Class of 10 Tara (Christensen) Wachendorf: The Joy of Leading and Giving

The Joy of Leading and Giving

If anyone ever exuded the best in college spirit, it was Tara (Christensen) Wachendorf ’10. Her countless fond memories include starting all four years on the volleyball team, organizing the Goodwill Fashion Show, participating in Yell Like Hell and a May Term trip to Ecuador, where she tasted a lemon ant and biked down a volcano.

Indeed, the academic substance and spirit of Simpson, especially including lessons learned in athletics, propelled her into a thriving career.

“I will always believe that collegiate athletes make the best employees and hardest workers,” said Wachendorf. “My Simpson volleyball career showed me what it takes to work as a team, be humble, give credit where it’s due, celebrate the little wins — and never give up. The internal drive I gained at Simpson has carried me through good times and bad as a leader in the workforce.”

Community Game-Changer

Today, Wachendorf drives winning teams while holding dual leadership roles as president of GreenState Foundation and vice president of public relations for GreenState Credit Union. At the foundation, she vets local non-profits in Iowa and Illinois, granting funding for community service providers to support financial education, housing and children’s health. Last year, GreenState gave back nearly $4 million in community support.

“It’s pretty fulfilling and rewarding,” said Wachendorf. “There’s not a day in my career where I’m not either smiling, crying — or both — because we are making impacts in so many ways. And I get to hear the stories of the partners we fund.”

Wachendorf says she’s excited about the prospects of increasing community funding support, as GreenState expands its partnerships into Nebraska in 2025. She is quick to credit Simpson’s business and marketing professors for her leadership success. In fact, she loved everything about Simpson.

“I wouldn’t change my experience at Simpson for anything. The courses, the coaches, the tournaments, the friendships, the travels, the memories — they all have a special place in my heart. I would have never guessed I’d have so many opportunities at a small private college. Simpson is a gem.”