brings you an exclusive interview with Tara Spain, Sr. Community Relations Manager at Travelers.

Q) What is the number one priority of a community relations manager? As community relations manager, I am responsible for the day-to-day activities of Travelers’ foundation and corporate giving programs in Connecticut. This includes cultivating relationships with nonprofit organizations, managing employee volunteer initiatives and serving as a community ambassador and spokesperson for the company. I know it sounds cliché, but my number one priority is helping to make our community a better place as a whole. That means helping to improve the education system, trying to increase employment and housing opportunities for underserved populations, and keeping our region vibrant with arts and cultural activities.

Q) What is the best part of your job? The best part of my job is working with the community. I get to work with so many types of people everyday; it never feels like the same old job. On any given day, I interact with people from various organizations all with different backgrounds and perspectives. For instance, one day I may be working on a project with the CEO of a nonprofit organization; the next day I may be reading to children at an elementary school in Hartford; and the next day, I may be shaking the hand of a new low-income homeowner at a dedication ceremony. I learn so much by working with so many different people. It’s inspiring.

Q) For young professional, Hartford is not what it used to be five years ago, as young professionals have more options for stuff to do. Can you tell us what the major challenges are with trying to get the word out for everyone to know what is going on every week? I think the biggest challenge in trying to spread the word is getting people to take advantage of readily available resources. People complain that there’s nothing to do, yet they don’t take advantage of resources like the Advocate, the United Arts Council, Hartford.com, or yourhartford.com. We need to let people know how they can get plugged in to these resources. Also, I think we need to find creative ways to reach new people. Think about it, when you go out, you see the same pockets of people. We need to reach those people who get in their cars and drive straight home after work. E-mail lists are helping to get the word out, but if you’re not clued in, you may not know how to get on one of those lists. I think companies have to start offering their employees more information on what’s going on in Hartford, and I also think people have to start asking for more information.

Q) What is your number one pet peeve as a community relations manager? Of course I’m going to say that my biggest pet peeve is the negative perception of Hartford. So many people complain about how Hartford is unsafe, there’s nothing to do, and it’s not a “real city.” Hartford is a wonderful place with an awesome arts and cultural scene, extraordinary restaurants, great apartments, and prestigious colleges where you can continue your education. Again, not to sound cliché, but I live, work and play in this city, and I really believe that things are on the up-and-up.

Q) What is the best advice you can give someone on effective networking?
I don’t think there’s a set formula for meeting people. I think people have to be comfortable with who they are and find their personal style. Everyone is not going to be comfortable at wine and cheese events, maybe those people are more suited for one-one-one chats If I had to offer one single piece of advice, I would say to volunteer for something that you’re passionate about. It’s a great way to meet people who have things in common with you. And volunteering doesn’t have to mean showing up at the local soup kitchen. It can be serving on a nonprofit board, helping to coordinate a fundraising event, serving on a finance committee, or mentoring a child. Volunteering is so great because it’s flexible and personal. That’s how I got involved in Hartford. I volunteered for a ton of projects and met the most amazing people. It’s why I’m still here almost 10 years.