We are pleased to announce that Zion Tankard has joined La Leche League International (LLLI) on 3 September as Executive Director. Zion comes to us with an educational background including a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Development and a Master’s in Business Administration from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA. She is also pursuing her Doctorate in Education with a focus on Women’s History.
Originally from Los Angeles, California, USA, Zion has spent the last seven years working in women’s advocacy with the Durham County Women’s Commission in Durham County, North Carolina, USA. As Chair of this Commission, she was an integral part of a resolution for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), an international mechanism that outlines women’s fundamental human rights. Thus, Durham became the first county in the Southeast region of the United States, and the first place in North Carolina, to pass such a resolution, whose significance was recognized by the United Nations.
In 2018, Zion received special recognition from the News & Observer, an American regional newspaper, as “Tar Heel of the Week” (Tar Heel is a nickname for North Carolina), acknowledging the lasting and significant contribution of her work for the women and communities in her state.
Zion is married with four children and resides in Durham, North Carolina.
She looks forward to collaborating with LLLI stakeholders, continuing the important work of promoting breastfeeding, supporting our volunteer Leaders, families, and the healthy development of babies worldwide. Zion shares, “I am excited to have the opportunity to serve LLLI and new people, and learn how to serve you all.”
A warm note of appreciation to Lee Bryan Claassen for her years as Executive Director, for her professional expertise in helping our organization, and for her wise guidance and advice.
We are fortunate that Lee is available to help Zion begin her new role with La Leche League.
Please join us in giving a welcome to our new Executive Director!