Her Story
About Shirley
Shirley L. Radford, M.S. is a dedicated behavioral health leader, entrepreneur, clinician, and advocate based in Buffalo, New York. Specializing in mental health counseling, life skills training, and community-based support services, Shirley has built her career around empowering individuals, strengthening families, and creating opportunities for personal growth and healing. She is a compassionate and intentional leader who believes in the power of education, transparency, integrity, and meaningful connections. Through her work, she strives to encourage others, bridge gaps, and make a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.
Shirley currently serves as a Supervisor at Endeavor Health Services, where she oversees the EAST Haven program, a crisis diversion initiative that connects individuals with mental health resources and supportive services to promote long-term recovery. Throughout her career, she has held leadership and clinical positions with organizations including Spectrum Health & Human Services, BestSelf Behavioral Health, Transitional Services, Inc., and Cazenovia Recovery Systems. Her professional experience includes mental health counseling, program development, supervisory management, supportive housing services, substance use recovery support, and advocacy for individuals navigating complex challenges, including homelessness and reentry after incarceration.
In 2022, Shirley founded Shirley’s World Studios, where she created the Coping and Growing program, a 12-week group initiative designed to support individuals through grief and loss, substance use recovery, and rebuilding family relationships. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration, and a second master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Niagara University, where she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy. Beyond her professional achievements, Shirley is passionate about community service and has volunteered with organizations such as the Osborne Association and Project Bonus House, supporting women impacted by incarceration and survivors of human trafficking. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys gardening, baking, creating content, and writing poetry, using creativity as another way to inspire and connect with others. Shirley credits her success to her family, including her six children, the encouragement of a supportive partner, and her faith. Guided by values of honesty, transparency, compassion, and integrity, she remains committed to helping others grow, heal, and thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shirley
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my family, my children, and my partner, who believes in me, encourages my growth, and challenges me to continually improve. Their love and support have been a constant source of motivation throughout my journey. As a parent of six children, I am driven by the desire to break generational barriers and create a stronger foundation for the next generation. Through resilience, perseverance, and determination, I strive to lead by example and show my children the importance of overcoming challenges, embracing growth, and pursuing their goals with confidence.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never give up and to have the courage to keep trying. I have learned that failure does not define who you are or determine your future. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger. When things do not go as planned, I remind myself to stay resilient, move forward with confidence, and keep pursuing my goals with determination.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never let obstacles define or defeat you. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, knowing that the experiences you overcome today can become a source of strength and inspiration for others in the future. Believe in yourself, extend yourself grace during difficult times, and remember that resilience, self-confidence, and self-compassion are just as important as professional skills in building a meaningful and successful career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the nonprofit sector is that funding is often tied to highly specific grant requirements and policies, which can limit the ability to provide comprehensive support to individuals whose needs fall outside established criteria. As the needs of the communities we serve continue to evolve, there is a significant opportunity to create more flexible, adaptable grant structures that allow organizations to respond more effectively and deliver meaningful, person-centered assistance.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are family, integrity, character, respect, honesty, transparency, and my faith in God. These principles guide my decisions, shape the way I build relationships, and influence how I serve others. I believe that leading with authenticity, treating people with respect, and remaining true to my values are essential to creating a meaningful life and a successful career.
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