“A big part of who I am is giving back and building community,” says Tamika Rawleigh, who recently relocated to Florida from Brooklyn, New York to join Alpert Jewish Family Service as its new Domestic Abuse Program Director. “I’m excited to use my talents in a meaningful way that benefits the community.”

A New York City native, Tamika was a 16-year veteran of the New York City Department of Education, most recently serving as a Parent Coordinator. “I bridged communications between parents, teachers, and school leaders. I advocated on behalf of parents so they would feel more comfortable with being an active participate in their child’s academic journey.”

Tamika says she gained experience beyond this role, developing programs around school culture and safety, and as a dedicated, flexible team player, often got pulled into other projects to help her colleagues. “The culture was very much about doing what we needed to do to get the job done.”

Although she enjoyed her work, Tamika was ready for a change.

“I was up for a leadership role, but realized I would really miss the hands-on day-to-day meaningful connection with families and students. I was also ready to leave the hectic pace of New York City!”

While browsing job opportunities online, she noticed the posting for the Domestic Abuse Program Director position at Alpert JFS. “It seemed like a good fit and a great opportunity to be a part of the meaningful, and impactful work.”

For many years, Tamika was an active board member of Jericho Road, Inc., a non-profit that worked with women experiencing domestic abuse. She helped with outreach, planning events, community education, and working with other local agencies to provide support and coordinate services for the agency’s clients.

“What inspired me the most was seeing the faces of the women, hearing them tell their stories, and ultimately celebrating their survival. Through their success I could see first-hand how my efforts had a positive impact on someone else’s life!”

Right now, Tamika says her short-term goals at Alpert JFS are focused on planting her feet firmly in the domestic abuse program, and most importantly being there for the clients. “I want to be there to support the clients in whatever way I can.”

Tamika is currently a doctoral candidate in psychology through the University of Arizona Global Campus. In her down time, she enjoys going for quiet walks, taking in all that nature has to offer. “It helps me relax. I started doing this in New York, often taking photos of the scenery, just so I could remember the experience. I hope to do the same living here in West Palm Beach.”

She says her faith places a strong emphasis on serving others. “If I have a talent, strength, or skill I believe it’s important to share it with others. It’s about paying it forward.”

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