My nomination: Encourager

My third nomination for the Encourager category is the phenomenal Tamarack Verrall. 

If young feminists walk the earth today, they do on a path that feminists before us laid, and that feminists in the generations before us continue to guide us on. Tamarack Verrall is the gentle, encouraging, genuine, supportive, and fierce face of those very feminists. Whenever I think of her, I only think of how so many of us young women walk on the shoulders of giants, giants who took great strides and made so much possible.

There is virtually nothing I have not discussed with Tam. Be it the feminist movement or the passage of regressive laws, or the breaking down of regressive law and policy through sustained effort, Tam has always been there, lending an ear and offering powerful validation and support. I’ve learned so much from Tam: not just in terms of knowledge, but also what it is to be an encouraging and fierce supporter.

I’ve watched Tam sow seeds of love and plant trees of generosity that offer shade to anyone that wants a burst of that encouragement. I’ve seen Tam put aside her own cares to lend a shoulder when someone else needs it. I’ve received love and encouragement from Tam that has kept me going when things feel like they may get tougher. I’ve seen Tam change many lives with the push of a button and with a generous dollop of her goodness.

If there truly ever was a scion of compassion, it would be Tam. She has fought the good fight and continues to do so every day of her life, opening doors and breaking walls to bring in more and more women into spaces that may otherwise be immensely difficult to access. Love you, Tam!