By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
CAYUGA—For Tammy Clarke, 44, there is no age limit on chasing a dream. The long-time PSW has just been selected as a national finalist in the 2022 Ms. Of Canada contest.
Adopted by Paul and Susan Bacher at age 4, Clarke moved from Ottawa to Haldimand in 1981 to a dairy cattle and horse farm just outside of Cayuga. She has two younger sisters and an older brother.
She has a wealth of great childhood memories of going to community fairs, parades, Lions family fun days, and warm nights at the Cayuga speedway, but says the thing that stands out to her the most was the people and close-knit sense of community: “Everyone knew each other and supported each other.”
Clarke has been a PSW for 17 years and currently works in long-term care. She says of her work, “I have no plans to change my career; I love what I do. However, I would love to start workshops for women, regardless of age or status, to help boost self confidence, self esteem, and to love themselves for who they are.”
She shared the story of how she heard about the Ms. Of Canada contest and why she decided to run as a nominee: “A dear friend of mine, Steve Hopkinson, had started a video group on Facebook (speakersmomentum.com) to encourage people to get over their fears of speaking publicly. He is a professional speaker and coach. I always had my Facebook private, and he asked me to go public and start speaking to the world.”
Doing so brought Clarke into contact with 2021 Ms. Of Canada winner Stephanie Matzos: “As we were talking and getting to know each other she had asked me to run for 2022. At first, I was in shock and felt like I could not. I took a few days and thought about it and finally decided, ‘Why not me? I’m going to try.’ I thought this would be a great way to help lift and empower women.”
Currently, nominees are campaigning. Clarke will receive her itinerary for the competition in June, with a pageant taking place in August.
“I don’t really feel like this has sunk in yet, that I am a national finalist. I am still just me. If I won, I would feel honoured that Canada has chosen me to represent our country,” said Clarke, who is one of 10 nominees. “I have not had the pleasure to meet or talk to (the others). I am excited to meet them all in the summer.”
Winning the title would mean more than just a crown for Clarke: “The responsibility of all title holders is to help raise money for charities with the influence of the crown. Public appearances and social events I’m sure will also be on the calendar.”
Those interested in following along on Clarke’s journey can do so by following her social media accounts under Tammy Bacher-Clarke and @2022Canadanationalfinalist. There, Tammy will share information on how people can vote for her once the ability to do so is open to the public.
She summed up her experience with some motivational words for anyone considering taking a chance on following a dream: “If I can do this at 44, anyone can.”
