Values Ambassador Spotlight: Gloria Phillips

Value: Leadership | Nominated by: Tione’ Bobo

Gloria was late for her own interview because a student needed a hug — but that’s just Gloria.

For nearly 18 years, Gloria has demonstrated that the strongest leaders support success beyond the day-to-day needs. They’re the ones creating opportunities, supporting others, and helping people realize what’s possible.

“No matter the change in environment, in staff, or students, Ms. Gloria shows up and shows out for Heartspring,” said her nominator, Tione’ Bobo.

Gloria’s career journey started, albeit begrudgingly, when she had to take care of her younger sisters while her mother worked. She helped them get ready for school, did their hair, and cooked meals, but she was just a kid, too.

Gloria didn’t know what her purpose was until she was called to serve other children, and all of a sudden, it was like a light came on. When she was older, she began babysitting and working with kids with disabilities. She liked that she saw the same kids in the summer programs year after year, and that she could see their growth over time.

Somebody had to do it for me, so that I can do it for them – I’m just paying it forward.

– Gloria Phillips

Gloria eventually went on to work in the medical field for more than 20 years where she continued volunteering with children whenever she had the opportunity. Today, she still volunteers three evenings a week, mentoring youth in foster care.

“I like being busy, and I like serving. I like to give whatever I have to give,” Gloria said. “You can’t take it with you, right? We only have this one lifetime, and if I can live it in a way that’s going to benefit somebody else, that’s the way I’m going to live it.”

It’s this calling to serve others that makes Gloria such an effective leader. She truly listens and learns from others, which in turn builds trust and rapport with the students and staff she works with. She’s willing to adapt and volunteer for new ideas, because what works for a student or a classroom one day might not work the next. Gloria shows others how to show up for our students, fellow staff, and themselves with empathy and compassion.

Gloria takes pride in the relationships and rapport she builds with students, families, and staff, because she wants to help others realize their full potential.

“Looking past the behaviors, plugging into their interests, and creating something they’ll enjoy that will benefit them way after Heartspring – that’s my joy,” Gloria said.

For Gloria, leadership is about paying it forward to help others succeed and feel important. The reward? Knowing she played a small part in helping others find their purpose in life.

Be who you are. Share what you have. Everyone has a gift. Bring your talents and gifts to the table. You can build on that.

– Gloria Phillips

Leadership means committing to helping others grow, creating opportunities, and investing in the people around you. Every day, Gloria shows up to work to make a difference in someone’s life. Her example reminds us that leadership is about lifting others up long enough for them to discover their own strengths.

At Heartspring, we value excellence, celebration, leadership, service, possibility, and integrity.

Our Values Ambassadors put Heartspring’s mission into action — going above and beyond to empower children to realize their full potential, support families, and help young people build skills for life beyond our campus.