Her Story
About Tifiny
Tifiny M. Cleavland is a dedicated and compassionate human services professional who serves as a Juvenile Officer at the Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center in Lubbock, Texas. With more than 14 years of experience supporting vulnerable populations and five years working directly in juvenile justice, she is committed to helping young people navigate difficult circumstances, recognize their potential, and make positive changes in their lives. Her professional background includes youth supervision, patient care, advocacy, crisis intervention, and case management. Through her work, she strives to create a safe and supportive environment where juveniles feel valued, understood, and encouraged to take responsibility for their actions.
Tifiny's professional journey reflects her resilience, determination, and commitment to personal growth. After overcoming challenges that tested her confidence and belief in herself, she made the decision to return to college and pursue her educational goals. She earned an Associate of Science in Health and Human Services from Ultimate Medical Academy and a Bachelor of Science in Child Protection and Juvenile Justice from Bellevue University, graduating with a strong academic record. She is also a member of the Omega New Lambda National Honor Society and is continuing her educational journey toward a master's degree. Tifiny credits the young people she serves, along with the guidance and encouragement of her colleagues, as significant influences on her professional development and motivation to keep advancing.
Guided by her faith, perseverance, honesty, independence, responsibility, and empathy, Tifiny believes that challenges should never define a person's future. She is passionate about helping juveniles understand accountability, learn from their mistakes, and move forward with hope and confidence. Her personal experiences as a mother have also strengthened her compassion for young people facing difficult circumstances, particularly those who have experienced trauma or lack supportive relationships. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue opportunities as a juvenile probation officer or counselor, allowing her to work more closely with young people and better understand their experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, singing, and journaling, and remains committed to encouraging others, especially women, never to give up on themselves or their goals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tifiny
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the juvenile population I work with, whose vulnerability, resilience, and potential continually inspire me. Seeing their excitement when I share my college experiences motivates me to encourage them to pursue their own educational goals. By showing them that it is never too late to pursue an education, regardless of age or life circumstances, I hope to inspire them to believe in themselves, embrace opportunities, and never give up on their dreams.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Your professional reputation will sometimes enter a room before you do.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to never give up on themselves, regardless of the challenges life may bring. There will be moments when they feel alone, unappreciated, or unsupported, but it is important to keep their heads up and continue moving forward. I also encourage them to seek support, talk openly with someone they trust, and reach out to available resources when they need guidance. Above all, they should never allow difficult circumstances to make them lose faith in themselves or their potential.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is staff shortages and high employee burnout. Despite these challenges, I find the work incredibly rewarding because it allows me to learn from the juveniles I serve and better understand their experiences. I am particularly interested in understanding how trauma affects their minds and behaviors so I can gain deeper insight into their needs and provide meaningful support.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and independence are the values I prioritize in my personal life, while patience and determination guide me professionally. In my work with juveniles, I emphasize the importance of accountability, teaching them that everyone makes mistakes, but what matters is taking responsibility, learning from those experiences, and making better choices moving forward. I believe mistakes should be opportunities for growth, and I encourage the juveniles I work with to remain resilient and keep pushing forward despite setbacks.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.