Two extraordinary leaders recently came on board to help shape the future of compassion and impact at GLIDE: Tacing Parker, our Chief Program Officer, and Jason Finau, our Senior Director of Health and Clinical Services.
Tacing brings visionary leadership and a deep commitment to equity, guiding our programmatic work with passion and purpose. Jason leads with heart and expertise, ensuring our health and clinical services remain rooted in dignity, healing, and accessible care for all. Together, they embody GLIDE’s mission of radical inclusion and social justice, and we are thrilled to have them at the helm of this vital work.
Below are a series of questions we asked both Tacing and Jason to fill in their picture of what working at GLIDE means for them and the work that they will be doing.
Tacing Parker
How did you get into your chosen field/industry? What inspired you?
Early in life, my mother instilled a deep sense of community-centeredness and service. She believed that giving back was essential to being a good human, and she wanted that for her children. Whether it was volunteering for local charity events, offering help to a neighbor in need, or standing in solidarity with those facing adversity, my family taught me that service wasn’t just an act—it was a way of life.
I vividly recall the countless times we would come together as a family to support others, whether participating in community efforts, or simply offering a kind word to someone going through a rough patch. It wasn’t just about giving material help; my mother and family emphasized the importance of showing up for others—of being present and compassionate in times of struggle. Her actions consistently demonstrated that even small gestures of kindness can have a profound impact, and that every act of service, no matter how seemingly insignificant, contributes to building a stronger, more connected community.
Over time, I internalized this mindset, realizing that community is built on mutual respect, empathy, and shared responsibility. Growing up in this environment of service and support, I learned that we are all interconnected, and that our personal success is tied to the well-being of those around us.
What are you most excited about working on at GLIDE?
GLIDE is a great organization with a distinguished legacy of service to and in partnership with the community. As a multiservice organization, it offers numerous opportunities for contributing to a variety of roles and capacities. I am particularly excited by the opportunity to engage in supporting our leaders in a thoughtful way, building on the work that has been previously done by further aligning our programs and services to ensure they are integrated across the organization.
What’s your go-to productivity trick or essential tool for getting work done?
One of my primary strategies for ensuring the completion of tasks and projects is to be sure to allocate time for focused work on my calendar. Over the years, I often found myself attending meeting after meeting, only to realize that I lacked the necessary time to address the action items stemming from those discussions. Over time, I recognized that, given the significance of the work I was involved in, it was essential to set aside dedicated time for follow-up on meeting outcomes. To maintain productivity and stay organized, I typically reserve blocks of desk time throughout the week, aligning them with my to-do list to ensure continuous progress.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
I’m paraphrasing but one of the best pieces of advice I’ve received was, “Each of us has an opportunity to have an impact in the world, make sure yours is one you will be proud of.”
Jason Finau
How did you get into your chosen field/industry? What inspired you?
I’m a social worker by trade and I was inspired by the women in my life to do this work. My maternal grandmother (Motiana Isala) and my mother (Fialelei Finau) provided the framework for what it means to be in community not just with your biological family, but with the community as a whole. In the Pacific Islander culture (my family is from American Samoa), we literally embody the “it takes a village” lifestyle.
Because my mom was a nurse in the Navy, I spent a lot of my childhood growing up in hospitals, so I initially went to school to become a pediatrician. However, during my studies, I learned about social work and how the role of a social worker in the community aligned more with my career/life goals than becoming a doctor.
I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the phenomenal women I’ve met along the way (Prof Karen Baum, Dr. Sharon Elise, Sandra Teixera, and Raquel Wells to name a few) who educated me, motivated me, coached me, and who continue to inspire me to keep showing up in this work.
What are you most excited to work on at GLIDE?
I am SUPER excited to help enhance our behavioral health services at GLIDE. Part of that goal will be launching Barbershop. Our hope is to create and foster a warm and inviting space for older Black men in the community where they can access grooming services and get connected to care to address the overdose fatalities, substance abuse, mental health struggles, and social isolation that is prevalent in that demographic.
What’s your go-to productivity trick or essential tool for getting work done?
Setting reminders for myself in Outlook to step away from my computer and take a walk. Engaging in any mindfulness activity during the day, even if it’s for 10-15mins, helps me to get out of my own way when trying to accomplish a task.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
When it comes to work, nothing is so urgent that you need to sacrifice your health (physical, mental, emotional, social, and/or spiritual) to get it done.