We were lucky to catch up with Tacara McKay recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tacara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
I was adopted at seven years old, and from the moment I joined my family, my parents loved me as if I were their biological child. They never failed to give me everything I needed, but they also made sure I understood the value of hard work and perseverance. If there was something I really wanted—whether it was a privilege, an opportunity, or even something small—they encouraged me to earn it. That often meant helping extra around the house, going above and beyond in school, or showing initiative in other ways.
Those lessons have shaped who I am today. They taught me that things of real value are rarely handed to you—you work for them. That mindset carried me through my career journey. I started at my organization as a volunteer, then became an intern, and over time worked my way up to a leadership position. Every step of the way, I’ve relied on the work ethic and perseverance my parents instilled in me. Their love and their lessons gave me both the foundation and the drive to keep growing.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Tacara McKay, and I currently serve as the Director of External Affairs for Let Them Live, a pro-life nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in crisis pregnancies by providing financial and emotional support so they can confidently choose life for their babies.
My journey into this work wasn’t just a career path—it was a calling. I’ve always had a passion for communication and storytelling, but more importantly, for people. When I learned about Let Them Live’s mission and saw the direct impact it had on mothers and their babies, I knew I wanted to be part of something that truly changes lives. I started out as a volunteer, then became an intern, and through dedication and perseverance, I worked my way up to a leadership position.
As Director of External Affairs, my role centers on building and maintaining relationships that amplify our mission. I handle media relations, public communications, and partnerships that help extend our reach. That includes conducting interviews on behalf of the organization—sharing stories of hope, highlighting the moms we serve, and bringing awareness to the real challenges women face when choosing life.
What sets Let Them Live apart is our personal approach. We don’t just advocate—we act. We meet moms right where they are, offering tangible support that makes choosing life not only possible but sustainable. I’m most proud of the lives we’ve seen transformed because of that compassion-driven model.
What I want people to know about me and my work is that everything I do is rooted in purpose. Whether it’s speaking with the media, building partnerships, or helping craft our message, my goal is to be a voice for the moms and babies we serve. At the heart of it all, it’s about showing the world that love and support can change the outcome of a life story.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
A time I had to pivot in life was early in my adulthood. I had always envisioned a long-term career in the military. Right after high school, I joined the Marine Corps and spent about two years serving before I was unexpectedly diagnosed with asthma and medically separated. That wasn’t something I ever anticipated, and it forced me to completely rethink my future.
Transitioning out of the Marines was difficult because it felt like a wrench had been thrown into the plans I had worked so hard for. But it also opened the door for me to explore other ways to serve people, which has always been a core part of who I am. I eventually became a wife and a mom, and I found myself drawn to roles in hospitality—working on a cruise ship and later with Hilton Hotels. Those experiences helped me rediscover my love for connecting with people and making a difference in their lives.
Looking back, that unexpected pivot was a blessing in disguise. It taught me resilience and adaptability, and it ultimately led me to where I am today—serving in a mission-driven nonprofit where I get to combine my love for people, communication, and purpose.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe what helped me build my reputation within my market was a combination of persistence, relationship-building, and genuine passion. For years before my current role, I made it a priority to attend events, engage with others in the nonprofit and pro-life movement, and learn from those already making an impact. I also shared my vision and the passion I had for the work I wanted to do. Over time, these consistent efforts helped me form strong, authentic connections and establish a reputation as someone committed, reliable, and deeply invested in the mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Letthemlive.org
- Instagram: @TacaraMcKay
