LLLI Announces Honored Women's Rights Advocate as New Executive Director

RALEIGH, N.C. - Sept. 30, 2019 - PRLog -- La Leche League International (LLLI) announces honored women's rights activist Zion Tankard as their new Executive Director.

LLLI focuses on the personal one-to-one sharing of information and encouragement that provides new parents with the confidence needed to breastfeed their babies.

"We are pleased to have Zion join the La Leche League family," said LLLI Chair Cecily Harkins. "Zion embodies the strength of community leadership with the passion for families and the healthy development of babies upon which LLLI was founded."

The announcement follows a global search for a candidate to spearhead the international organization. Tankard will bring her unique skills and experience to the task of implementing LLLI's mission and strategic objectives through active management of the day-to-day operations.

Tankard spent seven years in women's advocacy with the Durham County Women's Commission in Durham County, North Carolina, U.S.A. As Chair of this Commission, she was an integral part of a resolution for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The resolution was the first of its kind to be passed in the Southeast region of the United States, and its significance was recognized by the United Nations. Tankard also received special recognition from the News & Observer as "Tar Heel of the Week" for the lasting impact of her advocacy for the women and communities in North Carolina.

"As a mother of four with a deep sense of commitment to my community, I look forward to collaborating with our passionate volunteer Leaders who are engaging with their communities worldwide," Tankard said.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Development and a Master's in Business Administration from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education with a focus on Women's History.

Zion is a staff member of IMI Association Executives, LLLI's full-service association management partner since 2016.

About LLLI
La Leche League International (LLLI) was formed in 1956 in Franklin Park, IL, USA, by seven mothers who wanted to provide breastfeeding help and support to interested women when breastfeeding numbers were at an all-time low in the western world. Since then, LLLI has grown into an international organization that helps mothers and families gain the confidence they need to breastfeed their baby. Through our accredited volunteers, known as La Leche League Leaders, La Leche League (LLL) helps mothers worldwide breastfeed through encouragement, information, education, and mother-to-mother support. LLL promotes a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. With over 5,500 LLL Leaders on six continents, La Leche League helps over 300,000 new mothers and parents every year. Visit https://www.llli.org/ for more information.