I recognize that Women of Color in social work leadership struggle with doubt and visibility in the workplace because I am a Black woman in social work leadership who previously dimmed her light. I am a Black woman who experienced professional burnout and compassion fatigue. Just like my previous clients, staff, students, and interns, I’ve been where you are.
Indoctrination from social work education, professors and mentors have led to the massive belief that social workers have to be in it for the outcome and not the income. No more! We are eliminating the outdated, narrow view of social work and showering ourselves with words, beliefs, and visions of abundance, opportunity, and pursuit of a prosperous, long-term, successful social work career.
The three pillars in my Strategic Career Management framework are clarity, credibility, and congruency. My clients achieve career fulfillment – going from overworked, underpaid, and unappreciated to energized, well-paid, and appreciated – using my Strategic Career Management framework combined with a bit of encouragement and accountability.
I am passionate about helping high-performing women social work leaders increase their confidence, honor their achievements, and advance their careers. Below are social work career fulfillment mantras that I want to share with you.
REMEMBER:
- Social workers do not take a vow of poverty
- Professional burnout is not a social work rite of passage.
- You are a brand, and your career is your business.
- If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive.
- Social work skills are highly transferable, high-income skills.
My Current Stretch Project: More Than Social Work with Nicki Sanders on YouTube
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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