Zarina Tracy Silas, an accomplished international trade lawyer and former Homeland Security senior executive, shares her extensive career in national security and her deep commitment to family caregiving. With over two decades of experience across multiple government departments, she emphasizes the importance of service, policy impact, and balancing professional duties with personal care.
Welcome to Voices of Care, a platform dedicated to real stories that inspire, uplift, and unite caregivers. Hosted by Maggie Linton and Carl Powell, this episode features Zarina Tracy Silas, whose remarkable career and personal dedication to caregiving offer valuable insights.
Zarina Tracy Silas began her career with the Homeland Security Office of Policy, focusing on international policy. Over 21 years, including 13 years with Homeland Security, she served nine different government departments, including Commerce, Transportation, Small Business Administration (SBA), Defense, the Intelligence Community, Treasury, and Interior.
Her work primarily centered on national security, with a significant focus on counterterrorism. Zarina holds a diverse legal background, including international law, real estate law, and general practice. She also earned legal certifications in use of force, counterterrorism, and European Union law, and completed studies at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Her extensive qualifications and experience have equipped her to contribute meaningfully to the safety and security of the community. Zarina’s career reflects a deep commitment to service and policy development that effectively addresses the needs of the population.
Zarina’s dedication to service is deeply rooted in her family background. Her father retired as an Air Force drill sergeant, and her mother served in the State Department. This upbringing instilled in her a natural commitment to serving others.
She describes herself as someone with exuberance and the ability to process complex information to create impactful policies. Her energy and enthusiasm are evident, as she recalls roller skating into work and maintaining a high level of engagement throughout her career.
Remarkably, Zarina achieved the Senior Executive Service—the highest level of government leadership—before turning 40, a distinction held by less than 0.03% of the population historically.
Beyond her professional achievements, Zarina emphasizes the importance of family and caregiving. She believes that while much of life’s time is spent outside the home, it is crucial to pour care and attention back into the family.
As an only child, Zarina remains deeply connected to her parents and children, ensuring their needs are met despite her demanding career and frequent travel. Her personal caregiving role complements her public service, highlighting the multifaceted nature of care.
Zarina Tracy Silas exemplifies a life dedicated to service—both at the national level through her work in Homeland Security and at the personal level through her commitment to family caregiving. Her story inspires caregivers and professionals alike to bring passion, energy, and dedication to all aspects of their lives.
Her journey reminds us that impactful service transcends professional boundaries and that caring for others, whether on a national or personal scale, is a profound and rewarding endeavor.
