You’ve no doubt seen Tanya Cavanagh’s face and name associated with Teen Challenge Tasmania. She is the executive director, and the driving force behind the organisation, alongside husband Peter. But we thought you might like to know a little more about this woman with the purple hair and the easy smile. So, here you go. Grab a cuppa and sit down to learn how Wonder Woman and fast cars feature in Tanya’s story.

Tanya Cavanagh

Teen Challenge executive director

1. Describe yourself in a sentence.

I’m driven, deep thinking, passionate about my purpose, an advocate for young people, and I don't take NO as an answer too well!

2. What drives you to keep doing what you do?

“To whom much is given, much will be required.” Luke 12:48

God has saved me from a very dark place, given me my meaning, shown me my purpose to wake up each morning and absolutely love what I do. I owe him my everything and give my all now for the work to help young people realise just how precious they truly are and that there is a future full of promise waiting for them.

3. What did you want to 'be' when you were a little girl?

Wonder Woman!

4. What's something very few people know about you?

I've worked on cars, servicing and repairs, including owning and operating my own workshop for a big chunk of my early career. The best car I've ever driven, in my opinion, was a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, but my most fun car was a Jeep Wrangler and going off-road. PS, I like cars!

5. Which would you choose: A long walk on a beach with a bestie, or a room buzzing with friends and family?

Hmmm... I hope my family and Pete don't read this but they know me enough I guess to know my answer. A long walk on the beach with my fur babies to the park near the beach for a picnic with my husband and family.

6. What's something you say a lot?

There are a few things actually; "Praise God", "Just give me the bullet points", "So what's the positive?" and "Choices and consequences."

7. What do you do to unwind?

Walk and train my dogs. Sprawl in a hammock under a tree with a good book or to take a snooze. Get out in nature and just walk or sit near running water.

8. Finish this sentence: "If time, money and red tape were no obstacle, I would..."

...build conviction in every adult in our worldwide community of the importance of protecting our young people from harm and collectively, by the volume of people standing up, stop any dealer or trafficker on any level ever targeting children. I would build so much understanding in our young people of their value, uniqueness and preciousness. I would build such resilience that they would never need to turn to a drug to find their place in this world and fit in. They would know who they are and stand boldly in the fullness of that love.

Tanya, fast cars and Wonder Woman!