Women’s History Month - Tanya LeBlanc
The UTA College of Business celebrates Women’s History Month by recognizing the success and accomplishments of our alumni. Tanya LeBlanc earned a Master of Business Administration from UTA. Now, she is a sales consultant in the industrial and manufacturing space. Presented below are her contributions, accolades, professional goals, and achievements.
Tanya’s headshot
What was your favorite memory of the College of Business?
There are too many to name! I was part of the MBA cohort program in Ft. Worth and my memories range from studying and writing papers on the top floor of the old Flying Saucer- to traveling Europe with my classmates and the McGee's (Melanie and Jeff). Many from our cohort team have stayed in touch over the years. We have supported each other through weddings, babies, and career moves. We even vacation together! I tell people that I went to grad school to obtain a degree and I left with so much more (lifelong friends).
How did the College of Business help prepare you for your career?
Since I launched my career as a scientist and then made a career move to the business side, I needed to refine the lens through which I viewed the world. My MBA has provided me with the perspective of understanding that not everything is black and white, and most things in life are negotiable. It's helped me to create the career that I want, even when I desired to pursue something considered "out of the box" or "outside of my reach".
Since graduating, what have been some of your accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishment has been successfully transitioning to consulting versus being tied directly to corporate America. This allows me to have more creativity in what I do, which gives me a huge sense of fulfillment. It also allows me the flexibility to have a better work-life balance. I am grateful to have crafted a career tailored to balance with my other full-time roles as a mom, wife, daughter, and caring human being.
What has been a challenge in your career?
There are still many challenges females face routinely in male-dominated industries. The more you know, the more you know how to face these challenges head-on and stand up to make a difference for something bigger than ourselves.
Do you take part in any new initiatives, community service, or projects that make you proud?
I volunteer at the elementary school I grew up in. I am grateful to have the flexibility to commit to reading with first graders every week. Literacy and developing a love for reading make an impact for a lifetime.
Tanya at a company team building event
I also help out with my kindergartener’s class special events- something I never would have thought in a million years I would be able to commit to doing before crafting a more flexible career for myself. I am extremely proud to have created a life for myself where I can prioritize my time with my family and where I feel I can make an impact. I wish more working moms knew that this is possible- while not sacrificing their career goals. I am currently working on an idea for a community project that would allow me to help other moms realize a more optimal career path forward for themselves and their families.
Is there a particular person in your life that inspired you to be who you are? Who are they and how did they inspire you, personally or professionally?
Inspiration comes in all shapes and forms! I am inspired by my #UTAMBA gal group daily! They are a group of amazing women that repeatedly level up their lives and excel in whatever they set their minds to. I'm inspired by anyone who is killing it, doing their thing authentically- and riding on their values through life. Seeing people do that inspires me to keep pushing forward to reach my own goals.
What goals are you working towards?
Honestly, my #1 goal right now is to consistently fill my own cup first. That's not always been easy for me. I'm working on being the best "me" I can be and making progress toward a healthier body, soul, and mind. I've started a weight training program and have some pretty big goals for lifting heavy! My other goals consist of being more intentional about creating life adventures for myself and my family.
What advice would you give to female professionals getting started in their careers?
No job or career is ever exactly what you expect it will be. Just start. Dive in, and experience things. Use the process of elimination to determine what works for you and what doesn't. The skills and experiences you gain at a job that wasn’t a fit for you are transferable and you can build on them!
The job description that you "do" day in and day out is only part of the whole- don't sacrifice your happiness and well-being for a job, at least for the long term.
The culture surrounding what you do and the lifestyle that it shapes for you can be even more important than WHAT you do!
And finally… the options are endless. Sometimes what you want to "be when you grow up" doesn't fit inside of a job description you find on LinkedIn. We live in a time when more is possible than ever before, surround yourself with those who inspire you and cheer for you and GO CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT!
Tanya axe throwing
Three fun facts about you:
- I'm a super nerd! I love learning and will take random classes/read books on literally any topic. I once attended a speaking event on neurology of the brain. I think I was the only person there who wasn't a medical professional!
- I love all things wine and am also a bit of a tomboy. There may be a photo of me somewhere standing next to a hanging wild hog I skinned with my dad while sipping on a glass of Cabernet!
- Something I dream about is one day speaking to larger audiences to share my passion and truth for life, sales, business, health & wellbeing, and being a career mom!