Takisha Frye believes the REC CARE Board “found her” at just the right time.
Drawing on empathy learned from her mother and firsthand knowledge of community needs, Frye had been looking for a way to help others.
“I think it’s a good way for me to give back, and because I have been a single mom, I understand the struggle of life,” said Frye, customer experience manager for Citizens Bank. “Life happens sometimes, and it can be inconvenient. I want to help people through those times.”
Frye grew up in Caroline County and recently moved back from Fredericksburg to be closer to her daughter, who teaches at Ladysmith Elementary School.
Frye has worked for Citizens Bank since 2001, and she knows her job has made her more understanding of what people might be going through — like losing their home. An important aspect of her position is to advocate for customers.
“You have to be able to listen so that you can figure out what you can do. That’s very similar to how [on the CARE board] you listen to the needs of the county or program and then find a way to meet that need.”
Her empathy for others drives her personally and professionally. It’s a trait she inherited and learned by example from her mother.
“She always taught me to have empathy, pushed us to see the greater good and be there for people and give them comfort.”
Frye has always found herself helping others or resolving things for her friends and family. She finds purpose in helping others — whether in her inner circle or beyond. It’s why she was attracted to the CARE Board opportunity.
In her first year on the board, Frye has appreciated looking beyond her own community of Caroline County and gaining new perspectives she can use to enhance programs in her home county. Programs for the very young and older adults are near and dear to Frye.
Frye also advocates for The Power of Change, a voluntary program where REC members choose to round up their monthly bill to the nearest dollar. The proceeds all go back into communities across the Cooperative’s territory.
“I feel like members should enroll because you should want to be a part of creating change,” Frye said. “Just round the bill up — it’s no more than a few dollars a year. Why not give it to help someone else?”
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