Tami Hedrick, Executive Vice President, External Engagement, MATTER

What do you do in your current role?

I have been on the MATTER staff for nearly two years and have served on the Board of Directors for three years. While I was Director of Women’s Initiatives at the Minnesota Vikings, MATTER was our community partner for impacting nutritious food and health for several years.

While leading the external engagement business unit, I am also focused on MATTER Pro and MATTERbox. MATTERbox is an employee engagement volunteer tool that improves communities by providing healthy and nutritious food. MATTER Pro is a purpose agency for professional athletes that want to improve communities. We assist in their efforts in many areas, from building and stocking hospitals and clinics worldwide, planting nutrition gardens for communities, bringing Innovation Hubs to students in areas that don’t traditionally have access to job-creating technology, and more!

When and why did you join the TRUST?

This is my second year as a member of the TRUST. I joined thanks to the recommendation of Monica Engel from Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Do you have a favorite TRUST memory so far?

Like many TRUST members, the welcome coffee was my first event. And, it will forever be my favorite introduction. I immediately knew I had found “my people.” The women were engaging, encouraging, inspirational and driven. I felt welcomed and motivated to engage. I have since been blessed to connect with other members and look forward to connecting with more!

How has a mentor helped you the most?

My first mentor reminded me often to raise my hand and say YES to challenges and opportunities. I crave learning and growing; we must “do hard things” to continually learn and grow.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

Some of the best career advice I have received is to love what you do and make an impact wherever you go. If you love what you do, you will have the energy to do it well, be excellent, and make an impact on those around you and the world.

What support do you need now to evolve your development as a leader?

As I evolve in my development as a leader, I have found having a coach/mentor has always been impactful in my success. Finding a mentor who can model and inspire me as I strive to become my best self at this life stage and age is back on my “wish list” again.

How do you support other women in their leadership journey?

I firmly believe in uplifting women around me in any way I can. I also volunteer as a mentor whenever possible and look for ways to bring value to others. As a former cheerleader, I’m convinced we all need someone cheering us on, watching the plays we run and helping us get to the win!

How do you maintain or improve your health and well-being?

I took up meditation (through an app) this past year and feel the benefits are amazing! Taking even a few minutes each day to center, breath, focus, relax and clear your mind can do wonders – impacting many areas of life.

Any words of wisdom you live by?

Trust God. Do good. Be resilient.