Tyniece J. Wingfield, B.S.W

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:

Behavioral Health Specialist & Proprietress

HOMETOWN: Cleveland, Ohio

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor of Social Work

• Certified Event Planner

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT:

• Volunteer, Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation

• Jeepers Creepers 216 (Community Jeep Enthusiasts Club)

• Community Liaison International Health Commission

MY MANTRA…

Living

Ms. Carlin Waters. She was one of my math teachers in high school. She was smart, downto-earth, no nonsense, and not only did she compel her students to excel—she helped them. I appreciate her to this day because she was/is a brilliant black woman who ensured her students learned. Ms. Waters allowed us to have fun while we learned. Math wasn’t an easy subject for me but I did well because she pushed me. My equations might have been off but she gave me the formula to succeed and that is… Don’t give up.

Career

What professional accomplishment are you most humbled by and why?

I am most humbled by being a social worker. I never thought I would find purpose in this role. I have been graciously granted the opportunity to help people who are less fortunate by advocating for them. People need basic essentials daily to function such as food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and community. If you are BIPOC, you are often marginalized, on the disproportionate end of the economic spectrum, and struggling daily to make ends meet. I fit into all of these categories. As a social worker I am able to learn and teach by example. This is humbling for me because but for the grace of God there go I.

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?

It is important for me to see people who look like me in the spaces I occupy. I have to inspire other black men and women by showing them that the color of our skin is not intimidating. We can show up and showcase our skills and talents without playing small. For those who are non-black, I would invite them into our rooms of excellence when we’re not often welcomed in theirs. I draw my passion from watching others who face adversity use their power, strength, and wisdom to ensure inclusivity. Particularly, I watch my own sisters, my First Lady, and shameless plug the Alexandria Boones of the world who make the load for me a little lighter.

What is the toughest decision you’ve made professionally?

I recently resigned from a position that I held for 10 years. Although it was time, it was tough because I had to leave my comfort zone in order for me to grow. Any time you make this type of investment it’s not an easy decision to walk away but you cannot grow if you don’t go—when it’s time.

PHILOSOPHY

The essentials to creating a harmonious work environment are…

Peace, respect, skills, teamwork, and fun.

What have you come to learn about success? Success for me is not about who you know, how much you have, or how many titles you have. Don’t get me wrong, these are contributors for sure. I salute people who work hard at their achievements. Success comes in doses. Sometimes it’s leading the charge to get millions out to vote, opening a new business, or simply some days success is being able to lift your head off the pillow. You define success. I may never see my name in a Forbes publication but I’m successful today because I get to share my story in C-L Magazine.

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

Balance vs Fluidity I don’t believe in balance per se. If you were to look at my life on a graph there would be lines going up and down. Sometimes the lines would be way up. Sometimes the lines will be way down depending on the circumstances. After losing my mom in 2020, dealing with that pitiful pandemic, losing a sister in 2021, being thrusted into a caretaker role for my dad who had some mild health issues, losing a cousin, a best friend, and another aunt in 2022 (whew),

I learned that my life was not this straight line which symbolizes balance. It (my life) was/is more of a series of peaks and valleys. The valleys taught me how to stand on the peaks. I also don’t like the idea of the balance because it suggests you are moving straightforward. In a straight line the enemy can take out your whole camp because they would fall one by one. However, if you have some folk up top, in the middle, and on the bottom you are surrounded by more forces that stabilize you. I like building a circle of fluidity. Each day I get to flow back and forth between my personal and professional life. I’m not always equal in these roles. Today I might be a great daughter. Tomorrow I’ll be a great neighbor. Next week I’m a great advocate. In crisis, I’m a great problemsolver. I show up as the “best person” not the “balanced person”. Trying to be more when I can be less or being less when I should be more leaves me feeling drained. I can handle the flow better than I can balance the scale.

My Confessions

What part of your job brings you the most joy?

I’m going to shift here and speak a bit about my role as a certified event planner. I’m blessed to have 2 careers that I enjoy. I love to see the look on someone’s face when their vision has come to life. I always try to exceed expectations but modestly as to not oversell and under deliver. In both roles as a Behavioral Health Specialist and a Certified Event Planner, I get to serve others. This is some real good joy albeit challenging at times. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned professionally? How do you apply this lesson to the work you do?

I’ve learned to “take things personally”. I’m learning to be more present. I use the rough experiences to sharpen my saw. Now I don’t walk around everyday with the weight of the world on my shoulder but whatever do, I try do it and give God the glory in it all.

Fun Fact

My ideal vacation is…

My ideal vacation is somewhere in Africa