I’m Nicki Sanders, a master’s level social worker and nonprofit leader who specializes in career development, professional development, and organizational development. There’s also a bit of personal development thrown into the mix.
I have many amazing things happening right now (I live in answered prayers) which has resulted in a bit more self-reflection and longer gratitude sessions.
2005: Enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work
2006: Launched my first side hustle
2007: Promoted to nonprofit leadership
2008: Completed MSW program
2013: Developed an internship program and supervised my first 3 interns in the same semester
2014: First year teaching as an adjunct professor
So many other things have taken place in my life and career. Sometimes experiences I forgot about randomly pop into my head (while writing this post I remembered that I have also supervised a Human Services Administration master’s level intern) for which I am grateful. Sometimes I have to remind myself of the rich diversity of my work experience and transferable skills (confident not cocky). At this stage of my career and at my big age in life, I am also constantly evaluating how I connect with others, walk in my purpose, and show up authentically and with intentionality:
✔️My Truth: I’ve never liked to be told what to do
♟️But I respect authority and honor the knowledge and experience of others
✔️My Truth: I’ve never followed the crowd or tried to be accepted by the “in” crowd
♟️But I am confident in my education, experience, and expertise and can navigate diverse groups and spaces
✔️My Truth: I’ve always defined success on my own terms
♟️But I learned the systems and expectations so I could excel without being indoctrinated into them
✔️My Truth: I have always been solution-focused and gotten important things done
♟️But at this stage in my career if I don’t enjoy it, I don’t engage in it
✔️My Truth: I’m an introvert who would rather walk in the forest than ‘people’ online and offline everyday
♟️But I shine when I’m aligned and in my element
✔️My Truth: I show my authentic self online
♟️But there are parts of my life reserved for my inner circle and things I won’t attempt to monetize online
✔️My Truth: I’m in competition with no one but past versions of me
♟️But I see folks weirdly watching (I’m honestly still rooting for y’all, though)
I am committed to sharing my social work journey and offering insight and information to help other social workers at every stage of their career build a long-term, successful career that they love and on their own terms.
RELATED: Professional Development with Nicki Sanders, MSW
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Nicki Sanders, MSW, is committed to career development, professional development, and organizational development. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki supports high-performing women of color in social work leadership in developing careers that feed their hearts, minds, and wallets. She has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams, volunteer recruitment and retention, and social impact programming. Nicki is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. She is a lover of nature, cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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