BABE #3: TATIANA BECKER, Campus Coordinator @ C.A.M.E.R.A.

I met Tatiana in a super basic liberal arts math class during my first semester of college when we were both desperately trying to get math credits out of the way. #NoShame. She was one of the first classmates who struck up a conversation with me, providing that moment of solace where I realized the whole college friend-making thing wouldn't be so bad. We quickly found common ground in the fact that we were both dating dudes who shared a first name, and who were both Jewish. #TheLittleThings. (We're not with them anymore, to be clear.) Tatiana is doing some really cool, meaningful, interesting stuff, and she's passionate about things that I don’t particularly know much about. I’ve learned more from her than she’s aware of, and that’s what Babes Who Hustle is all about. 

The Basics:

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL    
Current city: Boston, MA
Alma mater: Florida State University
Degree: BS in Political Science & International Affairs
Job: Campus Coordinator - Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America (CAMERA)

The Interests: 

Favorite App?
I’m a big fan of Venmo - is that boring? It has streamlined my life in so many ways; I never worry about paying my friends back anymore!

One must-have item in your purse?
Weleda Everon Lip Balm

What have you been reading lately?
I'm currently on book three of the Game of Thrones series!

How do you spend your free time?
I go running a lot. My job is rather intense, so I find it helps me unwind and clear my head. I also love to go hiking and kayaking

 

The Hustle:

Tell us about your hustle: 
I work for the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting In America, a media-monitoring, research and membership organization devoted to promoting accurate and balanced coverage of Israel and the Middle East. As a campus coordinator, I advocate for Israel while helping college students around the globe do the same. Though my job is mostly unknown to the world and may sound weirdly niche, it’s a serious passion of mine, and one of those things that I was previously doing without any payoff. Now I do it, but I have a dental plan.

What does your typical workday look like?
I down a coffee when I get to the office, then respond to a million emails from students and professionals in need of assistance. Throughout the day I work in event planning, organization, budgeting and crisis management with people across the U.S., Canada and Israel. At some point, I’ll eat lunch and take a walk around the neighborhood for some fresh air. Sometimes my hours get crazy, and other times I do a lot of traveling. On not so rare occasions, unfortunately, my students are harassed and intimidated for speaking up for what they believe in, so I’m there to help with that, too. We live in weird times.

Tell us what motivates you every day:
The understanding that I am one of the luckiest people on earth to be paid to do something I’m passionate about. I was lucky to be born in the US; I was lucky to be born into my family, and every day when I get tired, it’s that knowledge that keeps me going. I don’t have a right to be lazy or unmotivated – my life is amazing. Working hard and helping as best as I can to make sure others have the opportunity to feel this way too is what motivates me most.

Favorite part about your job:
I work with some truly passionate and dynamic people. In my field, it’s not about the money, so we all really have a fire for what we do. 

Any career advice for other women?
Look, being a woman in the professional world is like constantly trying to avoid land mines, and then occasionally stepping on them anyway. You will be judged, you will be called names, and you will be ridiculed. What you have to remember is not to quit. No one ever changed the game by sitting on the sidelines. Be excellent at what you do, work long hours, and love yourself. Also, remember that Merlot is your friend. 

Final parting words?
I think that as a 21st century Babe Who Hustles, it’s really important not to lose yourself in the pursuit of success. We’re millennials, which means we are weighed down by personal debt, national debt, terrorism, female body image, monetary struggles, and a unique desire for happiness as twenty-somethings. I always try to take a minute to breathe and remember that this life its actually really beautiful and for that I am so lucky.

Contact Tatiana!

For business inquiries or to learn more,
contact Tatiana at tatianarbecker@gmail.com. 

This interview has been condensed and edited.