Hidden Gems: Meet Quatisha Bailey of The Queue

Today we’d like to introduce you to Quatisha Bailey.

Hi Quatisha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Stockton, California, where I was raised in a community challenged by violence, gangs, and drugs. My greatest influence growing up was my grandmother’s fierce, respected leader who transformed a low-income, and marginalized apartment complex community into a place of hope and unity. Her unwavering faith in God and her commitment to blessing others made her a pillar of strength in our neighborhood. She taught me the power of resilience, purpose, and service.
In the early 2000s, I moved to Colorado on a basketball scholarship to CSU-Pueblo. That move marked a turning point in my life, setting the stage for what would later become my life’s mission. In 2024, I founded The Queue, a 5019c3 nonprofit organization with a vision to address health disparities and empower youth through education, inspiration, empowerment, and while fostering lifelong health and wellness. We work to create remarkable young people in the Denver Metro area by offering free workshops, conferences, and youth development programs in partnership with local schools, state funding, scholarships, and community donations.
In April 2025, we hosted our 2nd Remarkable Young Women’s Conference, and in May, we held our very first Remarkable Young Junior High Conference. These events cover a wide range of topics including financial literacy, healthy relationships, career development, etiquette, time management, and conflict resolution. Each session is designed to equip our youth with the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
Why do I do this work? Because my grandmother’s legacy lives on in me. I do this for the young Black girls who, like me, were labeled and underestimated. I grew up in a single-parent household and was told I wouldn’t amount to anything—that I was too sassy, too bold, too loud. But someone saw potential in me, someone who chose to mentor and guide me when I couldn’t see my own worth. I changed the narrative, and now it’s my calling to be that mentor, that role model, and that trusted adult for young people across Colorado. I do this work because I know what it means to be doubted, and I know what it takes to rise above it.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have definitely faced my share of challenges, but I overcame them by stepping into my natural role as the oldest of three siblings. That responsibility shaped me into a leader, a helper, and a role model for my two younger brothers. My mother, a resilient Black woman raising three children on her own, did everything she could with the limited resources available to her. Despite our financial struggles, we never truly felt poor. It was her smile, her strength, and her determination that carried us through.

Growing up in Stockton during the 1990s, one of the most dangerous cities in the country at the time, I was fortunate to find joy and purpose in activities that kept me grounded. I discovered a love for dancing and eventually found my passion for basketball, even though I didn’t start playing the sport until my sophomore year of high school. Those outlets became my refuge and foundation, helping me grow and persevere through adversity. I never would have imagined that I would one day play in college, let alone earn a scholarship to do so.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Queue?
In addition to advancing the mission and vision of The Queue, our impact is further extended through Qs (Questions) with Q LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to empowering young people in the Denver Metro area to make informed, healthy life decisions. Qs with Q LLC offers health and wellness educational presentations on a range of critical topics including sexual health, suicide prevention, substance misuse, sexual assault prevention, and mental health first aid. These sessions are thoughtfully designed for schools, youth-serving organizations, and community partners who are committed to supporting the overall well-being of youth.

In alignment with our commitment to accessibility and support, Qs with Q has also developed an anonymous 24/7 text line, providing teens and adults with a safe space to ask questions and access timely information. This service connects individuals to valuable resources, including healthcare providers, crisis support, and more helping to bridge gaps and ensure that no one feels alone on their journey to wellness.

What sets us apart is our lived experience, our culturally responsive approach, and our deep commitment to breaking generational cycles through education and mentorship. Our founder’s personal journey from being labeled and underestimated to becoming a college scholar and community leader is the foundation of our work. She knows firsthand the power of having someone believe in you, and that belief is what we strive to instill in every young person we reach.

We are most proud that our brand stands for purpose, empowerment, and real impact. Whether it is through The Queue’s youth development programs or Qs with Q LLC’s health and wellness education, everything we do is centered around helping young people feel seen, supported, and prepared to lead healthy, successful lives. We want readers to know that we are not just building programs. We are building futures.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have been incredibly fortunate to have mentors, supporters, and cheerleaders throughout my journey who have played a significant role in both my personal growth and the success of my businesses. Two mentors who stand out are my high school basketball coach, Coach Reyes, and my 9th and 10th grade high school counselor, Ms. Coleman. Coach Reyes taught me the value of discipline, perseverance, and leadership. Those lessons that have stayed with me far beyond the basketball court. Ms. Coleman believed in me at a time when I didn’t fully believe in myself. She saw potential in me and encouraged me to dream bigger and push forward, no matter the challenges I faced.
Since the moment I envisioned starting my own businesses, I have been blessed with an amazing support system. Family, friends, colleagues, and community members have all contributed in different ways—whether through encouragement, resources, partnership, or simply showing up. Their belief in my vision helped bring The Queue and Qs with Q LLC to life.
Most importantly, my two daughters, Nevaeh and Saniah, have been my greatest cheerleaders and my constant source of inspiration. They have played an instrumental role in my life, reminding me every day why this work matters. They are the reason I continue to push forward with purpose and passion. Everything I do is rooted in the desire to create a better, more empowered world for them and for every young person we serve.
Lastly, I cannot forget my beautiful, intelligent, and inspiring grandmother, Ella Mae Jones. She was the foundation of everything I am today. Her strength, wisdom, and unwavering faith shaped not only my character but also the heart of the work I do. She was a true community leader who transformed her environment and touched countless lives with her love and courage. Her legacy lives on in me, and every step I take with The Queue and Qs with Q LLC is a reflection of the values she instilled in me. She remains my greatest inspiration and the original blueprint for the change I strive to create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://meetinthequeue.com
• Instagram: @Qswithqllc
• Facebook: TheQueue

Image Credits
Keelan Bailey for caputuring all of the photos at the Remarkable Young Women’s Conference (RYWC)
LaiA Green holding the certificate (attended the Remarkable Young Junior High Conference)
Quatisha Bailey – Founder & Executive Director of The Queue (providing the anonymous text line to young people in a classroom setting)
Quatisha Bailey, Commissioner Rhonda Fields, Dr. Dwinita Mosby-Tyler, and Dr. Brenda J. Allen – Special guest at 2nd annual Remarkable Young Women’s Conference)
Quatisha Bailey – Founder (host a lunch time tabling event at an Aurora Public School high school
Tamika Thomas, Makisha Boothe, Cydney Carter, Angel Mills, and Dr. Plashan McCune (RYWC Entrepeneur Panelist and Commissioner Rhonda Fields, Dr. Dwinita Mosby-Tyler, and Dr. Brenda J. Allen special guest speakers)