Her Story
About Talibah
Talibah Timothy is an education professional and emerging data science enthusiast with nearly nine years of experience as a Behavior Support Specialist within the charter school system. Inspired by her mother’s long career as a math teacher and shaped by her own experiences as a substitute teacher, Talibah discovered her passion for creating supportive learning environments and empowering students to reach their full potential. In her current role, she applies behavioral strategies, data-informed approaches, and collaborative leadership to support students, educators, and school communities.
Talibah earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Management from the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she developed a strong foundation in leadership, analytical thinking, and organizational strategy. She has continued to expand her expertise through advanced training, including the Columbia Engineering Data Analytics Boot Camp and the MIT Professional Education Applied Data Science Program, where she explored data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the use of technology to drive effective decision-making. Her growing interest in data science reflects her desire to combine her passion for helping people with her ability to identify patterns, interpret insights, and create meaningful solutions.
Talibah attributes her success to her strong academic foundation, the unwavering support of her family and community, and her faith, which have guided her throughout her personal and professional journey. She is committed to lifelong learning, professional growth, and leveraging emerging technologies to make a positive impact. As she continues her transition into data science, Talibah remains focused on using data-driven insights to better understand challenges, support individuals, and contribute to innovative solutions that improve lives.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Talibah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong academic foundation I have built, combined with the unwavering love and support of my family and community. Their encouragement has played an important role in shaping who I am and inspiring me to continue growing both personally and professionally. My faith in God has also been a guiding force, providing me with strength, purpose, and resilience throughout my journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to remain professionally curious and approach every opportunity with a vendor-minded perspective. Developing grit, determination, and discipline has been essential in overcoming challenges, continuing to learn, and achieving long-term success. These qualities have helped me stay adaptable, build meaningful relationships, and consistently strive for excellence in my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to remain committed to continuous learning and seek knowledge from everyone around them. At the same time, it is important to understand who you are, define your goals, and stay focused on what you want to accomplish. Building healthy boundaries and meaningful relationships is essential for long-term success. Never be afraid to ask questions, embrace opportunities to grow, and always believe in your abilities.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is navigating the transition into data science while continuing to focus on my passion for helping people. By analyzing patterns, trends, and data, I see an opportunity to uncover valuable insights that can create meaningful impact and support better decision-making. This intersection of technology, analytics, and human-centered problem-solving allows me to continue making a difference in new and innovative ways.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are discipline, growth, and perseverance. I believe discipline is what allows us to keep moving forward, especially on the days when motivation is lacking and challenges feel overwhelming. Even small, consistent improvements of 1% each day can lead to meaningful progress over time. I strive to embrace growth, recognize my potential, and live with the belief that our greatest opportunities come when we step into our own capabilities and pursue excellence with purpose.
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