Barbara Ormond Davis of Ayden has been bringing sunshine into the lives of young girls in Pitt County for almost two decades.
Barbara is director of Operation Sunshine, Inc., a United Way program in which girls ages 5-13 are picked up from school and delivered to the Chestnut Street headquarters for assistance with homework, arts and crafts and other activities that help instill them with the desire to succeed in life.
She has been Operation Sunshine director since 1991.
"I was introduced to Gloria Pearsall, a former Operation Sunshine executive director, in 1989," Barbara said. "After attending my first meeting, I knew I wanted to be an advocate for this program, and I became a member of the board. I wasn't pleased with my administrative secretary position at East Carolina University, so when the executive director position became available, I applied — and I'm still there. Knowing it was a nonprofit didn't deter me."
Barbara supervises a staff of 12 people and plans and implements Operation Sunshine's programs for young girls.
"Working at Operation Sunshine has given me an opportunity to make a positive difference in my community," she said. "I am where I was destined to be because my God has provided or touched the hearts of others to be a blessing to Operation Sunshine.
"I am able to encourage these young ladies not to give up on themselves. I won't allow the girls to feel as though they can't achieve. Life will be what they make it. They determine their futures. I want each girl to realize this and make her life better for herself and others.
"There wasn't a place like Operation Sunshine when I was growing up," she said. I've endured, worked hard and knew I wanted more. And I also knew I needed to continue my education to achieve my goals."
Barbara earned a bachelor's degree in business technology from N.C. Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount. She is involved in Girl Scouts, 4-H, Delta Kappa Gamma teachers' society, Pitt Alliance for Youth, Pitt Association of Volunteer Administrators, Pitt Resource Center, Council of United Way Agencies, Blue Ribbon Task Force and the Task Force to End Chronic Homelessness.
She is a member of Greenville Community Christian Church. She and her husband, Carl Lewis Davis, have one daughter, Barkeiya DeShawn Ormond.
Here's more:
Words I live by:
This, too, shall pass.
My proudest accomplishment is:
Pursing my education to achieve an associate degree from Pitt Community College and a bachelor's degree in business from N.C. Wesleyan College.
The world would be a better place if only:
We would love one another.
I can't live without:
God's word.
If I could do it all over again, I would:
Have continued my education to achieve my master's degree in business administration.
My favorite book is:
"The Heart of a Woman" by Maya Angelou.
My passion is:
Operation Sunshine, Inc. I am excited about what we have accomplished. The community has always supported our program, and there is an urgent need for other positive after-school and summer programs.
Some of the best advice my mother ever gave me was:
Always do your best. Work hard. Remember you will reap what you sow. Don't ever think you are better than anyone else, and remember they aren't any better than you are. Accept consequences for your actions.
My first professional job was:
Working as a ward secretary at Pitt County Memorial Hospital, after an extensive training session.
The best thing I've ever won:
Being selected to represent Pitt County as an advocate for youth at the Presidential Summit in 1997, America's Promise.
What brings me joy:
Hearing that a young lady from Operation Sunshine has achieved her educational goals and returns as a positive role model to motivate others.
My theme song would be:
"Survivor" by Destiny's Child.
The one event that has changed my life:
Is being a mother. The love and nurturing that I gave my daughter Barkeiya, to dream and accomplish her goals, is a legacy that I will continue to instill in your ladies at Operation Sunshine.
