Staff Spotlight: Bailey Roe
Today, we’d like to shine a special spotlight on Bailey Roe, who has just taken on new responsibilities here at BBBS as a Director of Community Development for Allen County, utilizing her expertise in the field of business relationships, community partnerships, and recruiting volunteers for nonprofits.
If you have interacted with BBBS, you have likely met Bailey, who has held a variety of titles here to match the many responsibilities she takes on for the agency. Moreover, her unwavering positivity, can-do attitude, and infectious enthusiasm make her hard to miss—and even harder not to like.
Although a Decatur native, Bailey has called Fort Wayne “home” for most of her life. After graduating from Bishop Luers High School, Bailey went on to study fashion merchandising out of state. However, she soon found her place at Purdue Fort Wayne, where she finished out her degree in organizational leadership.
In her free time, you can find Bailey doing any sort of creative craft, spending time with friends and family, and especially hanging out with her new dog, Oliver.
Bailey was no stranger to BBBS before she joined the team. At her previous employer, Vera Bradley, she helped BBBS staff organize a presentation at the office to recruit volunteers. However, she wound up getting recruited herself and was matched with a Little Sister soon after.
Frequently helping out her friends at the agency by volunteering at events, the opportunity to work at BBBS as a Special Events Coordinator was a no-brainer, and Bailey was excited to get to work at a small company with such a powerful mission.
What was it like switching to a nonprofit?
Bailey: I feel like I’m doing more meaningful work, which drives me to want to do more!
When the need arose, Bailey then transitioned to the role of Partnership Development Coordinator. Under this new position, she began and maintained corporate partnerships with a multitude of companies around Northeast Indiana to better provide youth with our one-to-one mentorship services. Yet again, Bailey’s flexibility and commitment to the mission have allowed her to transition to her newest role as Director of Community Development for Allen County, with the added duty of volunteer recruitment.
With no previous work experience at a nonprofit, Bailey did not anticipate just how much practical experience she would acquire, from learning the day-to-day of running a nonprofit to fundraising methods and now recruitment. No day is the same with so much to do, but that’s what Bailey loves about her role.
This job is perfect for someone as spirited and energized as Bailey, who also lists meeting new people and working with passionate coworkers as her favorite parts of her job.
What is one of your favorite things about working at BBBS?
Bailey: As a nonprofit, things can be hard. Sometimes, you’re working with limited means, and you’re doing very important work. So, I think it’s critical to have people around you that you enjoy working with, and it just makes your days go by so much faster and really helps make that work more meaningful.
However, every job has its challenges. For Bailey, the most difficult part of what she does is asking for monetary or in-kind donations. Much of this has to do with being a nonprofit and having to rely on the community to come together to provide for the youth.
What is the hardest part of your job?
Bailey: The hardest part about my job is asking for things. Sometimes, it feels like all you’re doing is relying on those around you to provide you with things. There’s this feeling of ‘Oh, no, I have to ask for monetary support or I have to ask for something to get donated to us because we need it for a program or event.’
And it’s hard because it feels like I’m asking for me, but in reality, I have to remind myself I’m asking to be able to provide for those kids.
… And I still struggle with it. That has a lot to do with being a nonprofit.
Over her two years at the agency, she learned lessons such as finding mission-driven businesses that understand the impact mentoring has on youth, reading the room, and putting aside her pride to ask for what the agency needs.
What lessons have you learned about networking and creating partnerships within the community?
Bailey: I think it’s so important to know why people feel the way they do and what drives them. So, I enjoy one-to-one meetings where I can get to know someone. You create a connection and a bond, and that’s really how you create the most impactful relationships and how you can create the biggest supporters and advocates for your cause.
What kind of work goes into maintaining these business relationships?
Bailey: One thing I think that’s special about how Big Brothers Big Sisters operates is we are very much just ourselves, and we’re very personable and not robotic, you know? We’re just ourselves. We’re authentic when we are talking with our partners. We will be upfront and honest about any issues we’re having.
I send a lot of exclamation points in my emails, and I always joke that someone who doesn’t know me as well might think I’m being over the top, but I’m just an enthusiastic person!
Then, we are also good about saying ‘thank you’ in a meaningful way—whether that’s showing up with cookies or writing a meaningful e-mail or sending a ‘thank you’ gift with pictures from the kids impacted by our mission.
Bailey’s best advice for those starting out in partnership-creation roles:
- Partner with mission-driven businesses
- Learn to read the room
- Put aside your pride (especially at a nonprofit)
- Say ‘thank you’
- Be AUTHENTIC!
Contact Bailey at (260) 209-4722 or bailey.roe@bbbsnei.org to learn how you can get involved with BBBS, whether through partnerships or presentations on our mission at your company!
