Remembering Tanya Powell: ‘Her impact will continue to be felt’

Friends and collaborators have paid tribute to the SA model and businesswoman who was as beautiful on the inside as she was pretty.

• 40 years of model agent’s mecca

As beautiful on the inside as she was pretty, inspirational businesswoman Tanya Powell is being remembered for having a positive influence on the lives of thousands of teens and young adults.

The founder of Tanya Powell Model Agency, who died on Saturday aged 72, taught more than 20,000 students at its Adelaide headquarters but was also instrumental in the success of the Ice Factor program.

Started in 2005 by Marie Shaw, KC, it teaches ice hockey to teens as an incentive for them to stay in school.

But its graduates also take part in an Ice Factor Spectacular, in which they model in a fashion parade.

And that is where Ms Powell came in, tutoring them the art of catwalk, as well as life skills such as grooming, deportment and etiquette.

Marie Shaw and Tanya Powell, centre, with Ice Factor participants. Picture: Facebook

Adelaide identity Tanya Powell passed away on March 10. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“No single person I know has changed the lives of so many of our at-risk and most disadvantaged teens, teaching modelling and choreography, during the past sixteen years, so (that) on just one night, they could learn how amazing they could be,” Mrs Shaw said.

“Inspiring and co-ordinating eight Ice Factor Spectaculars, Tanya achieved the impossible through kindness, patience and most of all, love.”

Tanya Powell and Cherylee Harris. Picture: Advertiser library

Tanya Powell pictured in 2022. Picture Dean Martin

Discovered by Ms Powell and signed to her agency as a teenager, former Channel 7 weather presenter Cherylee Harris has also paid tribute to her mentor and close friend.

She told The Advertiser her loss was “unimaginable”.

“She was a true lady, a loyal friend and a wonderful wife to Jack and mother to her son Luke,” said Ms Harris, who became a tutor at Tanya Powell Model Agency and was also involved with Ice Factor.

“Tanya’s impact will continue to be felt for generations to come as her spirit of resilience, determination and empowerment lives on in all those who were fortunate enough to know her.”

Ms Harris added: “Tanya, you fought a brave and long battle, my friend, and I will miss you terribly.”

Originally published as Remembering Tanya Powell: ‘Her impact will continue to be felt’