25 Women for 2023: Carmelesa Crosby-Harley enjoys sharing time, resources
In 1975, Carmelesa Crosby-Harley arrived in Tallahassee as a freshman at Florida A&M University to study sociology. “I really wanted to work in social services,” she says. “I thought it would be so nice to have a career where you could help people.”
That commitment to service towards others has defined her life, career, and volunteerism, earning recognition as Elder Care Services’ 2014 Philanthropist of the Year, and now, one of Tallahassee’s 25 Women You Need to Know.
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She began her career in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a case worker for the American Red Cross, working with military families and veterans. “It was quite an education,” she recalls. But she soon found herself back in Tallahassee to earn a Master's Degree in Applied Social Sciences with a concentration in Public Administration. She has made our city her home for the past 41 years and retired from a career in human resources after 32 years.
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Lesa, as she is known by friends, learned about service by observing her family members. “I grew up seeing my mother and maternal grandparents working hard to provide for our family,” she said. “They always had a garden of fresh vegetables and fruit. They would share food with family, friends and neighbors. They also drove older family members and friends to medical appointments, grocery shopping and to take care of their business.” That example inspired her to do the same when and where she could.
Carmelesa has been a Meals on Wheels Volunteer since 2003, when she found herself in a work schedule that gave her Fridays off. “I wasn’t being very productive,” she admits. “One day I saw a car with a Meals on Wheels sign on it, and decided I could do that on Fridays. I enjoyed it so much that when I retired, I added a day!”
She treasures the friendships and connections she makes with the people she encounters during her volunteerism. “I have always enjoyed helping others. I am blessed to have what I need in life. I really enjoy sharing my time and resources with others.”
“My mother was definitely the person who influenced and inspired me. She was an educator and very creative. She told me that when I make it to reach back and help someone else.”
Crosby-Harley found herself in a position to help recently, when she encountered a man in need of shoes, clothing, and comfort items. She was astonished when, after purchasing items he needed and delivering them to him, a stranger approached her. “She handed me money from her purse and asked me to use it to keep helping others,” she said. “And that is what I will do!”
Carmelesa is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she has served as a member of the Delta Kappa Omega graduate chapter since 1989 and has been recognized as Soror of the Year and with the Deloris H. Oliver Service to Mankind Award.
Her service extends to her church, New Mt. Zion AME, where she has been a member for 21 years and is known for stepping up to help wherever she is needed. In 2009, she was recognized by Tallahassee Community College in the TCC African American Calendar and has been saluted by the Leon County Chapter of the National Hookup of Black Women.
She is active with the Leon County Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association and served on the board of the Area Agency on Aging of North Florida. “I love the diversity that Tallahassee offers,” she says. “There are people living here from all over the world. I love the variety of restaurants and festivals that are celebrated throughout the year.”
You’ll also find Carmelesa on her porch, where she enjoys listening to music, reading inspirational messages, and what she calls front porch therapy. “Front porch therapy is what I do after my morning walk. I read the newspaper and inspirational messages, drink coffee, talk to my neighbors and enjoy being outside,” she says with satisfaction in her voice.
Carmelesa Crosby-Harley began her career with an eye towards service, and continues that family legacy in her retirement. “Find something that calls to you,” she says, “and look for ways to reach back to help others.”
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 25 Women: Carmelesa Crosby-Harley delivers meals, conversation
