Bailey Faulkner
Executive Director
Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas
Briefly describe your role:
Leadership and management are two of the most important duties of what I have the privilege of doing. Ozark Mission Project has the best team of volunteers and staff that are committed to our mission of transforming lives and communities. At the core of what we do is about building relationships and offering the best mission trip opportunity in the country. Each day our team works to achieve that goal and together we make an impact.
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: No, when I was a little girl I wanted to have my own talk show. I thought it would be so fun to interview people every day. Now, I get to work with over 1,000 volunteers and youth across our state and help organize teams to build wheelchair ramps and do minor repair work. Sometimes it does feel like a talk show because at the core of what OMP does is build relationships and that’s through connecting.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: I can’t speak for other women but for me, my greatest challenge is myself. It’s the fear of failure but my mom has always tells me that the real fear is not trying. Those words are truer today than ever.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: My husband, daughter, parents, grandparents and every teacher that believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. In the third grade I was diagnosed with dyslexia and experienced childhood bullying. I had so many people invest in me and now I see that through Ozark Mission Project. I get to see how taking time to help others changes the world.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: I can’t take credit for this statement because I’ve learned that listening and learning from others is how we continue to grow. I have this quote in my office.
“Change the world by being yourself.” Alexis Faupel, a former OMP camper and college counselor
Q: What’s been your secret to success?
A: Success isn’t about awards, titles or financial gain, it’s about the quality of the relationships you form. Invest in people, pray for one anther and tell those around you that you love them.
