Woman on the Rise: Colida

Written by Linda Harvey 

Colida, Together We Bake’s Director of Program and Production, has been a dedicated and well-loved staff member since her graduation 10 years ago from the Spring 2014 program. Through the years, she has evolved and grown just like Together We Bake — but she is not done yet, she says.

As this month’s Woman on the Rise, Colida recognizes that her own “self-transformation” is an ongoing process. 

“I’m continuing to grow and heal more and more every day,” she says. “My life has always been a roller coaster, but I truly feel blessed to be in the position where I [can] share my story and help others. Together We Bake was my second chance, and I don’t take that for granted.”

Colida’s expansive smile and warm-hearted demeanor are what draw others to her, whether she’s greeting customers at Alexandria’s Art on the Avenue festival or training Team Members who affectionately call her “Coach” in the Together We Bake kitchen. Yet it’s her resilience, determination, and drive to keep moving forward that inspire those around her.

“Care About What You’re Doing”

Colida’s job trajectory within Together We Bake is impressive, but it’s no surprise because of her strong work ethic and how she “takes pride and care” in any job she is doing. It’s her personal motto!

On her graduation day back in 2014, she accepted a part-time job to work the Del Ray Farmers’ Market booth, where she enjoyed interacting with people and sharing the Together We Bake mission of providing a workforce training and personal development program to help women facing barriers to employment. From there came a full-time position as a Production Assistant, and then a promotion to Program Manager. As the Together We Bake staff and program grew and she became certified as a ServSafe proctor to instruct food safety guidelines, Colida stepped into the role of Production Manager.

As Production Manager, she oversaw kitchen operations for 7 years, where she instilled confidence and high expectations in Team Members with tough love and by “keeping it real” with them, she explains. While teaching them to make Together We Bake’s granola, cookies, and trail mix, she made sure the women learned both hard and soft skills that prepared them for life and for the workforce.

“I know how important it is for a person to have a job and maintain employment,” explains Colida. “Everything in life works around finances, including how it makes a person feel inside. Not only do I want our ladies working, but I want them to be the best at what they are doing so they can continue to climb the ladder.”  

It gives Colida great pride to look back on her own journey as a staff member, especially her promotions and ability to take on new responsibilities. Even though she loved being in the kitchen as Production Manager and thrived in its fast-paced environment, she was ready for a new challenge. 

“Now, in my role as Director of Program and Production, I’m overseeing…Program, Production, Alumni, and Facilities,” she says. “I’m able to be a part of the ladies’ progression from beginning to end, and that’s exciting for me.”

Finding a “Safe Space"

Colida understands deeply what many Team Members could be going through and how her own story could resonate with them. 

“Life is hard, and sometimes it’s very difficult to hear the truth,” she says. “I believe the truth can help us a lot in our journeys. As long as it comes with good intentions and the person’s best interest at heart.”

For Colida, her life 12 years ago was very difficult since she had to start over professionally. She was a single mother of three children and was being turned away from jobs because of a felony on her record. She had never been in trouble before and didn’t understand the justice system and her options, she explains.

She knew she was capable and had always been a hard worker since she was 16 years old, working multiple jobs for most of her life. Despite having a strong resume and an associate degree in medical billing and coding, no employer was willing to take a chance on her, she recalls.

After being unemployed for two years, she learned about Together We Bake through her probation officer and was hoping to end up with a job or two after completing the program.

“I thought I just needed an opportunity, but over time I learned what I really needed was support,” says Colida. “For me, that support was a safe space surrounded by a community of people I could trust. Just like me, our Team Members walk in the doors expecting one thing but in the end leave with more than they could ever hope for.”

Before the Together We Bake program, Colida never felt safe or comfortable dealing with her past traumas. Despite having this protective shield, she was able to address these traumas for the first time. 

“This program has taught me to really ‘Trust the Process,’” she explains. “I’ve grown into a woman who appreciates the little things, [is] grateful for the unexpected things, and [is] thankful to be here to experience it all with my children.”

Focusing on Family and the Future

Her love for her three children is what saved her life, Colida shares, because they have been the main driving force in overcoming obstacles in her life. Now at ages 27, 25, and 17, they are inspired by her strength and how far she has come. 

“My children have always been my focus and motivation to make things happen and to push harder,” Colida explains. “Even during the two years [without a job], I volunteered because I didn’t want my children seeing me sitting around doing nothing with my time.”

She continues, “They gave me purpose and reasons to care about others and myself. I needed to start over and rebuild my life so I could be the best mother and provider for my children.”

Year after year, Colida has continued to rebuild her life and expand on any opportunities with her typical energy and determination. Even after 10 years, she still sets daily goals for herself when she walks through Together We Bake’s doors, she says.

She understands growth is an ongoing process and continues to seek out personal intentions for herself, especially peace of mind. What she looks forward to most is more financial stability in the future, hoping to become a homeowner for her children and three grandchildren. Her new promotion to Director of Program and Production brings her one step closer to that goal.

Colida remains optimistic, even if she does face any setbacks that may come her way. 

“I am a woman who continues to rise even through my pain, hardships, and struggles,” she insists. “I thank God constantly for all my many blessings, and they come in all shapes and sizes.”

Keep rising, Colida!