Darlene Bailey, a native of suburban Rockland County, NY. Darlene is a very big New York sports fan. As the youngest of six, Darlene born with Sickle Cell Anemia and does not let Sickle Cell or anything hold her down. As an avid football and basketball fan, Darlene has volunteered countless hours, both on the field and courts, as well as behind the scenes. My passion became a part of my everyday life when I reached the ninth grade and was asked to volunteer with the basketball programs. Year after year the love for football and basketball grew and found me in a position of Team Administrator, Equipment Manager, Team Mom, and Pop Warner League Administrator. This became Darlene’s job and passion until Jr. College when she stepped away to pursue her career in banking.

Taking a job in banking while in Jr. College was another opportunity to be in a leadership role, but this time off the sports grid. Starting with The Dime Savings Bank as a Teller, Darlene was able to set a new goal. Taking on challenges is something that she strives in. Within six months of being a teller, Darlene was given an opportunity to train new tellers within the branch. Shortly after that, she was promoted to ATM Cash Manager. ATM Cash Managers are responsible for ordering and processing all cash to and from the ATM. Working closely with her Teller Manager, Darlene began to learn more skills, skills that landed her a position as a Call Center Supervisor by the age of 21. After 3 years in the call center learning all aspects of banking Darlene was called back to the branches to train tellers, and run the ATM System for a large transaction center. Missing being on the courts/fields she returned to the football field as a coaches assistant (Pop Warner Football).

Seeking out a position for an NY Semi-Pro Team called The Rockland County Bruins was a dream comes true. As one of the team’s administrators and biggest fans, Darlene finally was in her happy place. Two years with the Bruins came to an end as the team joined a new league and went through a name change. As a new member of the Administrative team of the  Mount Vernon Wolverines, Darlene was given more responsibilities. Allowing nothing to stop her, she pushed forward until her and her husband relocated to Atlanta in 2005. Darlene now resides in Hiram, GA with her husband, step-son, and two fur babies both named after NY Football teams (Jet & Giant). She is a double graduate of Strayer University with a Bachelor’s In Business Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. With a heart of servitude, she gives her time to educate others on Sickle Cell, and mentoring youth to be better and do better in their families and communities.Traveling more is a passion that she is working on and one day hopes to sponsor other Sickle Cell Warriors to travel.