Her Story
About Tina
Tina Collins is a dedicated nonprofit leader, child advocate, and former educator whose career has been driven by a passion for improving the lives of vulnerable children. As Vice President and Executive Director of Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children in Archdale, North Carolina, she oversees the organization's daily operations while leading community awareness initiatives, participating in local radio programs, and serving as a court-appointed child advocate. Her mission is centered on changing the trajectory of children's lives by ensuring they have access to the resources, medical care, education, and protection they need to thrive. Before transitioning into nonprofit leadership, Collins devoted 26 years to education as a classroom teacher, specializing in English as a Second Language (ESL). Inspired by an influential middle school teacher and a high school foreign exchange experience in Central America, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southwestern State University and completed graduate studies in English as a Second Language at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her extensive teaching experience, combined with her fluency in Spanish and commitment to multilingual learners, has shaped her compassionate approach to serving children and families from diverse backgrounds. Beyond her executive leadership, Collins is actively involved with the Invictus Project, supporting efforts to combat human trafficking and child exploitation. Her dedication to advocacy has earned public recognition, including front-page coverage in the Courier-Tribune and a guest appearance on a local radio show for her courtroom advocacy on behalf of children. A first-generation college graduate, Collins credits her success to the encouragement of mentors and colleagues throughout her journey. Guided by the values of compassion and generosity, she encourages aspiring professionals to prioritize self-care, embrace lifelong learning, and never hesitate to seek support while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tina
01What do you attribute your success to?
A lot of people that have encouraged and supported and modeled professional people that I was blessed to work under. It takes a village. Support system is what makes you successful. Somebody willing to share and give of their time, their knowledge, their strategies.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my principal when I was a very young teacher. She told me, “Make sure you take care of yourself because you cannot pour from an empty cup.” That advice has stayed with me throughout my career. I’ve learned that investing in my own well-being allows me to show up as my best self and give my students, colleagues, and others the support they deserve.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to prioritize self-care, trust that you don’t have to know everything, and never be afraid to ask for help. Seeking guidance is a sign of strength, not weakness, and no one succeeds alone. I’m continually inspired by the passion and ambition of the next generation, and I encourage them to believe in themselves, keep learning, and lean on others when they need support.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Community awareness of abused and neglected children, especially those children who do not speak English as their first language. Getting them the resources, the needs, the medical care, and the safety of those children. Lack of understanding that these children need resources, medical care, education, safety, and basic needs. That has been a challenge for the last 5 years.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally, are compassion and generosity. I believe in treating others with kindness, offering support whenever I can, and giving freely of my time and encouragement. Leading with compassion and generosity has helped me build meaningful relationships and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
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