Tanya English

Tanya English was born in Los Angeles, California, but spent her formative years in Tijuana, Mexico, before becoming a Vancouver, WA, resident in 2014. Growing up in a border town gave her the unique perspective of navigating two cultures, seeing things from different angles, and building bridges that connect people.

Tanya has a deep passion for people, discovering what makes each person unique, what empowers them, and what helps them feel a sense of belonging. In the A Day in the Life of Tanya English article from the Fall 2024 issue of Spectrum Life Magazine, she describes herself as a metiche—a Spanish word for “nosey.” She is always curious about how things work, whether it’s people, places, systems, policies, or structures. As an autistic individual with a strong sense of justice, she channels this passion into helping others navigate barriers to their well-being.

She originally graduated in 2003 with an Associate’s degree in Fashion Design, but her path shifted when she became a mother three years later. Nearly two decades later, she returned to school, earning her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education with highest honors in the summer of 2024. She was also recognized as an OSWALD Award recipient for outstanding student in her department and was one of the recipients of the Washington Student Achievement Council’s 2024 Washington Award for Vocational Excellence scholarship. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services.

Tanya is committed to leveraging her education and lived experience to advocate for the well-being of families. As the Clark County Parent Coalition Coordinator at PEACE NW, a local nonprofit, she works closely with families and individuals, helping them connect to resources, engage with their community, and navigate complex systems. At the same time, she strives to be able to work for broader systemic change at the state and national levels to improve the lives of neurodiverse families. She believes that strong, supportive communities foster healthy families, and in turn, healthy families empower individuals to thrive.

She is excited to serve on the Board of Directors of Autism Empowerment, where she hopes to contribute her experiences and perspectives to further the organization’s mission and support the community it serves.