Tisha Weir

I attribute my success to resilience, personal transformation, and the incredible mentors who saw something in me when I couldn't see it myself. The most important person in my journey has been Deacon Gay, the founder of Bridges Re-entry. She's the first woman in my entire life who ever saw something in me and loves me unconditionally. She taught me to be intentional, to show grace, and to meet people where they're at. I never had examples growing up - my mom was an addict and I can't remember one time she told me she loved me. There were no discussions about careers, school, marriage, or anything a mom is supposed to teach a little girl. I lived a life of survival. When I was in prison, I worked for Televerde, and they saw something in me first and taught me all these skills. I was surrounded by intelligent women who were better than me, and it was sink or swim. I learned the importance of fighting for myself, working hard, and doing whatever I needed to do to be successful. I showed up, and I showed up, and I showed up, and I paid attention and I learned. I also intentionally surrounded myself with a community of women who each teach me something. Without growth and challenges, there's no growth. I'm a firm believer that as long as you share your mistakes, they won't go in vain, because even if it touches one person, that's all that matters.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from several mentors who guided me through my journey of transformation. In particular, mentors associated with the Bridges Re-entry program and the Televerde organization were instrumental in helping me rebuild my career. They provided not only education and professional skills but also the confidence I needed to succeed after incarceration. Their guidance showed me the importance of support, resilience, and lifelong learning in achieving meaningful professional growth.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace your story rather than hide from it. I’ve learned that personal challenges can become powerful tools to inspire and help others. Stay authentic, seek support when you need it, and never underestimate the impact of sharing your voice—your experiences have the power to make a real difference.

I believe one of the biggest challenges is the stigma surrounding mental health and incarceration, which makes it difficult for individuals to rebuild their lives. The world is so ugly right now - there's so much darkness and hate. People don't know what someone else's life was like, and we need to come alongside each other and encourage one another. We need unity, community, love, and grace, and there's not much of that in the world. But I also see tremendous opportunity in advocacy, storytelling, and community programs that empower people to reclaim their voices and create new paths forward. I want women to know they're seen, heard, that they matter, and that they're worthy. As women, we're so quick to tear each other apart, but we need to lift each other up instead. There are great opportunities to help people find their voice and to challenge audiences to get involved. Programs like Raising My Voice and Straight From the Heart Art Show give incarcerated individuals a platform to be seen, to not be invisible, to be heard, and to process while they're inside. When they share their stories and art, it helps them heal and helps change the stigma that people have about those who are incarcerated.

The values most important to me are compassion, authenticity, resilience, grace, and second chances. I believe in meeting people where they're at and helping them see their own potential. I want to create spaces where individuals feel safe to share their stories and begin healing. I'm a firm believer that we need to come alongside each other and encourage one another, and that we all need unity, community, love, and grace. I think it's so important to be authentic and to no longer be defined by your past, but to become the best version of yourself. I want people to know they're seen, heard, that they matter, and that they're worthy. I also believe strongly in second chances because nobody knows what someone else's life was like. As long as you share your mistakes, they won't go in vain, because even if it touches one person, that's all that matters. Outside of work, I love swimming, reading, listening to music, singing karaoke, and paddle boarding. I also love spending time with my three grandkids - they're 15, 12, and 10. These activities help me maintain balance while continuing my advocacy work.