Tara Newell

Title:

Alumni Engagement Manager

Department/unit:

Development & Alumni Engagement

Campus:

Medical Student and Alumni Centre

How long have you worked at the UBC Faculty of Medicine?

Just over a year.

Tell us what you do at the Faculty in one or two sentences:

I help engage alumni back to the Faculty of Medicine and UBC through events, communications and volunteer opportunities.

What’s your favourite thing about your work?

The relationships I get to build with alumni, staff and faculty!

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you?

I am a pretty open book! I grew up in Whistler, which is a fun fact? I also sing in a competing women’s barbershop chorus (Lions Gate Chorus)!

What is the song you sang out loud as a teenager?

I loved (and frankly still love) some Justin Timberlake and Maroon 5 songs, so I probably sang one of their hits from their Justified and Songs About Jane albums, which I probably still have somewhere.

What makes you laugh?

Silly dog videos, Brooklyn 99, New Girl, and anytime I do something clumsy (which is all the time).

One thing on your desk you brought from work?

I have this rubber duck that sits on my desk that was given to me from my Lions Gate Chorus internal coach. It reminds me to keep the “quacking ducks” – times when I second guess myself or mess up that interfere with positive thoughts. It just reminds me to be in the moment and that everyone, including myself, are doing their best.

Most healthy habit:

Right now, it is washing my hands constantly!

What is your favourite vacation spot and why?

I really love the Okanagan. I grew up visiting my grandparents in Kelowna, so it’s always nice to see them and do some wine tasting!