Tenisha Golden
Tenisha Golden is an accomplished Administrative Security Officer & Web Content Manager at the Virginia Department of Social Services, with 14 years of experience in public service and 5 years in her current role. She has expertise in program organization, web development, and internal compliance, and is known for her meticulous attention to detail—most notably, she uncovered $260k in misreported tax information in a prior role.
Tenisha began her career in administrative and data management roles, including positions as Case Maintenance Technician, Vendor Services Specialist, and Data Capture Operator, where she developed a strong foundation in program administration, financial reconciliation, and client services. She also has experience in legal collections and auditing, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance across multiple agencies.
Her academic background includes an Associate of Arts in Foundations of Business from the University of Phoenix and the pursuit of a Bachelor of Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Strayer University. This educational foundation has supported her professional growth in organizational management, policy implementation, and team leadership.
Throughout her career, Tenisha has demonstrated exceptional skill in effective communication, policy implementation, internal security protocols, and web content management. She leads projects that enhance public and internal-facing digital platforms, manages system access and security training for staff, and provides technical assistance to both internal and external stakeholders.
Outside of her professional life, Tenisha is a passionate crafter with an Etsy shop called GoldenAbstracts, where she expresses her creativity through unique handmade pieces. Her personal interests in candle making, loose leaf tea blending, and meditation complement her professional life, fostering balance and innovation.
• Strayer University - BBA
• University of Phoenix - AA
What do you attribute your success to?
I credit my success to a continuous pursuit of personal and professional growth, striving to surpass previous accomplishments, dating back even to the early stages of my career. My professional journey began in retail and through contractual roles with temporary agencies, culminating in a position within Child Support Enforcement prior to the age of 28. Perseverance remains my guiding principle as I navigate career transitions, particularly after experiencing disruptions in 2020 due to the pandemic. Cultivating additional skills while providing support to colleagues has also significantly contributed to my ability to effectively manage diverse administrative responsibilities. This multifaceted approach has instilled in me a strong sense of accomplishment, enabling me to be a well-rounded professional, adaptable to the evolving demands of my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I've observed many professionals throughout my career, so I can't pinpoint one piece of advice as the absolute best. However, the saying "Actions speak louder than words" rings incredibly true, from my best to worst experiences with management and colleagues. It's easy to motivate someone, but being a positive example is, in my opinion, far more impactful. I've witnessed leaders who command respect while remaining compassionate, and who still find time to help others, even when overwhelmed. These experiences have been more memorable than any specific advice, as they revealed people's true character.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The biggest advice I can give to young women pursuing a career in state government is to be innovative, take initiative, and always do what's right. If you see a process that needs streamlining, outline the corrections and how to implement them before presenting them to upper management. When others turn a blind eye because it's "not their responsibility," say something. You never know when a situation will arise where it turns into a bigger problem that could have been avoided. Take ownership of any mistakes and double down on correcting them; it builds your character and integrity, something that is missing in the world.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Significant challenges I face include time management, collaboration, and the presence of personal silos. I manage numerous projects, both within and outside my core responsibilities, necessitating prioritization based on their importance. At times, I must adapt to the pace of others before effectively contributing my expertise. This presents an opportunity to cultivate patience in team settings, refraining from immediate regrouping and instead offering constructive suggestions.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Balance, honesty, and peace are the things that I value most between work and my personal life. That can sometimes be a hard thing to do when you are working from home. For just as much as we show up for work, we have to be able to care for ourselves. So I have learned over the years to take a step back when I am feeling overwhelmed and re-center myself. This helps me to maintain my well-being while still achieving my professional goals.