Her Story
About Tykia
Tykia Barber serves as the Career Skills Instructor at Strive, based in New Orleans, Louisiana. With over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she focuses on workforce development by creating pathways to success through certifications in construction, logistics, warehousing, and medical fields, in partnership with organizations like Ochsner and Delgado Community College. Barber earned her bachelor's degree in Community Organizational Leadership and her master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Columbia College in South Carolina, and she is a Youth Mental Health Certified professional. She is the Alumni Board President for City Year in Orlando and works with the Black Economics Committee to expand opportunities, including planning job fairs. In her personal values, she emphasizes Putting Idealism to Work by creating her own environment for success and Ubuntu, recognizing that her humanity is tied to others. Barber remains active in community initiatives such as food drives, church support, community development, and hosting an annual free book fair to promote reading.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tykia
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of my managers always told us to come at it from a lens of curiosity. When you ask questions and get feedback, it takes away the offensiveness and allows empathy and understanding. She told me that 7 years ago and it has kept me grounded.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Build a solid community or coven of people who support you, who will sit with you on the phone for hours to hear your crazy ideas. Burnout is real in nonprofits, so ensure your support system is solid and doesn't discourage you, especially as women who are always questioning our abilities. Have a safe space to experiment and grow.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is getting people to understand why this work matters and why we should continue funding and supporting it. Nonprofits should work together rather than compete, as people have multiple layers of problems. We need wraparound services and collaboration like a machine where everyone sees where they fit in.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Putting idealism to work (PITW) - create your own environment for success, as success looks different for everyone. Ubuntu - my humanity is tied to yours; we are all connected and our actions affect each other.
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