Today we’d like to introduce you to Aisha Bailey.
Hi Aisha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Let’s see I was born in Franklin County; Ohio I have one Sibling born to my mother (Sister) and three Siblings from my father (2 Brothers) and (1 Sister). When I was four years of age, my mother moved to Roanoke, Virginia. I raised (3) beautiful kids as a single parent until 2007 when I met my Husband we married in (2014) and together we had a baby girl in (2008) we are a blended family of (10) Children and 10 grandchildren and counting.
Just February 12, 2021, I sadly lost my 21-year-old Son to murder life hasn’t been the same but am trying to learn how to live in this “New World” without my son. Day by Day.
I am an Executive Assistant/Training Coordinator of Virginia CARES Inc. My duties consist of managing agency purchases and training arrangements coordinating information flow to and from the Executive Director and overseeing and maintaining the agency’s data system. I also coordinate annual Board Member training and statewide staff training, as well as the Department of Criminal Justice Services’ mandated training for new staff, to make sure that they are all trained in the latest evidence-based practices.
I don’t hold a bunch of degrees but while raising (3) children, I graduated from TAP’s (Total Action for Progress) at This Valley Works Center for Employment Training where I studied Office Automation in 2001. Upon graduation, I was immediately hired with TAP’s Team Staffing. When that program lost funding, I was hired as the Administrative Assistant for the TAP/VA Cares & Fatherhood Program in 2003. And in March of 2006, I was employed with Virginia CARES Inc as the Executive Assistant before being promoted to Executive Assistant/Training Coordinator. I also hold certifications in Basic Mediation, Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, Facilitating Skills for Offender Groups “FSOG”, Thinking for a Change, and Life Skills Education, and more.
I’m not always very vocal but I’ve assisted and served alongside some of the strongest community and statewide program leaders in Community Action. I have strong faith in Christ, my savior. And I’m highly motivated and passionate about everything that I do, I believe in people and love what I do. I am committed to helping returning citizens and very dedicated to making a difference in my community.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Never a smooth road for me I grew up without a father for most of my years and was raised by a single parent struggling with alcohol addiction. Had to grow up before I was an adult and had my first child when I was 19 years old. And raised 3 children for most of their lives by myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an Executive Assistant/Training Coordinator of Virginia CARES Inc. Employed with CARES now for 16 years and working with Community Action for more than 20 years now. My duties consist of managing agency purchases and training arrangements, coordinating information flow to and from the Executive Director and overseeing and maintaining the agency’s data system. I also coordinate annual Board Member training and statewide staff training, as well as the Department of Criminal Justice Services’ mandated training for new staff, to make sure that they are all trained in the latest evidence-based practices.
I don’t hold a bunch of degrees but while raising (3) children, I graduated from TAP’s (Total Action for Progress) at This Valley Works Center for Employment Training where I studied Office Automation in 2001. Upon graduation, I was immediately hired with TAP’s Team Staffing. When that program lost funding, I was hired as the Administrative Assistant for the TAP/VA Cares & Fatherhood Program in 2003. And in March of 2006, I was employed with Virginia CARES Inc as the Executive Assistant before being promoted to Executive Assistant/Training Coordinator. I also hold certifications in Basic Mediation, Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, Facilitating Skills for Offender Groups “FSOG”, Thinking for a Change, and Life Skills Education, and more.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
My life has been nothing but built around taking risks. Risking my education to raise 3 kids by myself with no support. Taking risks to me is making sure my children can grow to be better-educated and well-rounded adults. Giving my last dime to make sure my family has everything they need so they will never feel the struggle to the extent that I felt growing up as a child.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Aisha Bailey
