Tisha Marie Weir
Tisha Weir is a woman of resilience, faith, and transformation whose life has been shaped by both hardship and grace. Her journey has given her a deep understanding of what it means to feel unseen, unheard, and uncertain of one’s future—and, through faith, what it takes to rise, heal, and begin again.
At the center of her life is deep gratitude for the people God has placed in her path. She is especially thankful for her daughter, a true blessing in her life, who has stood by her side through every season. Her daughter continues to teach her daily about strength, love, and what it means to keep going no matter the circumstances.
Tisha is also forever grateful for Deacon Gay, who has believed in her every step of the way—often seeing something in her that she could not yet see in herself. Through her guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support, Tisha has learned how to lead with grace, love, and purpose. She credits much of who she is becoming to that relationship and carries deep gratitude for the impact Deacon Gay has had on her life.
Today, Tisha is passionate about creating spaces where people can show up as their authentic selves, share their truth, and rediscover their voice without shame or judgment. She believes that God gives each person a purpose, and that no story is beyond redemption.
Her heart is especially drawn to the next generation. As a grandmother to Alaina, Payton, and Scott, Tisha is deeply aware of the challenges young people face in today’s world. This has fueled her desire to reach youth and young adults early—helping them find their voice, build confidence, and choose a path that leads to purpose rather than pain.
Tisha’s life is a reflection of perseverance, faith, and the belief that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. She is committed to helping others see that they are not defined by their past, but by the possibilities ahead of them.
• Ashland University - A.A.
• Walden University - Bachelor of Science in Human Services (In Progress) Accelerated Master's Pathway
• Featured Honoree, Influetial Women (2026)
• Leadership Recognition, Bridges Reentry
• Community Impact in Storytelling & Reentry Advocacy
• Raising My Voice
• Straight From the Heart Art Show
• Bridges Reentry
• St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance
• Hurricane Katrina Clean Up
• Mentor - Televerde Foundation
• Mentor - Arouet Foundation
• MusciallyFed
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, personal transformation, and the people who believed in me before I believed in myself.
The most impactful person in my journey has been Deacon Gay, founder of Bridges Reentry. She saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see and has taught me how to lead with intention, grace, and compassion. Her mentorship changed the way I view myself and the way I show up for others.
My journey hasn’t been perfect—I’ve faced setbacks that reminded me just how important it is to keep showing up, even when it’s hard. I’ve learned that growth requires honesty, accountability, and the willingness to fight for yourself in the midst of everything. That consistency—choosing to show up again and again—is what has shaped who I am today.
I am intentional about surrounding myself with strong, supportive women who challenge me, encourage me, and help me grow. I truly believe that growth comes through both challenges and accountability.
Most importantly, I believe our experiences have purpose. When we share our stories, we create opportunities to impact others—and if even one person is encouraged, then it all matters.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was simple: show up, do the work, and never stop learning.
That advice was reinforced by the mentors who walked alongside me during my transformation—especially through Bridges Reentry and Televerde. They didn’t just teach me professional skills, they taught me how to believe in myself, stay consistent, and keep going even when things felt uncomfortable or uncertain.
I learned that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from showing up every day, being willing to learn, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to become better.
That mindset has stayed with me, and it’s something I carry into everything I do today.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be to embrace your story, not hide from it. The things you’ve been through don’t disqualify you—they can become the very things that allow you to connect with and help others.
Stay authentic, be willing to grow, and don’t be afraid to ask for support along the way. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, encourage you, and see your potential, even when you don’t see it yet.
Most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of your voice. When you’re willing to share your story, you give others permission to do the same—and that’s where real impact begins.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is the stigma surrounding mental health and incarceration, which often makes it difficult for individuals to rebuild their lives and be seen beyond their past.
At the same time, I believe there is a powerful opportunity to shift that narrative through storytelling, advocacy, and community. When people are given the chance to share their stories, it not only supports their healing—it also helps others see them differently.
I believe we need more spaces rooted in empathy, connection, and grace. Too often, people don’t understand what someone else has walked through, and that lack of understanding creates division instead of support.
Through programs like Raising My Voice and the Straight From the Heart Art Show, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when individuals are given a platform—they begin to heal, and others begin to listen. Those moments create real change.
My hope is to continue building opportunities where people are seen, heard, and reminded that they matter—and to encourage more communities to be part of that change.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are compassion, authenticity, resilience, grace, and second chances.
I believe in meeting people where they are and creating spaces where they feel safe to be seen, heard, and valued. My goal is to help others recognize their worth, find their voice, and understand that they are not defined by their past, but by who they are becoming.
I’m deeply committed to leading with empathy and encouraging others along the way. I believe we need more unity, more community, and more grace in how we show up for one another. When we choose to support rather than judge, real healing and growth can happen.
Second chances are especially important to me. No one fully understands another person’s journey, and I believe that when we share our experiences—both the struggles and the growth—we create opportunities to impact others in meaningful ways.
Outside of my work, I value connection and balance. I enjoy swimming, reading, music, and spending time with my three grandchildren, who continue to inspire me and remind me of what truly matters.