Today we’d like to introduce you to Danita Wadley.
Hi Danita, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my career at Volunteers of America in Texas as a Financial Coach, a role that closely resembles that of a Case Manager, but with a unique focus on empowering individuals to design their own goals and pathways to financial stability. This initial position provided me with invaluable experience, allowing me to directly support clients in navigating their financial journeys. After approximately three months, I was honored to be promoted to Manager, a testament to my commitment and impact within the organization.
Within 18 months, my leadership capabilities were recognized once again when I was appointed as Regional Director. In this capacity, I oversaw all workforce efforts, successfully growing the program by an impressive 70% in both revenue and service offerings. This significant growth was not merely a metric of success for me; it illustrated the positive impact we were making in the community.
A year later, I achieved the role on our executive team as the of Vice President for the Houston region, where I managed a diverse array of initiatives, including workforce development, disaster response, veteran services, outpatient substance abuse treatment, intellectual and developmental disability services, and notably, Permanent Supportive Housing services. Under my leadership, we not only expanded these critical services exponentially but also integrated them into surrounding areas of Houston. This strategic growth fostered collaboration with local partners and significantly enhanced access to housing stability for vulnerable populations.
In addition to these responsibilities, I also took on the crucial role of fundraising for the Houston region, where I successfully raised $100 million in student grants. This achievement not only reflects the confidence and support from our community but also underscores our commitment to providing essential resources for education and development opportunities.
As a result of our collective efforts, we achieved an extraordinary 90% growth in program operations and services, reinforcing our mission and expanding our outreach to families and individuals in need across multiple neighborhoods. Under my guidance, we cultivated ongoing partnerships that allowed us to address the complex needs of the community comprehensively, ensuring that no individual was left without the assistance they required.
Two years into my tenure as Vice President, I was honored to elevate our strategic vision as Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, I not only continued to oversee the areas I previously managed but also introduced innovative strategies and data-driven decision-making to enhance our statewide efforts.
Reflecting on my journey, I am profoundly grateful for each opportunity that has shaped my path, and I remain dedicated to fostering growth and positive change within our community through strategic leadership and collaboration.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a remarkable journey filled with growth and learning, but like all meaningful paths, it hasn’t been entirely smooth. We’ve faced significant challenges, including severe weather disasters such as Hurricane Harvey, which tested our resilience. The global pandemic added another layer of complexity, presenting unprecedented obstacles.
During these trying times, we recognized the critical importance of our mission to support the most vulnerable in our communities. We approached each setback with an open mind, embracing creativity in our services to adapt and meet the needs of those we serve. Through hard work and a commitment to making a difference, we were able to overcome these challenges, fostering gratitude for the lessons learned along the way. Each struggle has deepened our resolve and vision, allowing us to grow stronger together.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to transforming and modernizing our operations with a strong focus on growth and efficiency. One of my key initiatives has been redesigning our regional operations to better support expansion, aligning scale, infrastructure, and our organizational culture.
I’ve also navigated our organization through nine federally declared disasters, which included rebuilding two destroyed facilities in just five days, all while maintaining consistent programming and services for our staff and clients.
I specialize in relationship-building and strategic initiatives, working to streamline processes so that we can serve more individuals in our communities effectively. Additionally, evaluating and creating data-driven insights has been key to showcasing our organization’s impact.
Ultimately, I believe my most significant contribution has been nurturing a culture that not only drives operational efficiency but also champions our mission to serve. What sets me apart is my unwavering dedication to our community and my ability to unite people towards achieving our common goals with compassion and purpose.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that many people might not know about me is my profound love for traveling with my husband. As an avid history buff, I believe that the best way to truly understand a culture is to immerse ourselves in it. Together, we explore various countries, delving into the rich tapestry of food and culture that each place has to offer. We pride ourselves on trying local cuisines that tell their own stories, and I make it a point to learn not just about the food but also the history and traditions that shape the communities we visit.
Another surprising interest of mine is journaling. I’ve maintained this practice since I was 12 years old, and it serves as a means of creating calm balance in my life. While I journal about my travels, I also reflect on my general life experiences. This habit has provided me with a unique perspective on my journey, allowing me to capture not just the sights I see but also how I feel and the lessons I learn along the way.
The act of journaling helps me process my thoughts and encourages mindfulness amidst a busy life. It reminds me of the importance of context and the many narratives that shape our world. Whether I’m sharing insights from my travel adventures or reflections on everyday moments, I find that every story—be it historical or personal has the power to inspire and unite us.
Traveling not only feeds my passion for history but also fosters a more inclusive and culturally aware environment at work, as I continuously seek to learn from the diverse experiences around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: WWW.VOATX.ORG
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volunteers-of-america-texas/
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ISNU5y4u0vQ
