India L. Birdsong Terry

Early Years

Thinking back to your early years, was there a teacher or professor that had a significant impact on your professional journey? If so, please share.

PROFESSIONAL TITLE:

General Manager & Chief Executive Officer

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

HOMETOWN: Chicago, Illinois

EDUCATION:

• MA, Urban Planning and Policy University of Illinois, Chicago

• BA, Temple University

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT:

• American Public Transportation Association and Transit Cooperative Research Program

• Board Member, United Way of Greater Cleveland

• Board Member, Downtown Cleveland Alliance

• Board Member, American Public Transportation Foundation

• Board Member and Co-Chair, Housing, Environment and Infrastructure Research

Pillar of Racism as a Public Health Crisis Urban League of Greater Cleveland

• Board Member, Transportation Learning Center

• Board Member, Cleveland Leadership Center

• Past Board Advisor, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials

MY MANTRA…

Share the knowledge that you’ve gained freely; we all are instinctual teachers. Educating others inevitably helps provide the capacity to learn something new.

I’ve had several instructors throughout the years, however one that stands out was my high school Spanish teacher, Senor Dure. His ability to identify and improve his students’ weaknesses without compromising their confidence as emerging young adults was key to his impact as a teacher. I remember him as tough, honest and matter of fact – all traits that can be terrifying to an adolescent! However, this uncompromising demeanor was always balanced by an engaging dry humor, customized to the young adult audience. Simply put, he challenged us to be better humans, without compromise. I’ll never know if he realized just how important this introduction to adulting was to my development in the business world; and, to my understanding of how to balance empathy and professionalism. Many teachers, like Senor Dure, are so instrumental in shaping and strengthening the next generation of leaders –they are precious beyond measure.

Career

What professional accomplishment are you most humbled by and why?

My work in Chicago planning bus routes over vast areas that crossed from some of the city’s most economically challenged neighborhoods to the highest income areas of downtown was a career-defining time. That scheduling work also included school routes, and in many instances, being responsible for charting a safe passage from school to home for hundreds of students.

Understanding the importance of safe mobility was more than just a job – it was and continues to be a source of pride for me. That was the moment I started to notice how transportation truly connects communities, and how important it is for transit advocates and professionals to have a seat at the table.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is vital to the longevity and success of any professional. On your most challenging day, where do you draw inspiration to continue feeding your passion for this work?

The men and women working in the vehicles, garages, in the janitorial closets, under the hoods, in the control centers, and in the ticket booths will always serve as the inspiration for advocating for equitable transportation. These are the folks that keep our system running, often without acknowledgment or award. The average customer may not recognize them as heroes, but I do. Knowing that their work serves as the base for all innovation, bridge building and connection is important, and cannot be forgotten. These professionals interact with countless customers each day and bear the brunt of our customers’ emotions – it is not an easy task. They are often the first responders, whether they want to be or not. They are the ones charged with executing the ideas that come out of my office. They drive me to be as equitable and accessible as possible. They are the inspiration that feeds my passion for this work.

What is the toughest decision you’ve made professionally?

One of the toughest transitions of my professional career was making the jump from operations back to administrative management. Having worked in several divisions of the industry, some learned habits can be difficult to break. The mental shift from serving as a first responder to office executive wasn’t easy, and fighting the urge to micromanage or simply let my team handle quick twitch situations their way doesn’t come naturally and requires a bit of patience and selfreflection of my own ability to be an effective leader. However, seeing your team shine on their own merit is worth the frustration of standing back a bit, and remaining confident that your leadership values reflect in their actions. We all fail or succeed together; neither circumstance occurs in a vacuum.

Philosophy

The essentials to creating a harmonious work environment are…

• Commitment to safety and innovation

• Intentional diversity and inclusionary action

• Accountability no matter the outcome.

What have you come to learn about success?

Focus on the work. Try to surround yourself with a close cabinet of people who are interested in your personal success, not just your professional success. If someone bothers to find out if you’ve eaten recently or if you’ve slept well the night before, generally, they care more about you than your job title. Oftentimes, these are the team members who are most valued during challenging times.

What have you come to learn about balancing career and lifestyle?

I’ve not perfected the work/life balance quite yet, but rather am a work in progress! The best advice I can give at this moment is to make time for what’s important to you, and don’t apologize for it. Last I checked, there are only 24 hours in a day. We all make time for what we like best, so don’t forget to thank those who prioritize your needs within their 24 hours.

My Confessions

What part of your job brings you the most joy?

I am joyful when I see a plan come together. I am a planner by trade, but love to be on a winning team, as we all do. So, quick wins fuel the fire for the longer race. A good example of this would be the recent recognition GCRTA is receiving on the national stage, and of course, here at home. We are working hard to be better professional partners, and by default, more efficient providers of mobility in Greater Cleveland.

Understanding how our organization plays a part in community connections and wellness is encapsulated in our everyday work; we are much more than a bus/ rail company. Having our mission statement echoed in meetings by people that do not work for GCRTA is rewarding. Witnessing their understanding of our organization’s potential and importance is absolutely worth the effort.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned professionally? How do you apply this lesson to the work you do?

Listen first, to be an effective leader. Most folks tell you who they are at initial introduction. Trust your gut, then verify what you feel with the data.

Fun Fact

My ideal vacation is a trip to Italy – I’ve never been. I’d love to take a cooking class, capped by wine tasting in the countryside. Turning off the cell phone, the laptop, and the social media – that’s what work/life balance should look like, at least for a week!

Belva Denmark Tibbs

Early Years

Thinking back to your early years, was there a teacher or professor that had a significant impact on your professional journey? If so, please share.

PROFESSIONAL TITLE:

Founder, Denmark Tibbs Family Foundation Healthcare Executive (retired)

HOMETOWN: Cleveland, Ohio

EDUCATION:

• BS, Medical Education

Northwestern University Medical School Chicago

• MBA, Cleveland State University

• Advanced Leadership Program University of North Carolina

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT:

• Board Member, Ideastream Public Media

• Board Member, Women of Color Foundation

• Vice Chair, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging

• Board Chairman, Saint Luke’s Foundation (2016-2018)

• Board Chairman, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland (2007-2009)

• Curator, Celebrate Those Who Give Black Exhibition (2019)

• African American Philanthropy Committee

The Cleveland Foundation

• Steering Committee

The Soul of Philanthropy Cleveland

• Immediate Past President

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®

Lambda Phi Omega Chapter, Cleveland, OH

• Former Vice President and Immediate Past Parliamentarian, The Links, Inc.

Western Reserve Chapter

MY MANTRA…

My personal mission -- to encourage, educate, equip and empower others -permeates everything I do.

My parents, David and Reba Denmark, had the most significant impact on my professional journey; they were servant leaders who navigated uncharted territory in their professions. I am still learning from these 90-year-old trailblazers!

Career

What professional accomplishment are you most humbled by and why?

As Vice President of Medical Operations at Kaiser Permanente (KP), I had to open FIVE medical office buildings in nine months. Previously, I had opened eight facilities – each one taking between 1.5 to 2 years to plan and open. When KP's upper echelon demanded that we increase the number of new facilities from two to five in the same year, I responded with unfiltered incredulity – not my finest business moment. Fortunately, my boss, then president Pat Kennedy-Scott, asked me to take the evening to think about HOW we could complete the task. Immediately following the meeting, I engaged my cross-functional team of providers, nurses, administrators, front-line staff, and facility design experts to create a plan to open five facilities in nine months. The reason that this was my most humbling accomplishment because initially, I didn't think it could be done, but I learned that together – labor, management and providers – can work together to accomplish the impossible – opening five medical facilities on time and under budget. Mentally switching from "whether this is doable?" to "how to make it happen?" made all the difference.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is vital to the longevity and success of any professional. On your most challenging day, where do you draw inspiration to continue feeding your passion for this work?

Currently, I approach DEI through a strategic lens at the governance level. For example, as Saint Luke's Foundation board chair (2016-2018), I was at the table when we realized that achieving health equity required confronting racism. During the strategic planning process in 2018, we found ourselves at the intersection of compelling data and lived experiences. I believe that those crucial/ tough/"real" conversations paved the way for current President & CEO Tim Tramble. As I watch how Saint Luke's Foundation is embedding DEI in everything it does, I am inspired to continue to talk about the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the board rooms where things happen.

What is the toughest decision you’ve made professionally?

Several times during my career I was offered a high-risk, high-profile opportunity! Every time I accepted the risky assignment (e.g., overseeing the implementation of the Electronic Medical Record system, building a new claims processing department/system), I was forced to get out of my comfort zone and learn something new, usually about myself. Eventually, I honed my leadership skills, expanded my professional network and increased my knowledge. Successfully completing these high-risk assignments prepared me for and resulted in promotion to the next level.

Philosophy

The essentials to creating a harmonious work environment are…

Get to know people – their strengths and weaknesses and create an environment where they can truly play to their strengths.

What have you come to learn about success?

I am a woman of faith; I have learned that with God, all things are possible. So, I have learned to do all to God's glory.

What have you come to learn about balancing career and lifestyle?

It takes a village of loving/supportive people to balance career and lifestyle.

My Confessions

What part of your job brings you the most joy?

I love working with a team of committed individuals (on a board or in an organization) to make an impact in the communities we serve.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned professionally? How do you apply this lesson to the work you do?

The old adage is true – people don't care how much you know until they know you care about them. Caring may be underrated but its impact is immeasurable. I serve on a number of boards where I work with individuals who give their time, talent and treasure; they are the organization's lifeblood. It's important to nurture relationships with these volunteers. I take time be kind to and connect with these individuals on a personal level. I want them to know that they matter and I appreciate what they do.

Fun Fact

My ideal vacation is…

An all-inclusive, beachfront resort with a great spa!