fbpx
Niagara College Community Employment Services 905-641-2252 ext 4670

ACL Leader in Focus – Tanya-Marie Bateman

A passion for Food & Beverage from a young age, Tanya Bateman grew up in restaurants and made her way to Fanshawe College in London, and graduated with a Diploma in Food & Beverage Management in 2003.

In 2004, Tanya joined Niagara Casinos – she is currently a Beverage Supervisor overseeing all Beverage Outlets on the gaming floor at Fallsview.

Outside of work, Tanya is a lifetime learner. Each semester, she enrolls in courses to expand her leadership style. She also enjoys traveling to small little towns or faraway places, Tanya loves being immersed in cultures and learning about things she might not find within a book — but if we are talking books, she enjoys a good true crime or biography.

In your view, what’s the most important attribute of a leader?

I think a great leader is one that is open to all ideas and possibilities and willing to try whatever is needed in order to succeed. A leader is only as strong as the members of its team. That leader needs to draw on all the strengths that they have in front of them, to be successful. A leader should always be positive and show they are committed to the project at hand, they should be accountable and to their own performances as well as that of their team. Above all, they should show enthusiasm and inspire their team.

How do you define civic leadership?

The opportunity to lead and engage as well as drive a positive change within our communities. When we evoke that change we help improve the lives of our community as well as ourselves.  

Civic Leadership involves a community of energetic collaborators trying to find the greater good for their cities through projects and partnerships. Those collaborators use their skill set to work together to create opportunities for change, with diverse backgrounds and individual perspective great things happen!

Why are you personally motivated to explore civic leadership?

I have always had an innate need to be involved in the community from grade school canvassing for cancer, to Meals on Wheels in high school. Leading me to different organizations over the years. From being a Bingo representative for multiple charities, helping out with the Pearl Gloves event, collecting bikes and appliances for Heart Niagara, serving at the soup kitchen. At work, I try to get out and volunteer for various events.

I find it important to give back to the community that I live in, you never know what you’ll be in need of services that are offered – or you may be the one with the information to offer to someone in the community.

What, in your view, is the most significant issue/opportunity facing our community? Why?

Lack of affordable housing that is directly linked to not being able to provide basic necessities like food. Our local food banks, school breakfast programs, and soup kitchens are being overwhelmed by those with means but not enough. When families or individuals have to decide between paying rent, utility bills or food. Shelter wins out, adding additional pressure to non-profit community agencies as the above mentioned. These agencies are seeing an increase in services each and every day. The programs have had to also expand to meet the need.

December 9th, 2019