What is your full name?

Tara Szopinski

What is your profession?

Campaign and Marketing Director for the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region

Where are you from originally?

Effingham, Illinois

How long have you been in Clarksville? What brought you to Clarksville?

I moved to Clarksville 21 years ago with my mom, dad and two older brothers. My father worked for Arcata Graphics at the time.

Tell us about your family.

I am married to a wonderful man, Alan, who is an Air Traffic Controller for the DOD at Ft. Campbell. We have a son, Cooper who is almost a year old. And we have two dogs Luke the Basset and Remington the black Golden Doodle (yes, a black Golden Doodle!).

What do you like most about Clarksville?

I love how friendly everyone is and their true southern hospitality. Every day I receive a smile from a stranger.

If you could have any other profession/dream job what would it be?

Stay at home mom on the beach!

What is your favorite meal?

Seafood, Seafood, Seafood!

What is the easiest and most difficult part of your job every day?

The easiest part of my job is smiling at those who walk through the door and meeting new people! The hardest part is listening to the heartbreaking stories of those in need, but the best part is helping them find the assistance they’re looking for. They always hang up or leave our office a little happier and with hope!

What do you drive?

2004 Hyundai Santa Fe (Call me crazy, but my dream car right now is a mini-van!)

What’s your favorite movie or TV show?

My favorite movie is Pride & Prejudice, favorite show is Bones.

Who do you look up too? Who is your role model?

I look up to my step father, who is willing to lend a hand to anyone without any questions. And my role model is my mother. She’s been through a lot (with losing her husband and son) and is still a strong woman able to hold it all together.

What has been the toughest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life?

My toughest challenge was being strong for my mom when I lost my 27 year old brother in 2004.

What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now? How would you like your life to look 10 years from now?

I hope to be a mom of at least 3 children, while still working at our United Way (only doubled or tripled in size!) and being a part of implementing new programs to help others in our community.

Have you ever been issued a speeding ticket?

Yes. That’s all I’m going to say!

Why did you choose your current profession?

I grew up with a mother and father who were very heavy in helping others. I began volunteering with non-profits while in college, and just knew it is what I am supposed to do.

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

Austin Peay State University, Corporate Communications.

When and to where was your last vacation?

Does Memphis count?!? My last true vacation was to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby?

Dancing (still do it, just not in front of a crowd!)

What advice can you give others juggling a family and career?

Remember to breath, smile and leave all your career worries at your front door. Your family should always come first!

How do you start your day?

I walk into the bathroom, look in the mirror and say “Good Morning, GORGEOUS!”, no matter how frightening I may actually look!

What are you passionate about in life?

My family and my work. Anyone who knows me knows that I can talk about either of those topics for hours!

What is something most Clarksvillians wouldn’t know about you?

I ask myself questions out loud and then answer them! It’s just my way of thinking things through.

If you could leave one message to the Clarksville community what would it be?

Thank you for being a welcoming and giving community!



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