Her Story
About Barbara
Barbara Roberts has approximately 7 to 10 years of experience in external family and community engagement education. She previously owned and operated a child care facility as a business entrepreneur before shifting focus to supporting families more broadly. She earned her master's degree in human services and consumer sciences from Texas Southern University, which expanded her understanding of family needs in the surrounding community. Roberts now works with the Houston Independent School District at the Sunrise Center, a hub offering wraparound services including case management, emergency food pantries, food distributions, parent workshops, workforce solutions opportunities, and mental health support. She also serves as an adjunct professor in environmental designs. In addition to her professional work, Roberts is the president of the Blue Triangle Garden Club, the oldest African American garden club in Texas, and volunteers her time with decorating for debutante balls, events, and sorority activities, including overseeing decor and logistics for a Boulay that served over 20,000 women.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Barbara
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was to be true to myself, give all that I can, and walk away with giving yourself grace.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have to first be able to know who you are and accept the challenges that will come before you. Strength comes from within. Every day is going to be a new challenge, and so you have to be prepared for whatever may come your way. Put in the work. Some days are easier than others, but once you walk away for the day, try not to take the work with you. Work hard, play hard. Be in your faith. Stay strong in the faith, and you will be grounded so that you will be able to sustain yourself in order to sustain others. Make sure that you are well prepared like the oxygen mask, and you have the equipment to then be able to share.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is not being able to fulfill all the needs that come through the door because resources are limited. We have data showing certain areas have greater needs, but you cannot always fulfill every single thing those families need. Sometimes we run out of things, and you just try to do your best to meet them where they are. You don't always know what is going to face you, so preparation as a case manager is key.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.