Practice areas: Board Governance; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Executive Coaching; Executive Transition and Succession Planning; General Management; Human Resource Management; Leadership Development; Organizational Design and Structure; Programmatic Design; Management; Development; Strategic Planning; Volunteer Recruitment and Management

Experience: Children and youth services; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Employment, vocational, job training; Human services or multi-service; Voluntarism, community services; Women

Tirza Barnes is a Trainer, Consultant and Conscious Leadership Teacher at Tirza Motivates, LLC.

For over two decades, Tirza has made a significant impact in the nonprofit sector, holding key leadership roles that include Senior Professional Development Trainer at the Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center (BEOC) and the Grace Institute, Director of Training at the Workforce Professionals Training Institute (WPTI), and Director of Training and Employee Development at Goodwill NY & NJ, where she spearheaded training initiatives for over 8,000 employees. During the pandemic, Tirza took a leap of faith, turning her long-held vision into reality by launching her own learning and development institute, Tirza Motivates, LLC. which she facilitates specialized peer learning programs, each addressing key areas such as Conscious Caring Leadership, empowerment, and performance optimization.

Beyond her training and consulting work, Tirza hosts and facilitates empowerment events for women, and is a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences and company retreats. Her presentations spark breakthroughs, build confidence, challenge self-limiting beliefs, and introduce fresh perspectives for personal and professional growth.
Throughout her career, Tirza has worked with thousands of professionals as a trainer, consultant, and coach, supporting organizational change initiatives that enhance program design and service delivery. She has also designed and led workshops on various topics, including coaching and communication, curriculum development, public speaking, leadership growth, unconscious bias, and conflict resolution.
Known for her energetic presentation style, conscious teaching techniques, engaging storytelling, and down-to-earth, relatable personality (which she credits to her Brooklyn roots), Tirza has a remarkable talent for engaging audiences.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, and now living in Long Island, New York, Tirza balances her professional life with the joys and demands of parenting her two children. Tirza also places great importance on self-care, maintaining a routine of daily meditation, regular workouts, and quality time with friends.

Fun Facts: Tirza recently welcomed a playful puppy into her life, and the training journey has been both enlightening and rewarding. She also has a deep love for interior design and home décor, always finding creative ways to bring charm and personality to her space.

Networks/ Affinity Groups: The Human Solidarity Group, The Wake Up Everybody Community