Tara Croker, a proud First Nations Wiradjuri woman, is a trailblazing entrepreneur who seamlessly merges her Indigenous heritage with the dynamic world of business. Her impressive career trajectory includes coveted roles in high profile global corporations such as Google, YouTube, and News Corp, where she honed her business acumen and marketing expertise.
Driven by a deep rooted passion for the land and community, Tara founded Yaala Sparkling, a multi-award winning beverage company that celebrates the rich flavours of native Australian plants. She not only promotes sustainable and healthy practices, but also strives to increase First Nations participation within the native food industry. This manifests in her commitment to sourcing ingredients locally, then collaborating with Indigenous artists to tell the authentic story of the plants. With each sip of Yaala Sparkling, people embark on a journey of cultural discovery, savouring the authentic flavours that have sustained Indigenous communities for generations. Tara’s vision for Yaala Sparkling is twofold: to increase First Nations representation in the native food industry and to authentically connect people to native Australian plants.
Tara’s entrepreneurial journey has been marked by significant milestones, including a successful pitch on Shark Tank, numerous awards recognising her business acumen, co-Authoring a book, and studying at Harvard University. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a dedicated advocate for reconciliation efforts, mentoring young leaders and sitting on boards and advisory committees. Tara’s story is a testament to the power of combining cultural heritage with business innovation offering a unique perspective on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of business with purpose.