#228 Ready for the Storm: Disaster Preparedness for our Families and Communities with Tomalisa Washington

Meet Tomalisa Washington, the ultimate multitasker and real-life superwoman! She juggles more hats than a circus performer as an executive director, wife, mom, first lady, doctoral student, mentor and community leader. Raised in Mobile, AL, her roots are now planted in Tuscaloosa, AL. As a product of teenage parents, life wasn’t handed to her on a silver platter, and she is immensely grateful for the amazing support system she has built and the opportunities she seized that led her to the place she is today. She is the Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Central West Alabama where she has the opportunity to collaborate with key community partners, elected officials and serve as the face of the community in Central-West Alabama to be a help to people in times of need and ensure communities are ready to respond to disaster. Prior to joining the Red Cross, Washington spent fifteen years at the University of Alabama’s Brewer-Porch Children’s Center. During her tenure, Washington authored several classes related to mental health, trained staff, provided therapy and case management for the adolescent program, served on several committees, as well as oversaw the entire training department for fifteen years of service to the University of Alabama’s Brewer-Porch Children’s Center. Most recently, she served as the Director of Student Development within the division of Student Affairs at Stillman College where she specialized in trauma, crisis intervention, conflictresolution and anger management. Washington brings her diverse background and relationships to help build communities that are more resilient.Washington, a mental health professional for more than twenty years, received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Alabama and her Master of Science in Continuing Education in Counseling/Psychology from the University of West Alabama.As an ordained elder, Washington serves in ministry, alongside her husband and pastor, Overseer Freddie L. Washington. Together, they have two daughters, Jasmin Tyri and Nailah Grace. She is well-recognized throughout the community and serves diligently as the Chaplain of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Benjamin Barnes YMCA women’s council as well as a dedicated member of the Eta Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tomalisa is a doctoral candidate now at the University of Alabama, pursing her EdD in Higher Education Administration.