Myisha Harris Armstrong

From Cosmetologist to Community Leader

Myisha Harris Armstrong, an entrepreneur, advocate and community leader, dedicates herself to empowering youth and strengthening families through housing and behavioral health support. She is the CEO and founder of SafeSpaces Transitional Housing and the Safe Space Youth Mentorship Program. The organizations support youth ages 16 to 24 through stable housing and life skills development.

She credits Tri-C with setting her on that career path.

"I chose Tri-C to further my education because of its reputation of excellence," she said. "I tell everyone that Tri-C's No. 1 goal is assuring that graduates are more than ready for the workforce. Affordability is not the only aspect when searching for a school to attend. Preparedness is most important."

Harris Armstrong earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Services from Tri-C before seamlessly transitioning to Youngstown State University to complete her bachelor's degree in social work, graduating summa cum laude. She is a licensed social worker (LSW) and licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDCIII).

Her programs serve youth navigating foster care transition, homelessness, mental health, substance use recovery and independent living issues. Her accomplishments were recognized when SafeSpaces Transitional Housing was selected to collaborate through Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb's A Home for Every Neighbor initiative. The collaborative is addressing the needs of more than 180 people living in encampments.

Her own journey was not always easy. Harris Armstrong finished high school years before her Tri-C experience, enjoying a 30-year career as a cosmetologist. But she had a different goal in mind and enrolled at Tri-C during the early days of Covid.

"We all had to adapt to a new learning style and lacked normal face-to-face interaction," she said. "But Tri-C kept us motivated, and the faculty and staff remained accessible and encouraging while navigating remote learning. The commitment to student success helped me remain focused, achieve my academic goals, and continue my educational journey."

She noted that internships and a mentor further enriched her experience and prepared her for her work. Barbara Winston, a counselor and associate professor at the Metropolitan Campus, now serves on SafeSpaces' advisory board and as an education liaison on behalf of Tri-C.

"I tell my mentees about my experience and highlight the benefits of enrolling at Tri-C," Harris Armstrong said. "My goal is to serve and positively impact as many individuals as possible. I am committed to helping people achieve stability, growth and success."