One of the most prosperous Black American women and the wealthiest woman in Jamaica, Dr. Trisha Bailey, decided to put her large sum of money to good use by giving back to her alma mater, the University of Connecticut (UConn), making history as the most extensive athletic donation the university has ever received.
The former Huskies track athlete didn’t disclose the exact amount. Still, it is known that her donation will go toward a $60 million renovation of the Hugh S. Greer Field House, an indoor 200-meter and eight-lane track facility with weight room facilities, locker rooms, and a fueling station.
“Years ago, before I was in the financial space that I’m in now, I used to say that I can’t wait to donate,” Bailey said. “You get phone calls trying to raise money for the endowment. I couldn’t wait to give back to UConn because of what they gave me. That was always in the vision. I just didn’t realize it was this type of vision, though. I said, ‘This is what I can do.’ And they said, ‘really?'”
Additionally, an 80,000-square-foot athletic center named after Bailey will be constructed in 2023, comprising offices, mental health facilities, locker rooms, and space for strength and conditioning.
Bailey reached millionaire status at 35 and holds a net worth of $650-700 million. However, she didn’t come from a wealthy background. She initially lived in poverty as a child in Jamaica, living without electricity or running water before moving to Hartford as a teenager with her mother, stepfather and sister.
“It was a better life,” Bailey told the Insider. “Even though we were in these apartment buildings that are as low-income as you can imagine — we lived in a one-bedroom apartment, and my sister and I slept on the pullout sofa — for me, it was, ‘OK, I have electricity, I don’t have to go outside to use the bathroom.’ I was in luxury land. I didn’t know at the time that we were not rich.”
Success came after graduating from UConn in 1999 with a human development and family relations degree. She received her MBA in business administration and her doctorate in management and organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix.
She owns her medical businesses, Bailey’s Medical Equipment and Supplies, Bailey’s Pharmacy and Bailey’s Scrubs, in Florida, Tennessee, Georgia and Texas. East Hartford is soon to be included.
The mother of five also owns an island off the coast of Jamaica and plans to place a resort on it. Not only are her medical businesses in Florida, but also her horse ranch, the largest horse ranch in Florida.
With all of her success, Bailey offered vital advice to those who hope to encounter success like her.
“Always be disciplined, work very hard in every single thing they do,” Bailey said. “When you put all your effort, and when you’re intentional with your efforts, what will naturally happen is you’ll find what you truly love. You’ll find your purpose. Once you find your purpose, it’s no longer work. You’ll be in blissful heaven as you’re working and building your career.”
