The Power of Women: Tanya’s Path to Women United

For over two decades, Tanya Kloos has been a proud supporter of United Way — leading workplace campaigns, volunteering for the Engineering Day of Caring, and now stepping into a new chapter with Women United. What began as a simple question during a workplace campaign turned into a journey of connection, empowerment, and advocacy for women and girls in the Alberta Capital Region. In her own words, Tanya shares what inspired her to join Women United and why this community means so much. 

What first inspired you to join Women United, and what does being part of this community mean to you? 

I first learned about Women United through a pamphlet at our workplace campaign in the fall of 2022. At that time, Women United in the Alberta Capital Region was still new, so information was limited. I found details on United Way’s website, and the mission really intrigued me. 

My first Women United event was The Power of Women in 2023. I listened to a panel of amazing, powerful and changemaking women share ideas, experiences and knowledge on how each person could make a difference in the lives of local women and girls. I thought “I really want to be part of this.” I’ve have been involved with United Way since 2002 — through workplace campaigns and the Engineering Day of Caring. Being part of Women United allows me to help women at their most vulnerable moments, while also supporting them in becoming strong, independent, and empowered for themselves and their families. 

What specific issues or barriers facing women and girls are you most passionate about addressing? 

Working in the engineering field, I’ve seen progress in workplace equity, but there’s still a long way to go. I’ve personally experienced inequity, but I also see the light. Things are slowly changing and improving in many of these male-dominated industries.  

I’m also passionate about addressing gender-based violence, as I was exposed to it when I was a child. I’m glad I had a strong mother who was able to stand up and say she’s had enough and remove us from the situation. Many women in our community don’t have the resources or support to do the same. Thankfully, with United Way and Women United, more supports are becoming available in our community. 

Has there been a moment or experience with Women United that felt especially meaningful to you? 

The Power of Women event was quite moving.  It made me reflect on my own experiences and realize how much we all share. So many women wear masks to cover their struggles, whether they’re accountants, salesclerks, or CEOs. The Power of Women showed me that even the leaders we look up to often have their own trauma or have overcome their own barriers. 

Who is a woman, past or present, who inspires you and why? 

Easy: my mom. Now that I’m a mom myself, I appreciate my own mom’s sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering support even more. She helped me grow while facing her own challenges every day. I try to pass those same values on to my daughter so that she too will be empowered to face life’s challenges. 

If you could grant one resource or opportunity to every woman or girl, what would it be and why? 

Gender equality. I hope that one day we’ll reach a point where equality is truly the standard. So many positive things can come from it. I want my daughter — and her future daughters — to live in a world where they don’t have to fight the same battles we did. 

What’s one book, movie, or podcast that you feel every woman should check out? 

I’m not much of a reader or podcast listener, but the Barbie movie really moved me. I went to the movie for my daughter and didn’t expect to like it. I thought it would even be a little sexist. But I cried during America Ferrera’s monologue. It truly summarized all the feelings and experiences I have had as a woman myself. It really represented all the inequalities women experience today.