Bettina Byrd-Giles: Woman Warrior, Interculturalist

When Bettina Byrd-Giles speaks, her eyes twinkle; and when she smiles, you immediately feel like family.  Bettina  was one of the first friends I made through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Leaders (COHL) program.  As we approached each other in the hallway, she stopped and said, “You look great in red.”  Then, she introduced herself as a member of cohort 1 and briefly told me what to expect from the program as a member of cohort 2. 

Over the past three years, Bettina has been a friend, mentor, coach, and an advocate.  Yes, we disagree and fuss with each other at times.  However, the shared vision of creating a Culture of Health in America allow us to be vulnerable, transparent, and accountable to each other.

Today, I introduce you to Bettina Byrd-Giles, Warrior Woman and Interculturalist.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born at Camp Zama, Japan while my dad was stationed there with the U.S. Army. And, as you can expect, we traveled a lot and my family lived in different parts of the country. Eventually, we settled in Birmingham, Alabama when I was in seventh grade.

When I left Birmingham to go off to college at the University of Virginia (UVA), I intended to be an engineer. However, I ended up studying international relations with a focus in Japanese studies.  After graduation, I returned to Birmingham and worked as an administrator at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).  While at UAB, I finished a master’s degree in education with a focus in higher education and urban affairs.  

You have had an amazing career journey.  Tell us about your career path, and how you got to where you are now.

I followed a “meandering” path as opposed to a “linear” path, which is not atypical for liberal arts majors. So, my meandering path means that I have (and have had) multiple careers that may not relate in a logical way. And, these careers are often parallel and not going up a career ladder like a linear path.

Now, let me talk a little about my meandering path. After graduating from UVA, I went back home to Birmingham and held odd jobs for a year after graduation. Eventually, I landed my first career position as a university administrator. Then it took a while, but eventually, I found my lifelong profession–intercultural communication!

So, I am an interculturalist, which means that I facilitate cross-cultural interactions.  I have been a teacher, trainer, and instructor for credit and non-credit courses in multicultural education and African American studies.

Until a few weeks ago, I directed a clinic, The Bethesda Life Center, Inc. in Ensley, Alabama. Additionally, I am one of the founders of Ensley Alive.  So, Ensley Alive focuses primarily on rebuilding the community, and Ensley’s jazz heritage has been important to this work. And, without a doubt, the successful rebuilding and rebranding of Ensley was instrumental in my selection as a RWJF COHL.  

Now, it’s important that you don’t miss this. Over the years, I developed transferable skills. And, although skills and talents are great, it also took great mentors and career sponsors to get me where I am.

And, where am I now? Well, I just started my own consulting company, The Byrd’s Nest, LLC.

What are some of the professional accomplishments of which you are most proud? 

Well, several things stand out for me. First, I created Interculture, which was a program that promoted learning about different cultures.  And this program, which remained intact for almost 25 years, altered  the direction of my career.  

Second, I interned at the Intercultural Communication Institute. This experience helped to establish my professional identity and led me to specialize in health disparities and health equity. 

Third, I participated in a Fulbright exchange program in Malawi that helped to build a local version of what I was doing in Birmingham.  And, last but not least, I am so proud that I helped to create the revolution and paradigm shift in Ensley. My identity in my late 40s and 50s is defined by the awesome work we are doing in the community.

As a female leader, what is one significant barrier that you faced in your career? How did you overcome it or are trying to overcome it?

Sexism is a constant issue. However, it is often hard not to include the intersection of race and gender.  My tactic has been to build alliances with individuals who respect and appreciate me.  

Tell us about a time you failed.

Huh. Only, one time? Well, the one that comes to mind was an odd job at selling dictation machines. And, I was not good at it. No, I was not.

What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your lifetime?

One of my career sponsors taught me how to choose battles. Oh, how I want to right every wrong. But, you know what? People eventually stop listening if they perceive you as always fighting.

Which woman has had the most significant impact on you as a Warrior Woman?  Why did you choose her?

Now, that’s an easy one.  Dr. Roberta Watts, founder of The Bethesda Life Center, Inc. and Quality of Life Health System in northeast Alabama, has had the most significant impact on my life. She is an African American woman who grew up in the middle of the Jim Crow era and went on to become the first African American woman dean at one of the local universities. She is wise, savvy, tough, and brilliant.  She is a wife, mother, grandmother and executive. She also led a powerful political organization in the state that selects slates of candidates.

Who are some of your female mentors?  How have they contributed to your success?

My mother, Patricia Weaver Byrd, goes at the top of the list.  She taught me how to be a woman in society.  She made sure I was aware of proper etiquette, how to present myself, dress, and speak “properly.” And, I am so grateful that she enrolled me in Girl Scouts and dance and chauffeured me around to my daily activities. However, it really meant a lot to me when she drove me the 600-mile journey to the University of Virginia.

My father’s sisters did not have children so they invested quite a bit of time and energy in his children.  My aunt, P. Patricia Byrd, never married. She had a career in the U.S. Foreign Service.  And, of course, that meant that I got letters and gifts from around the world. Most people don’t know this, but she chose the college I attended!  Aunt Judith Byrd Ming was  beautiful, stylish, and very sociable.

Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention these two other women. Sadie Swyne is a woman from the community who helped navigate my involvement and leadership in key organizations.  Then, there is one of my former bosses, Susan McWilliams who was my first career sponsor.  And, I cannot emphasize the enough the importance of having a career sponsor.  She helped me to mature professional and connected me to people who created other opportunities for me. 

Define a “Warrior Woman.” What are some traits that you think a Warrior Woman should possess?

Warrior Women are those who take on challenges that are not always popular. Furthermore, we take arrows for other people.  We are mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, friends, and the rock of the family and community. And it goes without saying, that we are intelligent, passionate and resilient.  We are also strong yet vulnerable.

How do you encourage and lead other women to be Warrior Women?

As women, I think we take our skill sets for granted.  So, I like for them to take risks and do what makes them happy.

What career advice would you give to the next generation of Warrior Women?

I would tell them to be patient with themselves.  Now, I realize that we are always under pressure to make decisions about our careers.  However, most people don’t settle into their careers for about 10 years.  So, don’t be afraid to try something new and different.

What are some of your hobbies?  What do you do in your down time?

In my down time, I love to do yoga. In fact, I have been practicing yoga for several years and it really helps to center me.  I LOVE to dance and listen to music.  Oh, and I will watch a documentary on just about any subject.

If you could have dinner with one famous person—dead or alive—who would it be?

Prince!

Tell us about your self-care routine.

Well, I practice yoga whenever I can.  And, I love to dance, so don’t be surprised if you see me break out the dance moves in the grocery store. However, walking is the thing that I do consistently because it is convenient. Oh, and I also use essential oils throughout the day.

In what areas do you struggle the most in your self-care?

Like a lot of women, I struggle with finding time for self-care. I often miss out on things I love to do because family life and work often come first.

Name one song on your playlist that keeps you motivated.

Oh, wow. I get really inspired by I’m Still Standing by Elton John

What book are you currently reading?

Currently, I am reading Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance by Edgar Villeneuva

What’s your biggest shopping vice?

Books. I buy a lot of books. Additionally, I like to buy jewelry at art shows.

What’s your dream vacation?

I don’t have a specific place in mind. However, ideally, I want to be somewhere close to mountains and water.  It is quiet but not completely secluded. 

What would you like to share about your family life?

I have been married for 30 years and we have a 13 year old son. I am part of the sandwich generation, and so I sometimes have to oversee one of my parent’s health and well-being.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope you enjoyed this interview with Bettina Byrd-Giles.  I think that you will also enjoy learning about our other warrior women such as Denise Octavia Smith and Leisha Mckinley-Beach. 

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Warrior Woman Playlist

Our Warrior Woman playlist is part of our music is healing project. The playlist features songs of liberation, freedom, empowerment, and resilience by female artists.  It was compiled by Brittney Drakeford, a fellow cohort 2 member of the RWJF COHL program.

It is available on Spotify and Apple Music.  Please follow and be inspired by our other playlists.  Just search under “Keep It Tight Sisters.”

Keep It Tight Sisters.

Eat. Move. Breathe.