Featured Member Barbara Goliday ('09)

September 14, 2018

Every month LGW highlights a new member of the Leadership Greater Washington Community. This month we had the pleasure of getting to know Barbara Goliday ('09), a graduate of the Class of 2009: Primetime. 

Meet Barbara: Barbara Goliday is the Director of Development at Joe’s Movement Emporium, a performing arts center in Mount Rainier, Maryland, in the Prince George’s County Gateway Arts District.  In her role, Barbara plans, implements and supervises all aspects of fundraising including annual giving, corporate and foundation giving, major gifts, and special events.  Prior to joining Joe’s, Barbara was the first Director of Corporate & Foundation Giving at the Holy Cross Health Foundation where she created and managed a comprehensive program to engage corporations and foundations to maximize financial support.  For 14 years, Barbara managed every aspect of community relations for Wachovia Bank, where she provided regional oversight of corporate contributions and community involvement strategies. 

Barbara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University and a Master of Arts degree from American University. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and an active Class Connector representing the Class of 2009 (Primetime ’09), celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Can you give us some background or insight into your personal leadership path – including your sources of inspiration and most important lessons learned?  

As I reflect on my past, I’ve always had various leadership roles growing up.  However, I didn’t necessarily see them that way.  When I entered the professional job market following undergrad, I didn’t have very good leadership role models.  My first supervisor used to get so angry that she would take off her shoes and throw them. Thankfully, I wasn’t the target of any of her shoes!  My second supervisor had insecurities that she took it out on everybody—me included.   Since then, I have learned that you do not have to be hard, harsh or crazy to be an effective leader.  I have had the pleasure of working with and meeting some amazing leaders who demonstrate a level of steadiness coupled with compassion, and the ability to inspire others to be their best.  I have gleaned from their example and try to apply it to my own leadership style.

How did you first become involved with Leadership Greater Washington and the Signature Program?

I was aware of the Signature Program and even attended LGW events, but I never gave thought to apply because of my busy schedule. At the time, I was still managing community relations for Wachovia.  On a grantmakers trip to the Harlem Children’s Zone in New York, I was encouraged to apply by several funders, who shared with me their LGW experience. I applied and the rest is history.

What do you love most about your LGW Class, Primetime ’09?  

Last year, I was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.  For a while, I kept my diagnosis to just family members and my colleagues.  However, after praying and talking with other survivors, I built up enough courage to share my story in one of the monthly updates I produce as a Class Connector. I was overwhelmed by the encouragement and support from my classmates.  I’m not the only one in our class with this experience.  Despite our busy schedules, we come together for each other when it is needed the most. That’s what I love most about my class.

How would you describe LGW - the alumni, leadership, and overall mission of the organization?

LGW provides members the means for connection to fellow members and to the region at-large. I am encouraged by LGW’s efforts to go beyond connection to create a sense of belonging for all members—whether you’re a member of the Class of 2018 or the first class. It’s one thing to be connected, but it’s another thing to feel that you belong and that your presence matters. 

Can you describe an extraordinary LGW Moment from your experience - a connection you made, something you pursued because of LGW, or a distinctive memory?

Several years ago, fate brought me and Tim Kime, former LGW President & CEO, together on a transformative personal journey.  We were both at professional crossroads and would regularly meet at Busboys & Poets in Hyattsville to discuss and consider what we would do next. Since then, we have become good friends, who have encouraged and supported each other in our personal and professional pursuits.  It has been exciting to see and to be a part of his transformation as an artist and a leadership consultant.

How do you envision the future of the region? What about LGW’s role in that future?

I envision the future of the region to be more interconnected than ever before because what impacts one jurisdiction has a direct or indirect impact on another whether in jobs, housing, transportation, education or public safety. LGW has been at the forefront of bringing regional leaders and jurisdictions together to address issues that impact all of us. 

Tell us more about your role as a Class Connector. How was your Class Reunion this summer?

I must give thanks to Kate Fiorianti, a former LGW staff member, who contacted me about the role.  I didn’t think much of it until my classmate, Chris Babb, asked me to share with the class a discount to a local theater.  That got me to thinking that other classmates may have something to share as well.  So, I started a monthly class update. I love the role because I enjoy connecting with people and it taps into my journalism background.  Plus, many of my classmates have told me how much they anticipate and enjoy reading the update.

I’m excited about the turnout for our summer class reunion.  We had 25 classmates attend and Margaret Dunning was a fantastic hostess! It was so good that one of our classmates agreed to host the next one at his home in the fall. 

How has LGW played a role in your professional life?

I was accepted into LGW right as I was beginning my career as a fundraiser.  So, the timing was perfect.  Through LGW, I was able to meet dozens of people who, under different circumstances, I would not have had the opportunity to meet.  As a result of building relationships within LGW, I was able to secure several board members and raise thousands of dollars for my organization.   I truly believe you get out of it what you put into it.  So, for me, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

What are some keys to staying innovative in your field or some tips for success?

I know it may sound cliché, but you should never stop learning whether it’s from a class or webinar, peers in the field, or reading the latest field publication.  However, some of my best learning experiences has been through volunteering.   As a matter of fact, that is how I got my current job at Joe’s Movement Emporium.  Before joining the staff, I was a member of the board and chaired the Development Committee.

Please tell us something most people might not know about you.

I enjoy watching college football games on Saturdays!  My colleagues know I schedule my Saturdays around which games I want to watch.  I must admit that I am a little partial to the Alabama Crimson Tide because Nick Saban and his team always find a way to win.  It was that same winning spirit that I carried with me just before my surgery.  Roll Tide!

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Featured Member Barbara Goliday ('09)