Purpose Before Profit: Diarra Warford Of The Bailey Foundation On The Benefits Of Running A Purpose-Driven Business
An Interview With Chad Silverstein
Resilience: Challenges will come, but resilience is what allows you to keep going. My husband and I faced many personal and financial struggles, but our commitment to the mission helped us push through every trial
In today’s competitive business landscape, the race for profits often takes center stage. However, there are some leaders who also prioritize a mission-driven purpose. They use their business to make a positive social impact and recognize that success isn’t only about making money. In this interview series, we are talking with some of these distinct leaders and I had the pleasure of interviewing Diarra Warford.
Diarra Warford is the founder and Executive Director of The Bailey Foundation. Diarra has 10 years of teaching Performing and Visual arts education. As a former Owner/Director of DJDC Theatre of Performing arts, Diarra has developed talents and skills that have proven to go far beyond the walls of her former center. She is a creator, a leader and an innovator for the arts and education. Her resolute passion for faith, children and the arts will assure each student’s leadership, purpose and success as they move toward their future.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us your “Origin Story”? Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
My origin story is one of overcoming adversity through faith and resilience. I grew up in St. Louis, where my family struggled with financial instability, and we moved constantly. That instability made it difficult to focus in school, as I was always the new kid trying to catch up. Additionally, I was dealing with a lot at home. The instability wasn’t just financial; it was emotional and physical. We faced abuse, and by the time I was 6 or 7, I was already responsible for taking care of my younger siblings. I had to grow up fast, becoming their protector, especially during the most difficult times. That weight was heavy, and it made focusing on things like school nearly impossible.
Instead of worrying about homework or learning in class, my mind was consumed with the chaos happening at home. We were constantly moving from place to place, and that disrupted my ability to learn. One year I’d start at one school, and just when I was getting used to it, we’d have to move again. I struggled with reading, writing, and math, which only made me feel like I was falling further and further behind. It was hard to focus on anything because I felt like I was always trying to catch up, both in school and in life. The burden of taking care of my siblings and dealing with the instability made it difficult to see any kind of future for myself.
But God placed people in my life who helped me navigate through those tough times. One of them was my second-grade teacher, Ms. Angel. She saw that I was struggling academically and stepped in when I felt like giving up. My dad also started tutoring me every night, helping me with my math, and eventually, I had a breakthrough. I’ll never forget the day in class when I solved a math problem faster than anyone else — Ms. Angel celebrated that moment like it was her own victory. That experience taught me the power of persistence and the importance of having people who believe in you when you’re struggling to believe in yourself.
As I got older, I found an outlet in sports. Basketball became a lifeline for me. At first, I wasn’t very good — I spent a lot of time on the bench — but I kept pushing myself, and by age 14, basketball had become more than just a game for me. It gave me a sense of structure and discipline that was missing from my life. It also gave me confidence, something I didn’t have much of due to all the instability I had experienced. Sports allowed me to channel the frustration and anxiety I was feeling into something productive.
In high school, I was formally introduced to dance, which opened up a new way to express myself. Dance became another passion, and through it, I discovered something else, leadership. My high school dance teacher saw my potential and called me to step up as a leader. I was given the opportunity to organize performances and guide the team, which helped me understand that leadership wasn’t just about being in control, it was about serving others and helping them reach their potential.
All of these experiences — enduring abuse, taking care of my siblings from a young age, struggling in school, and finding confidence through sports and dance, taught me that I had the strength and tools within me to overcome my circumstances. Those hardships didn’t define me, they prepared me. They taught me to look deep inside, to trust the gifts God had placed within me, and to believe that my purpose was bigger than the challenges I faced.
This understanding of resilience and service is embedded in the mission, vision, and core values of The Bailey Foundation. The experiences that shaped me are the same ones that shape our work. The foundation is dedicated to uplifting children and families, providing them with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to break free from their own challenges. Our vision is to build a community where every child has the chance to thrive, regardless of the circumstances they’re born into. Our core values reflect what I’ve learned: leadership through service, resilience in the face of adversity, and faith that we all have the potential to overcome if we have the right support.
My personal journey is woven into the heart of The Bailey Foundation. We’re not just providing aid, we’re empowering people to recognize the strength they already have inside, just as I had to discover in myself.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
One of the most interesting stories since I began leading The Bailey Foundation has to be our Holiday Market and Toy Drive. It’s easy to think of a toy drive as a straightforward event — collecting toys, distributing them, and bringing joy to families during the holiday season. But when we decided to take this effort across multiple schools and districts throughout St. Louis to serve over 5,000 children and families, it became an entirely different challenge.
We aimed to reach every child and family who needed support, but I didn’t realize the level of coordination it would require. Each school had unique needs, schedules, and logistical challenges, so just organizing the distribution alone was a feat. There were moments when I thought, “What did we get ourselves into?” We were balancing tight deadlines, transportation issues, and last-minute hiccups that seemed to pop up daily. The experience stretched me as a leader in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It pushed me to rely on our team, our volunteers, and our community partners even more than I ever had before.
Seeing how everyone rallied around the mission was incredible — people from all corners of the community stepping in with donations, time, and energy. There were times when volunteers would drive across town just to pick up one more load of toys or work late nights in the warehouse wrapping gifts to ensure everything was ready for the morning. In a beautiful way, this challenge taught me about the strength of community and the importance of staying flexible and faithful when the plan doesn’t go as expected.
And then there was the big day. Seeing the joy on the kids’ faces as they received their gifts and the relief in the eyes of the parents reminded me why we do this. All the late nights, endless logistics, and small mishaps melted away in those moments. That toy drive reinforced for me the power of purpose-driven work — how when people come together with a shared mission, there’s almost nothing that can stop us. It’s a story I carry with me as a reminder that what started as a small foundation can create ripples across our community.
We often learn the most from our mistakes. Can you share one that you made that turned out to be one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Early on, I was trying to do everything on my own; managing the foundation, running programs, handling the administrative side, all while dealing with the personal challenges my husband and I were facing. I wanted to be everything for everyone and I felt like it was my responsibility to carry it all. But eventually, it became clear that I was burning myself out.
The mistake wasn’t in wanting to serve others; it was in not realizing that I also needed support. The turning point came when I learned to ask for help and build a team that shared my vision. My husband and I learned to lean on each other and on our growing team, which allowed The Bailey Foundation to thrive. It was a lesson in humility, but also in resilience. Just like the trials we face in our personal live, this experience showed us that we don’t have to bear the burden alone. We can still lead and make an impact, but it’s even more effective when we empower others to help carry the load.
As a successful leader, it’s clear that you uphold strong core values. I’m curious what are the most important principles you firmly stand by and refuse to compromise on. Can you share a few of them and explain why they hold such significance for you in your work and life?
Three principles that guide my life and work are faith, integrity, and resilience.
Faith has always been at the core of everything I do. It’s what gave me and my husband the courage to start The Bailey Foundation in the first place, even when we had very little. Faith carried us through times of uncertainty and struggle. We knew that this wasn’t just our idea; it was a calling. And when you walk in your calling, even when the path is unclear, you know you’re not walking alone.
Integrity is non-negotiable. When you serve communities in need, trust is paramount. People need to know that they can rely on you and that you’ll follow through on your promises. Whether it’s the families we serve, the donors who support us, or the partners who collaborate with us, we’ve built relationships on trust, transparency, and honesty.
Resilience has been essential. We’ve been through testing and trials, both personally and professionally. At times, it felt like we were being tested in ways we didn’t understand, but those trials built resilience. I firmly believe that the challenges we face are not there to defeat us; they’re there to reveal our strength. Resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about adapting, learning, and growing stronger after each trial.
What inspired you to start a purpose-driven business rather than a traditional for-profit enterprise? Can you share a personal story or experience that led you to prioritize social impact in your business?
The decision to start a purpose-driven organization was deeply rooted in my personal journey and an unshakable belief that I was called to something greater than myself. I often say, “Global and generational transformation starts within and ends with people,” because the true power of our impact begins with the work we do on ourselves. Had my family and I not faced and overcome the very challenges we now serve, our ability to make a difference would not be as profound.
In my early 20s, I launched an award-winning performing arts program, serving youth through the arts while taking the bus each night back to my small room at The Salvation Army. When I finally saved enough to purchase my first building for the program, I often slept on an air mattress in my office after classes, because my purpose was always bigger than my circumstances. I never wavered on the vision; instead, I viewed my challenges as confirmation that I was on the right path. Despite my situation, I remained fruitful, and this mindset carried into my approach as a coach. Many of my students and their families faced different hardships and helping them see beyond their immediate conditions created lasting, transformative impacts.
This is the driving purpose behind The Bailey Foundation — to help families and children rise above their circumstances, just as I did. It’s not only about providing material support; it’s about offering the resources, care, and guidance needed to empower youth and their families to reclaim their lives and walk boldly in their passions, purpose, and potential.
Can you help articulate a few of the benefits of leading a purpose-driven business rather than a standard “plain vanilla” business?
Leading a purpose-driven business is fulfilling in ways that go beyond traditional success metrics. One of the key benefits is that it gives your work a sense of meaning and alignment. You know that every effort, every challenge, and every victory is part of a larger mission to make the world a better place.
Another benefit is that you become a magnet for people who are just as passionate about the cause as you are. Whether it’s our team members, volunteers, or donors, the people involved in The Bailey Foundation are driven by the same purpose: to serve and uplift others. That shared sense of purpose creates a deep commitment and a powerful community.
Finally, purpose-driven businesses are often built on resilience and adaptability. When your focus is on impact rather than profit, you naturally become more innovative. For us, it meant finding creative ways to serve families, even when resources were scarce, and using the challenges we faced as opportunities to grow and improve. In many ways, the hardships we faced personally taught us how to be more resourceful, which has been key to our success.
How has your company’s mission or purpose affected its overall success? Can you explain the methods or metrics you use to evaluate the impact of this purpose-driven strategy on your organization?
Our mission has been the foundation of our success. It’s what drives everything we do. From the very beginning, it was clear that our purpose was to serve families and children, and that clarity has guided us through every decision and challenge. Even when we didn’t have much ourselves, we knew we had to push forward because the need was greater than our personal struggles.
We measure our success in several ways. Quantitatively, we track how many families we serve, how many students participate in our programs, and how many resources we distribute. But more importantly, we look at the stories and transformations that come from the work we do. When a family tells us that our support helped them regain hope or when a student shares that our programs gave them the confidence to pursue their dreams, that’s how we know we’re truly making a difference. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the lives we’re impacting.
Can you share a pivotal moment when you realized that leading your purpose-driven company was actually making a significant impact? Can you share a specific example or story that deeply resonated with you personally?
One pivotal moment came when we received a heartfelt letter from a mother who had been struggling to provide for her children. She shared how The Bailey Foundation had provided her with the resources she needed to get through one of the toughest seasons of her life. She wrote to us and described how our support helped her not only meet her family’s basic needs, but also restored her sense of hope and dignity.
That letter resonated with me deeply because it reminded me of our own journey; it showed me that the work we’re doing is much more than providing material resources; it’s about empowering people, lending them a hand up, not just a handout.
Have you ever faced a situation where your commitment to your purpose and creating a positive social impact clashed with the profitability in your business? Have you ever been challenged by anyone on your team or have to make a tough decision that had a significant impact on finances? If so, how did you address and reconcile this conflict?
Like many purpose-driven organizations, we’ve faced those difficult decisions where our commitment to the mission seemed to clash with financial realities. A major challenge came during the pandemic. Resources were limited, and we had to decide whether to scale back on our programs to protect the bottom line or push forward, knowing the communities we serve needed us more than ever. There was understandable concern among the team about whether we could sustain that level of service financially.
At one point, we faced significant staff turnover because we chose to prioritize the mission, even when it stretched our financial capacity. Our team had to step up in ways that weren’t always within their job descriptions, working overtime to secure free resources just to keep our commitments to schools, families, and individuals. This pressure created tension and burnout, as staff felt caught between their personal roles and the larger needs of the organization.
The conflict between serving the mission and managing profitability is one many organizations face. For us, the resolution came down to reaffirming our purpose. While we had to acknowledge the very real financial strain, we also recognized that scaling back would betray the core of why we exist. We found ways to get creative, but more importantly, we communicated openly with the team, helping everyone see how their contributions, even beyond their regular roles, were critical to our impact. It’s never easy to balance mission with business needs, but in our case, staying aligned with our purpose helped us navigate through the toughest times.
What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs who wish to start a purpose-driven business?
My advice is to stay deeply rooted in your purpose, no matter what challenges you face. There will be moments when it feels like everything is going against you, but if you stay focused on your mission, you’ll find the strength to keep going. Remember, trials are not obstacles, they are revelations. They reveal what you’re capable of and prepare you for greater impact. You have to go through the very challenges you’re called to address in your business, and that’s what makes you effective in your purpose.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help and surround yourself with people who believe in your mission. Building a strong team is essential to your success. And finally, embrace innovation. Be open to thinking creatively about how to serve and grow. The hardships my husband and I faced early on taught us that sometimes the greatest innovations are born out of necessity.
What are your “5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Purpose-Driven Business.” If you can, please share a story or example for each.
- Clarity of Purpose: Know exactly why you’re doing what you’re doing. For The Bailey Foundation, our mission to serve and empower youth and families has always been clear, and that clarity has helped guide every decision we’ve made, even in the toughest times.
- Resilience: Challenges will come, but resilience is what allows you to keep going. My husband and I faced many personal and financial struggles, but our commitment to the mission helped us push through every trial.
- Integrity: Trust is key in any business, especially a purpose-driven one. Be transparent with your team, your donors, and the people you serve. We’ve built strong relationships by always staying true to our word.
- Innovation: Be willing to think outside the box. When resources were scarce, we found creative ways to serve our community. That innovation allowed us to grow even during the pandemic when other organizations were scaling back.
- Collaboration: Surround yourself with people who share your vision. My husband and I learned early on that we couldn’t do it alone. By building a strong team and partnering with other organizations, businesses and community leaders, we were able to scale our impact and reach more children and families.
I’m interested in how you instill a strong sense of connection with your team. How do you nurture a culture where everyone feels connected to your mission? Could you share an example or story that showcases how your purpose has positively influenced or motivated people on your team to contribute?
We make sure that everyone on our team understands the importance of the work we’re doing and how it directly impacts the families we serve. One way we do this is by regularly sharing the stories of the families whose lives have been changed by our programs. When the team sees the real impact of their work, it reinforces the mission and keeps everyone motivated.
For example, during a particularly challenging time when resources were tight, we received a letter from a mother who shared how our support had helped her regain hope and stability. I shared that letter with the team, and it was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. It wasn’t just about distributing resources, it was about transforming lives. That moment renewed our sense of purpose and brought the team even closer together.
Imagine we’re sitting down together two years from now, looking back at your company’s last 24 months. What specific accomplishments would have to happen for you to be happy with your progress?
In two years, I envision The Bailey Foundation expanding its reach, serving even more families across various regions. I’d also like to see our programs evolve to offer more comprehensive services that provide long-term, sustainable solutions for the children and families we serve.
One key goal is to launch additional leadership development programs where children are encouraged to inspire and be a part of the change taking place within their communities and establish a transformative food and nutrition system that not only addresses food accessibility but also creates economic opportunities for community members who contribute to the solution. I believe that empowering the next generation and their families to become key drivers of solutions within their communities is essential to fostering real, lasting change.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could inspire a movement, it would be centered around empowering individuals to see beyond their circumstances. So often, people are trapped by their current situations — whether it’s financial struggles, emotional challenges, or societal barriers; but I believe that everyone has the potential to rise above those limitations.
This movement would focus on providing people with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to unlock their full potential. The goal would be to create a ripple effect, where empowered individuals go on to empower others, creating lasting, positive change in communities around the world.
But in many ways, The Bailey Foundation is that movement, a catalyst for change; challenging the barriers both outside and within.
How can our readers further follow your work or your company online?
You can follow The Bailey Foundation online at www.thebaileyfoundation.org, as well as on social media. We’re active on Instagram at @thebaileyfoundation and on Facebook at The Bailey Foundation. We post regular updates on our programs, events, and ways to get involved. My personal webpage is www.diarrajenae.com where you can learn more about my personal journey and opportunities for collaboration.
This was great. Thanks for taking time for us to learn more about you and your business. We wish you continued success!
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein is a seasoned entrepreneur and Thought Leader with over 25 years of business experience. He has founded, operated, and exited multiple companies and now builds into a handful of high impact CEOs. Chad has launched multiple online communities, including a recent leadership development platform, and also serves as a strategic advisor for Authority Magazine’s thought-leader incubator program.
To learn more and connect with Chad visit: chadsilverstein.io
Purpose Before Profit: Diarra Warford Of The Bailey Foundation On The Benefits Of Running A… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.