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Employee Spotlight: Tara Shishmanian

First Nation Group is proud to introduce November’s Employee Spotlight, Tara Shishmanian! Tara plays a key role on the First Nation Group Corporate Development team. On a day off, you will most likely find Tara exploring bars and restaurants, showing off her volleyball skills in local leagues, going axe throwing, or hosting a barbeque for friends and family. Tara’s energy, commitment to those close to her, and passion for her interests make it unsurprising she is so fantastic at what she does. Be sure to read the full interview and get a sneak peek into the life of Tara Shishmanian through this month’s Employee Spotlight!

What was the last place you traveled?
My best friend and I took a two-week trip and drove through northern Italy. It was the most spontaneous trip I’ve taken – we leaned on locals that we met along the way to tell us what to do and what to see. It was the most fabulous time.

Is there a fact about you that may surprise people?
I attended a very small, private Christian school with only 13 kids in my graduating class.

Do you have a charity that is near and dear to your heart? Who and why?
A nonprofit that I have worked closely with is Angel Wings International (AWI), an organization that provides comprehensive medical care to the underserved people of Haiti, while educating local healthcare professionals on the standards of advanced medicine. I have traveled to Haiti with AWI on both construction and medical/mission trips. I’ve seen the need that exists and the impact that AWI has had over the years. AWI is absolutely near and dear to my heart, and I will continue to support this very compassionate team for as long as they are providing healthcare, medical training, personal care education, jobs to locals, and more to the communities of Haiti.

Do you have any fun traditions for celebrating Thanksgiving with your family?
Not quite a Thanksgiving Day tradition, but the day following Thanksgiving has been deemed “Pie Day.” This is a tradition that a close college friend of mine introduced me to, and I fell in love with it because more pie is always the right answer! On the day after Thanksgiving, we continue the family festivities while enjoying leftover pie all day long together.

What advice would you give to a new hire at First Nation Group?
Get to know your co-workers. We may be located in different cities nationwide, but those that make up the First Nation Group family are amazing, and everyone comes with an incredible story. When you have the opportunity, connect with your colleagues, when over Zoom/Teams or, if you’re lucky, in-person, and really get to know who they are. You might be surprised!

What are three words you would use to describe First Nation Group?
Innovative. Giving. Purposeful. 

Thank you for being such an exceptional member of the First Nation Group family, Tara!