Climate League’s Tara McDaniel Steps Into New Role
We’re so fortunate to have Tara McDaniel expand her responsibilities from serving as our Community Event Coordinator to Assistant Administrator! Tara’s dedication to Fort Smith, energy equity and food security runs deep. She brings a broad skill set and a “can do” attitude that bridge the gap between aspiration and accomplishment.
Tara McDaniel is a first-generation college graduate who earned her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, graduating as a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda, an honor society recognizing academic excellence among nontraditional students. She is currently a USDA NextGen Scholar at Arizona State University, where she is pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Food Systems.
Tara served two AmeriCorps terms with FoodCorps at Cedarville Elementary School, focusing on regenerative gardening practices for climate stewardship within the school garden. During the spring 2020 school closures, she pivoted her efforts to address food insecurity by making the school garden accessible to students’ families.
In 2021, Tara helped launch Fort Smith’s first LGBTQIA+ youth groups, initiatives spearheaded by Central Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Tara began her involvement with the Arkansas Climate League as a volunteer, assisting with the development of the People Power Project grant application. In May 2024, she accepted a position with the League, where she continues to support its mission.
Tara remains actively involved in her community. She serves as a board member for River Valley PRIDE and is an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Keep Fort Smith Beautiful, and the Citizens’ Climate Lobby – Fort Smith Chapter.