We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tiffanie Willis Archie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tiffanie below.
Tiffanie, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
The question that changed everything: ”What are you going to do about it?”
It was in the early morning hours, and instantly you feel like the world is knocking at your door with a thunderous pound. Then a crash and fall, that was a ‘certain sound’ I never desired to hear. But now, how to respond was incomprehensible in the moment and all I could do was react all my emergency response training was immediately before me, releasing the line from the dispatch call 911, and then the ambulance came and took him away. The phone call came hours later, and the trembling words broke the silence. I have learned loss has a sound. It doesn’t shout; it lingers and has a certain sound, my late fathers name Aria is defined as a distinct and certain sound. Before death, the last words during our last conversation about the curb litter and trash on the city and neighborhood streets was simply, resounding, and unforgettable: “what are you going to do about it?” That sentence became my North star. A North Star, like the one that guided known resilience etched in forever from Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Wangari Maathai and others who forged for humanity healthful living, built-environment response. I did not realize completely my response to environment was present along and environment response intentional education with adolescent youth is the response required for effective leadership integrity. Reflecting on when the question was originally expressed, it was not from a point of reference concerning grief, violent relationship obstacles and the many layers of loss, but now by Gods matchless grace and mercy, I now more than any other time champion the question with healing, growth, perseverance and Creator God gain. It was not about unhealthy life but healing and healthy lifestyle from cause to cure, not reacting to pain but responding to resiliency gift grace of love. These words are the cornerstone of my Vertical Absolute discipline, a daily proactive built on Restraint, Resolve, Response, and Resilient outcomes. The Principled character wasn’t learned from a classroom but my ‘fruit-gift environment’ classroom from living life and accepting to shift often and adjust and commitment to go higher. Restraint was shaped in silence, from the loss of a certain sound, when something very precious was snatched away with laughter. The Infinite One allowed my peace to drown in the proverbial or actual pain. Resolve was birthed from the decision to keep being real sharing truth, despite each limitation and Response was formed out of visible and measurable ways my communication was caring with curiosity consistent, with action to walk daily strengthened my health, effective leadership and collective vibrant relationships.
When I was place into position to begin coaching again, it was to challenge women and girl’s door to door to walk daily and embrace to be the change and end their own health disparities in 10 years by 10 years with GirlTREK, from Co-founders Morgan and Vanessa from systems supported by Executive Boards and VP Regional Team Leads. I saw this same question “what are you going to do about it?” awaken myself and others.
Researching nonprofits that focus to enhance and beautify the community now my tween years to now, I pursued to uplift and promote Adventist Youth Empowered to Serve, Master guide Pathfinder’s, Area Food Bank Director, Keep Arkansas Beautiful and Rise Above Alcohol and Drugs, I for over three decades and the immediate present seven consecutive years have watched this very question statement shift from “why me” to “why not me and what can I innovatively accelerate now?”
From generous reoccurring in-kind donations collaboration with Keep America Beautiful – AR, Waste Management Inc, CADCA, Local Public Library, GirlTREK and local Office Depot and Restaurants I have seen leaders emerge who could measure their growth not by titles, but by transformation: through Vertical Absolute relationship participant gatherings in built-environment, together reduced cycles, improved systems, the body image by walking and measurable engagement and mentor hours in community. The youth who arrive or the Adult Directors who come afford me not abstract outcomes but living evidence that the body, block beautification and business can rebuild itself through constructive community care and intentional improvement with environment.
I have and continue to learn life is full of test to the very convictions and commitments we hold, and when not built on preferences we will stand tall, no matter the situation. Resiliency is not born from disregarding or the discomfort it is the moment-by-moment steps and response as Atomic Habits Arthur James Clear shares.
Growth and no longer grief on many fronts, set in to gloom the day but for me, each day is full of redefined leadership, self-improvement with identity conflict faded because the mission is clear and I am a real model not a role model who tenaciously transforms unsolicited adversity into alignment. Not a stigma. Not a tension, not a label and definitely not a statistic. Just growth, measurable, observable and divinely led. Keeping those words with a ‘certain sound’ or a steady fumble from the water fall flow of this environment of life for healthful-living: “what are you going to do about it?” and my answer remains “I’m going to seek Truth live real, build, teach, grow relationships, and walk until others rise too.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Founder, Vertical Absolute Global Consortium Consultancy LLC & Vertical Absolute Inc. Tiffanie Willis-Archie is a movement driven leader who groundswells for constructive religion in society for health equity response on earth toward the Kingdom of Heaven. She has been blessed by God to travel across the nation and islands as a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, banquet trainer, health and effective leader labor logistics response consultant, and youth development strategist. Her cross-industry and cultural diaspora expertise bridges business, education, and public service. Tiffanie is a seasoned GirlTREK state walking-coach who is connecting home, health equity, and community mobility with integrity and measurable impact in built-environment.
A native of the West Coast, now rooted at her family homestead in Southern Union, Tiffanie is the daughter of the late Mr. Aria C Willis, the beloved “house-band” of her mother his bride Ella for over 50 years, to death. She is a prudent wife and is a devoted experiential learning home school mother to one bright, energetic son, Jair’ a.k.a. (J’Aria’), whose joyful curiosity continues to inspire her life mission abundantly.
Tiffanie’s academic and professional path reflect pursued excellence and divine order. A graduate of Oakwood University, she earned a B.S. in Biological Education and A.S. in Physical Science, followed by a Master’s degree in Human Relations and Business Organization from Amberton University. She completed graduate-level work and internship experience in City and Urban Planning while serving as a Planner I across the DFW, University of Texas, Arlington, Texas. Currently, she is re-enrolled to complete a Doctorate in Social Leadership with a focus on Religion in Society at Oxford (Omega) Graduate School, American Center.
Over two decades, Tiffanie faithfully served as a high school science educator, city land use planner, and warranted contract specialist officer with the Department of War (Defense). Her leadership extended beyond technical excellence to mentoring teams and cultivating neighborhood youth leaders throughout primarily the Southern United States.
As a former Pathfinder Master Guide Advisor of the Year (NAD), recognized nationally by Elder James Black, Tiffanie cherishes her experiences in Pathfinder Camporees, NAD retreats, Pure Reality events, and ACS (Adventist Community Services) trainings. She co-authored a book titled “Tips for Youth Leaders” curriculum series published by AdventSource with renowned youth ministry author Steve Case and colleague J. and Laura Vibbard.
A lifelong advocate for wellness, Tiffanie is a #GirlTREK Coach and National Fellow recipient, representing Arkansas for two consecutive years. Her advocacy now in year six has been featured in the Texarkana Gazette, celebrating her health equity work and empowerment of women of Ruddy-tint through the personal message she shares: “Stand Tall in All Circumstances.” Her podcast speaks directly to virgins and gives them space to share, listen and intentional response from convicting self-concept. Through GirlTREK and her own initiatives, she encourages women and girls to walk, literally and spiritually, toward better health, self-worth, and audacious unstoppable principled character not incivility.
Her impact has reached over 1,000’s of individuals nationwide through conferences, schools, or themed retreats, and community engagements. She continues this dialogue through her Letters To Queens podcast, where she invites women and community to reflect, heal, and grow, reminding listeners that “grown-ups should have conversations about their childhood too.”
In one of her current roles, Tiffanie serves as a cross-industry consultant and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) counselor, certified by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. She operates as a community conciliator, strengthening bridges between agencies, families, and neighborhoods.
Through her firm, Vertical Absolute Global Consortium Consultancy LLC, Tiffanie builds systems that align Community Health, Home Equity, and Environmental Business Development Mobility. While Development Director at a 110 year old campus, brings her daily joy as she pursues establishment of legacy resources from individuals or corporations for youth academic leadership capacity. All while meeting the needs of community, by teaching consensus-building in relationship through principled communication.
As founder of Seed Take Root Preparatory Academy, she is pioneering hands-on, outdoor, faith-based experiential education that uses The Bible with Nature as the central guide. Drawing inspiration from advocates of resiliency taught by historical orator’s and women evangelist Sojourner Truth, Ellen G. White, and Maria Montessori, Tiffanie’s intentional response Eco-course curriculum promotes healthful living, spiritual literacy, and independent thinking rooted in The Creator’s design, The Environment.
Her guiding philosophy comes from book Education by Ellen G. White:
“True education is not the forcing of instruction on an unready and unreceptive mind. The mental powers must be awakened, the interest aroused. For this, God’s method of teaching provides.”
“Every youth, every child, has a work to do for the honor of God and the uplifting of humanity.”
Tiffanie’s life work stands as living testimony that faith, learning, and leadership are one continual ascent, to accelerate vertical access, with absolute evaluation for clarity heavenward.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I know three qualities have shaped my journey most deeply, not just in my life and career, but in how I serve people and steward purpose. Integrity decision-making, even if it hurts me, system thinking or method’s and foresight, human development relations effective integrity not the Trojan Horse of human flourishing.
1. Integrity in Leadership and Decision-Making, throughout my work from federal contracting to nonprofit development, and now start of business advisory I’ve learned that integrity is not simply honesty; it’s spirt-grace of love alignment. It means making decisions that stay true to values even under pressure, fears, stigma or tensions and ensuring that leadership reflects justice response, health-equity fairness, and transparent humility.
Advice: Integrity grows in quiet moments. Practice it daily by pausing before you respond, intentionally “kNOw, NO!” and position your “yes” with what honors your core principles convictions not preferences, and being accountable for outcomes, not just intentions.
2. Systems Thinking and Strategic Foresight, My background in city planning, acquisition, and education taught me to see how every decision affects a larger system, environmental, social, and spiritual. Systems or built-environment social-factors thinking allows me to anticipate impact and build solutions that are transferable and last.
Advice: Learn to think beyond your role or project. Ask how today’s actions ripple outward. Study processes, not just people. Read broadly, economics, ecology, theology, to train your mind to connect dots others overlook.
3. Human Development and Communication, whether mentoring youth or advising senior leaders in federal business development or education legacy funding, demonstrating daily walking and tips or hygienic plant-based meals / food preparation in community or on 3ABN Today or Taste of Paradise, Dare to Dream Networks, I’ve found that growth happens through continued relationship connecting and authentic communication, intentional response. My work has always centered on helping others see their solid-worth, self-improvement value, manage conflict response with grace, even with those less than casual with truth and express truth courageously despite harm to me gracefully. Truth talks and lies stop.
Advice: Listen deeply. Ask questions that invite reflection, not reaction. Practice constructive empathy and self-awareness, these skills (gift and fruit environment) will outlast any title or credential you earn. Never forget to state, “Thank you.” Just because.
Final Reflection, I believe impact comes from how you function in environment walk with people literally through transformation, not just what you build or achieve. For those earlier in their journey, cultivate your spiritual foundation relationship response and curiosity as seriously as your technical skills. The inner women Biblical excellence is important, but authenticity and compassion are what sustain your integrity thus, human race to Eternity.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
In the heart of communities across the region, Tiffanie Willis, founder of Vertical Absolute Inc., is leading a powerful organization and health-equity movement one by one ground-swelling through her initiative, as a volunteer promoting GirlTREK, Keep America Beautiful and CADCA or RAAD. Each of these support a quiet ‘certain sound’ in environment and remains transforming the way young people experience learning, effective leadership, and self-discovery. As founder of the Total City Community Cares Eco Class a community-based program uniting faith, education, restraint response and environmental stewardship to nurture healthier, more resilient youth. The Eco Class brings together educators, parents, and community partners to create interactive learning experiences that reduce adolescent impulsivity, fear, and stress while strengthening health equity and self-concept. Each event gathering blends nature with intentional nurture creativity, service, faith, hands-on ways to navigate stress and impulsivity, and science empowering young people to see themselves as vital contributors to their communities and caretakers of the earth and human race. Adolescents must learn about energy, land use efficiency, or engaging in creative problem-solving activities all designed to strengthen their connection to the world around them and their own sense of self-worth. I know I can’t do this alone. Vertical Absolute is now calling on compassionate collaborators, from grant writers, corporate philanthropic foundation donors and creative program coordinators to in-kind donors, business or restaurant owners and volunteers, to join her in expanding this mission of built-environment social factors, disparities healing and hope. “This is about more than two days,” she shares. “It’s about creating a contagious culture built-environmental system of care, neighborhood beautification that helps youth lead with courage personally and with clarity, no longer impulsivity, stress from stigmas or fears.” To learn more or get involved, visit www.WhatsNaKiss.com.
As Development and Funding Director of Miami Union Adventist Academy (MUAA), my heart is deeply invested in ensuring that every student, especially those from under-resourced communities has the opportunity to thrive academically, spiritually, socially and healthy. Approaching nearly 110 years of educational excellence, MUAA, I have joined to lead is embarking on a $100,000 donations campaign Give Miami Day and laying the foundation for a gateway amount of $26 million capital campaign leading into our 2027 Centennial Gala, no set plans but The Ritz Carlton is the wish list location! This effort is designed to sustain and expand programs that afford generative economy STEM innovation, experiential learning, food science and production, bio-animal labs, agricultural and horticultural initiatives, aquatic wellness cooling indoor walking trails gymnasium, and leadership development test and farmer markets, EMT emergency International diplomacy response master plan academic new K-12 campus complex, all rooted in principled character formation and built-environment health equity. Tiffanie believes that legacy relationships are the ultimate goal, because when individuals, corporate business and foundations invest through giving, their donations and contributions become powerful tools that create unlimited opportunities through education. Going beyond immediate act of generosity to sustain impact.
We are actively seeking philanthropic partners and community champions and ambassadors who share our vision and desire tangible, lasting impact. Donors can directly support scholarships for worthy students, coach travel buses to expand access to educational experiences, and initiatives that connect youth with real-world learning opportunities not just textbook reading. By contributing through Give Miami Day 2025 and the 5K Give Miles Mater (November 15–20), or via our digital platforms and social media, supporters help shape the future of MUAA creating opportunities for students to lead, innovate, and serve, while honoring a legacy of nearly 110 years of excellence and local, national and international community impact.
With business development every year, over $700 billion in federal contracts are awarded, not just to large corporations, but to prepared small businesses that understand how to position, price, and perform strategically. The difference between hoping for growth and winning opportunity is simple: strategy, readiness, and the effective advisory.
That’s where Vertical Absolute Global Consortium Consultancy LLC comes in. I’m Tiffanie Willis-Archie, founder of Vertical Absolute and a former Department of Defense (War) warranted contracting officer. I help capable, values-driven businesses evaluate federal marketing to accelerate access while business owners of goods and services enter the federal space with clarity, compliance, and confidence. I know what government buyers are looking for, and how to poise your company and stand out pre-post award.
At Vertical Absolute, we don’t just talk strategy, we build systems that inform your win. We help businesses refine their federal market positioning, develop capability statements, conduct readiness reviews, and prepare bids and proposals that attract opportunities. Our team also provides acquisition evaluation and negotiation coaching, ensuring clients know their worth, justify pricing, and compete successfully. Post-award, we guide compliance, invoicing, and reporting so performance aligns seamlessly with federal expectations, upfront.
We are always networking seeking fit business collaborators who are ready to grow a federal division, evaluate market opportunities, and position themselves as a fit buyer for the government. Ideal partners have strong financials, accountable teams, and either hold or are pursuing 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, or GSA Schedule status. Businesses that act quickly and sign our consultant agreement with Appendix A and NDA/NC for a six-month onboarding phase are poised to accelerate growth and expand beyond previous expectations.
Vertical Absolute delivers a pragmatic, principled, and performance-driven approach to federal business development. We are committed to companies not just to compete, but thrive consecutively, expanding revenue, building capable teams, and unlock opportunities in a marketplace worth beyond billions of dollars. If you know business owners who are ready to grow, establish a federal presence, and engage strategically with the government, now is the time to connect and take the first step toward measurable, evaluation for lasting success through the Vertical Absolute Accelerator methods and blueprint. [email protected] or call business number (214) 702 -6402 and Social at LinkedIn: Tiffanie Willis (The Response Pragmatist)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://verticalabsolute.com/
- Instagram: VerticalAbsolute
- Linkedin: Tiffanie Willis
- Other: https://whatsnakiss.com/
Image Credits
Tiffanie W Archie picutres and or also Stans Shavers Graphics gifted photogrpher to Vertical Absolute Inc.
