EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Tiera Wright
Nominated by Amber Estelle, Deputy COO & Clinical Director
Written by Bettina Meade
“Who needs AI when you have Tiera?” – Amber Estelle
It could be easy to overlook “how much Tiera actually does for this agency” given her propensity to stay behind the scenes, but her colleague Amber Estelle describes her as “the glue that holds this agency together.” From her superb writing skills to her dedicated work ethic, having Tiera as VP of Communication and Development makes the YWCA team stronger. From the updated Department Phone List that is pinned to the top of our email inbox, to keeping the team connected with the Monthly Newsletter, and managing social media posts, Tiera’s contributions make everyone’s work that much easier.
Beyond the support that she provides to her colleagues, Tiera- true to the mission of the YWCA- aims to empower clients. As the person responsible for tracking and managing donations Tiera works to ensure that all client needs are met, and where gaps exist, she works to close them. Amber shares an anecdote of Tiera being intentional with funding allocations by purchasing “hair products, specifically for people of color and those with curly textured hair. Many black women grow up being taught the importance of our hair, the connection that we have to it, and how it is a part of our identity. All our survivors deserve to feel cared for and beautiful, and this is a small thing that will go a long way with our curly haired survivors.”
Born and raised in Springfield, Tiera grew up passionate about reading and going to the movies with aspirations of becoming a writer. In 2012, she graduated from Bay Path University (formerly Bay Path College) earning her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with minors in English and Communications. After which she spent twelve years as an Account Executive for the advertising department of The Republican newspaper. In her free time Tiera values spending time with her “fierce loyal friends” whom she “loves dearly.” She also divulged that she has recently “entered my ‘Me Era’ and has started to travel more.”
Tiera expressed that she has “always strived to be a positive force within the community.” With that in mind she joined the team at the YWCA in March 2024 in a role where she declared she has the opportunity “to mesh my love for writing with helping people.” As the creator of the Employee Spotlight feature, Tiera never misses an opportunity to honor others, “I truly appreciate Liz Dineen, the CEO giving me the opportunity to work at the YWCA. I am genuinely happy coming to work every day. I have met so many amazing people and have made friends that I think will last a lifetime.”
Busy working on the Capital Campaign, giving tours of the YWCA to prospective Board Members, spreading the word about what she refers to as “the great work our programs are doing,” or organizing the next YWCA food pantry event, Tiera can always be found championing the work of the YWCA. By her own standards Tiera plays “a small part helping the betterment of our clients’ lives,” those who work with her would beg to differ. Beyond being “accurate, efficient, professional, and trauma-informed,” Amber also describes Tiera as “a joy to be around, she is hilarious and always keeps it real. Tiera is not someone who steps into the spotlight, so I am shining it on her now. More people deserve their flowers while they are still here to smell them, and I am honored to give her hers now.”
