Influential Women Spotlights Tina Collins: Championing Vulnerable Children With Compassion, Advocacy & Heart

ARCHDALE, NC, UNITED STATES, October 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Vice President and Executive Director of Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children Draws on 26 Years in the Classroom to Change the Trajectory of Children’s Lives

Archdale, North Carolina – Tina Collins is a dedicated nonprofit leader, child advocate, and former educator whose career has been driven by a passion for improving the lives of vulnerable children. As Vice President and Executive Director of Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children (AANCR / Voice of a Child), she oversees the organization’s daily operations while leading community awareness initiatives, participating in local radio programs, and serving as a court-appointed child advocate. Her mission centers on ensuring that children have access to the resources, medical care, education, and protection they need to thrive.

Before moving into nonprofit leadership, Tina devoted 26 years to education as a classroom teacher specializing in English as a Second Language. Her path into teaching was inspired by an influential middle school teacher and a high school foreign exchange experience in Central America. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southwestern State University and completed graduate studies in English as a Second Language at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also holds a Child Advocate Certification. A first-generation college graduate who is fluent in Spanish, she brings a commitment to multilingual learners that has shaped her compassionate approach to serving children and families from diverse backgrounds. Her dedication to education was further recognized when she was named one of her school district’s Teachers of the Year for the 2021–2022 school year. The honor provided her with opportunities to model best practices for multilingual learners among her colleagues and take on leadership opportunities within her school and district.

Tina attributes her success to the many people who encouraged and supported her and to the professionals she was fortunate to work under, who modeled what it means to lead. She believes it takes a village, and that a strong support system is what makes a person successful. Having people willing to share their time, knowledge, and strategies has been invaluable to her. The best career advice she ever received came from her principal when she was a young teacher, who reminded her to take care of herself because no one can pour from an empty cup. That advice has stayed with her, and she has learned that investing in her own well-being allows her to show up as her best self for her students, colleagues, and others.

Her advice to young women entering the nonprofit field builds on that lesson. Tina encourages them to prioritize self-care, to trust that they do not have to know everything, and never to be afraid to ask for help. She views seeking guidance as a sign of strength rather than weakness, and she reminds newcomers that no one succeeds alone. She is continually inspired by the passion and ambition of the next generation, and she encourages them to believe in themselves, keep learning, and lean on others when they need support.

Tina sees community awareness as one of the greatest challenges in her field, particularly for abused and neglected children who do not speak English as their first language. Ensuring those children receive resources, medical care, education, safety, and basic needs remains difficult, and she notes that a lack of understanding of those needs has been a challenge for the past five years. Her bilingual skills and teaching background make her especially well suited to help bridge that gap.

As a court-appointed child advocate, Tina speaks on behalf of children in court, working to keep their needs and well-being at the center of decisions that shape their futures. Her years in the classroom and her work with multilingual families have prepared her well for this responsibility.

Beyond her executive role, Tina is involved with the Invictus Project, supporting efforts to combat human trafficking and child exploitation. Her advocacy has earned public recognition, including front-page coverage in the Courier-Tribune and a guest appearance on a local radio show for her courtroom advocacy on behalf of children. Compassion and generosity are the values that matter most to her, and she believes in treating others with kindness, offering support whenever she can, and giving freely of her time and encouragement.

From the classroom to the courtroom, Tina has spent her career making sure children are seen, heard, and protected. Her work shows how patience, empathy, and persistence can change the course of a young life. Tina’s journey, from an inspired student to a teacher and now an advocate, reflects a lifelong commitment to serving others. She continues to stand as a steady voice for children who need someone in their corner.

Learn More about Tina Collins:

Through her Influential Women profile: https://influentialwomen.com/connect/tina-collins

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