Tradara McLaurine | SpeakerHub

Personal Details

Bio

Tradara McLaurine is a three-time alumna of Indiana State University with two bachelor’s degrees one in accounting, one in legal studies and her master’s degree in student Affairs and Higher Education and her certification in Women’s Entrepreneurship from eCornell. She has over 15 years’ experience working in higher education in the areas of career advising, academic advising, student conduct, conferences and events, programming, teaching, and residential life. Tradara currently holds certifications as a Certified Diversity Professional from the Institute of Diversity Certification, Certified Trainer for Understanding and Engaging Under-Resourced College Students from Bridges Out of Poverty and a certified Predictive Index Practitioner. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, board member for Junior Achievement and United Campus Ministries.

Tradara has articles published in the American Association for Employment in Education Job Search Handbook and Diversity: Recruitment Partners in Education. In July 2017, she published two children’s books titled “Why Mommy Works” and “Why Daddy Works”. In November 2017, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce recognized Tradara as 12 under 40. Tradara owns a Challenge Island franchise, the world’s #1 STEAM education program. She has spoken and served as a keynote speaker for various leadership and regional conferences. Her third children’s book “I Want a Nickname” was released in July 2022. She loves spending time with her family, crocheting, watching tv, reading and learning.

Current position (2)

Sr. Exec. Dir. of Campus Career & Advising Service

Indiana University

Owner/Operator

Challenge Island

Achievements (1)

12 Under 40

Degrees (4)

Student Affairs and Higher Education

Indiana State University

2008 to 2010

Accounting

Indiana State University

2004 to 2008

Legal Studies

Indiana State University

2004 to 2008

Women's Entreprenuership

eCornell

2020

Presentations

Presentations (7)

Change Your Shoes: Stepping Into the Life You Desire

In this empowering keynote, Tradara McLaurine inspires audiences to embrace confident leadership across diverse roles while staying authentic to themselves. Using her signature "Change Your Shoes" metaphor, she illustrates how transitioning between roles—whether in heels, flats, or boots—doesn’t diminish the power of being a boss. Tradara shares practical strategies for adapting to change, seeking support, overcoming failures, and balancing leadership with life’s demands.

Through her own journey as an executive, entrepreneur, mother, and full-time professional, Tradara equips attendees with actionable insights and tools to navigate challenges and lead with grace and resilience.

How Many Doors Are You Locking? The Keys to Employee Development

Supervisors hold the keys to unlocking the potential of their employees, shaping the future workforce while driving organizational success. In this impactful keynote, Tradara McLaurine explores the rewarding yet challenging role of supervisors in fostering employee development. Drawing from her experiences as both a student employee and supervisor, Tradara shares practical strategies for intentionally investing in entry-level employees, boosting their success while enhancing department productivity.

Attendees will leave feeling empowered and less overwhelmed by the demands of employee development, equipped with tools to create meaningful growth opportunities that benefit both individuals and organizations.

Tradara’s insights inspire supervisors to see employee development not as a burden, but as a transformative opportunity to open doors for their teams and themselves.

Networking and Dining Etiquette: Elevate Your Professional Presence

In this interactive workshop, Tradara McLaurine provides participants with the tools to confidently navigate formal dining scenarios and build meaningful professional connections. Combining practical etiquette tips with actionable networking strategies, Tradara helps attendees refine their social skills and enhance their professional presence.

From mastering table conversations to creating valuable networks, this workshop equips individuals with the confidence and poise needed to thrive in professional and social settings.

Participants will leave this workshop with renewed confidence, prepared to impress in both dining and networking environments.

Unlocking the Gates to Your Potential: Breaking Barriers to Achieve Success

In this transformative session, Tradara McLaurine guides attendees through the four gates—fear, compromise, bitterness, and ownership—that often block individuals from reaching their full potential. Through insightful storytelling and actionable strategies, Tradara empowers participants to identify and dismantle the barriers keeping them from success.

This session inspires attendees to take control of their personal and professional growth, equipping them with the tools to unlock their potential and move forward with confidence.

Participants will leave feeling empowered to face their challenges head-on and step confidently into the life they deserve.

Evaluating Your Possible Lives: Career Exploration and Purpose

In this engaging presentation, Tradara McLaurine inspires participants to explore their passions and influences to uncover the career path that aligns with their goals and values. By guiding attendees through a process of self-evaluation and reflection, Tradara helps them gain clarity on what they seek from their careers and how to confidently pursue their aspirations.

This session energizes participants to take actionable steps toward achieving career success, equipped with a deeper understanding of their unique potential and purpose.

Attendees will leave inspired and equipped to design a career that resonates with their passions and aspirations.

Job Searching 101: Crafting Your Path to Opportunity

In this practical and empowering presentation, Tradara McLaurine equips participants with the tools and strategies to take charge of their job search and land their next opportunity. From envisioning the ideal role to crafting standout application materials, Tradara provides actionable insights to help attendees navigate the competitive job market with confidence.

This session inspires participants to approach their job search with clarity and purpose, empowering them to take the next step in their professional journey.

Key Takeaways:

What Is a Dream Job?: Define what a fulfilling career looks like based on your goals and values.
Application Material Tips: Learn how to create compelling resumes and cover letters that get noticed.
Job Search Techniques: Discover effective strategies to identify and secure your next opportunity.

Attendees will leave this session ready to implement a structured job search plan and pursue their dream job with focus and determination.

Celebrating Names and Identity with I Want a Nickname

Join award-winning author Tradara McLaurine for an engaging and empowering author visit featuring her celebrated children’s book, I Want a Nickname. Through a heartwarming reading, interactive class activity, and meaningful discussion, Tradara invites students to explore themes of self-esteem, empowerment, and the beauty of embracing their unique identities.

In this inspiring story, Shadaia, frustrated by mispronunciations of her name, embarks on a journey to understand the power and significance behind her given name. This visit will resonate with children aged 4-7 and anyone who has experienced the challenges of having a unique name.

After this visit, students will feel proud of their names and empowered to embrace their individuality.

Past talks (8)

Networking & Etiquette

Teen Networking Night

Westfield, Indiana

July 6, 2024

Professionalism & Dining Etiquette

Indianapolis, Indiana

November 12, 2024

Change Your Shoes: Stepping Into the Life You Desire

Novelis Professional Development

Terre Haute, Indiana