Stacey M. Bailey
Stacey M. Bailey is a Community Health Specialist with the LeadSafeCNY Coalition, housed at United Way of Central New York, where she advances health equity, safe housing, and community-centered solutions for families impacted by lead exposure and environmental injustice. With more than 30 years of advocacy experience spanning HIV awareness, domestic violence, and environmental health, she is known for her ability to build trust, connect residents with resources, and serve as a bridge between communities and local systems of care.
An accomplished entrepreneur and visionary leader, Stacey is the founder of multiple initiatives rooted in healing and empowerment. She leads The Taste of Honey, a MWBE-certified catering company serving nonprofits and community events; Roots & Honey, a holistic wellness brand; The BFLY Initiative, which supports young women through trauma-informed education; Maiya B Kinship Justice Alliance, advocating for kinship caregivers; and Insightful Drip Consulting, which develops community-based curriculum and growth strategies. Across every venture, her work centers on creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive.
Stacey is also an aspiring author currently writing her memoir, Same Demon, Different Faces, a story of resilience, healing, and breaking generational cycles. A proud mother and grandmother, she brings lived experience, faith, and deep compassion into both her personal and professional life. Her leadership and service have earned numerous recognitions, including regional leadership fellowships, executive training programs, and community service honors. Guided by gratitude, presence, and vision, Stacey remains committed to building pathways for justice, healing, and lasting change.
• Lehman College
• Buffalo Lead Coalition
• Greater Rochester Coalition
• Leadership Greater Syracuse
• CenterState CEO
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience. Challenges have shaped my perspective, strengthened my determination, and pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. Staying grounded, adaptable, and committed to moving forward — even when things are difficult — has made all the difference in both my personal and professional journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never stop learning. Growth doesn’t end when school does — it’s a lifelong process. Staying curious, open to new ideas, and willing to evolve has helped me stay relevant, adaptable, and confident in every stage of my journey.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry to stay true to who you are and not give up, even when the path feels harder than it should be. As a woman of color, you may find yourself having to work twice as hard to be seen and recognized — but your voice, perspective, and talent are deeply needed. Stay persistent, believe in your value, and don’t let discouragement shake your confidence or your purpose.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in this field right now is navigating government systems — whether that’s policy shifts, funding changes, or administrative barriers that can slow down meaningful work. At the same time, I truly believe there is always opportunity. Even in difficult environments, there are new partnerships to build, creative solutions to explore, and innovative ways to serve communities more effectively.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and my personal life are authenticity and self-trust. I believe in being true to who I am, leading with honesty, and showing up consistently in a way that aligns with my beliefs and purpose. When you stay grounded in who you are, it creates deeper connections and more meaningful impact in everything you do.