Send us a text

The term “soft life” is everywhere, but what does it really mean?  In this episode, we unpack the concept of the “soft life” and explore whether it’s a meaningful goal or just another fleeting social media trend.  We discuss how the idea varies across individuals and why it’s important for each of us to define what the soft life means in our own lives.

Joining us is Mikelah Rose, also known as Queen M—a proud Jamaican-American blending corporate expertise with entrepreneurial creativity.  As the founder of Style & Vibes, a digital media platform celebrating Caribbean style, music and culture, Mikelah bridges cultural borders and connects the global Caribbean diaspora through storytelling.  With experience in major Caribbean-American media outlets, she’s built a niche following and a trusted voice within the Caribbean community.

Discover how Mikelah’s journey can inspire social workers and others to create their own definition of balance, fulfillment and the “soft life.”

Connect with Mikelah Rose:

• Website: styleandvibes.com
• Instagram and Twitter: @styleandvibes

Thank you for listening to this thought-provoking episode.  Don’t forget to follow, subscribe and share to help us bring more valuable conversations to the social work community!

Social workers of color face immense challenges—systemic racism, underfunding, and overwhelming caseloads. They work tirelessly to support others but often lack the support they need. That’s why we created the Queens of Social Work Podcast—a lifeline and safe space for social workers of color to vent, share, laugh, and find the resources they need to thrive.

The  QOSW Daily Journal and our Royally You Interactive Journal for yourself will help you get all of your thoughts out and reflect on what’s next for you. For all of the budding social workers and those wanting to know more about social work in a healthcare setting, check out our Guide for ER Social Workers also for sale on Amazon and go to our website queensofsocialwork.net for your queens of social work merch! It makes a great gift. 

Support the show

→ DON'T MISS THE NEXT EPISODE OF THE QUEENS OF SOCIAL WORK PODCAST! Follow us on your preferred podcast platform (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and share your thoughts in a review.

→ WE VALUE YOUR INPUT. Take our 1-question survey and shape future episodes.

→ DONATE TODAY to be a part of positive change for social workers of color.

→ LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION? Follow us on Instagram @queensofsocialwork

→ TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL! Follow our LinkedIn page for professional insights.

→ UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES. Visit our website and join our email list to receive your FREE Travel Social Work Guide.

Send us a text

October is the month where awareness is raised about Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence. In this episode we discuss our experience with these two topics when working in medical social work. We couldn't let the month go by without discussing this. 

October is a significant month for raising awareness about Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence, two critical issues that intersect with social work practice.  In this episode, we reflect on our experiences addressing these topics while working in medical social work.  From supporting survivors of domestic violence to helping patients navigate cancer diagnoses, we share insights, challenges and valuable resources for those impacted.

We couldn’t let the month go by without shedding light on these important issues and providing resources for social workers and the communities they serve.

Domestic Violence Resources:

• Safe Horizon Domestic Violence Hotline (NYC): 1-800-621–HOPE (4673)
• Family Justice Centers in NYC: Family Justice Centers
• Violence Intervention Program (VIP) Mujeres – Latinx: vipmujeres.org
• Turning Point for Women and Families (Muslim Women): tpny.org
• Hot Peach Pages – International DV Resources: hotpeachpages.net
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.799.SAFE (7233)

Breast Cancer Resources:

• Dr. Hadiyah Green’s Cancer Research Foundation (for Women of Color): oralee.org | IG & FB: @oraleeorg
• Ameri

Social workers of color face immense challenges—systemic racism, underfunding, and overwhelming caseloads. They work tirelessly to support others but often lack the support they need. That’s why we created the Queens of Social Work Podcast—a lifeline and safe space for social workers of color to vent, share, laugh, and find the resources they need to thrive.

The  QOSW Daily Journal and our Royally You Interactive Journal for yourself will help you get all of your thoughts out and reflect on what’s next for you. For all of the budding social workers and those wanting to know more about social work in a healthcare setting, check out our Guide for ER Social Workers also for sale on Amazon and go to our website queensofsocialwork.net for your queens of social work merch! It makes a great gift. 

Support the show

→ DON'T MISS THE NEXT EPISODE OF THE QUEENS OF SOCIAL WORK PODCAST! Follow us on your preferred podcast platform (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and share your thoughts in a review.

→ WE VALUE YOUR INPUT. Take our 1-question survey and shape future episodes.

→ DONATE TODAY to be a part of positive change for social workers of color.

→ LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION? Follow us on Instagram @queensofsocialwork

→ TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL! Follow our LinkedIn page for professional insights.

→ UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES. Visit our website and join our email list to receive your FREE Travel Social Work Guide.

Send us a text

In this episode, we continue an important conversation about mental health, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of Black men.

Our guest, Dana Lewis, also known as King D, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and CEO of Whole Life Center, a mental health group practice based in Baltimore, MD. With over nine years of experience, Dana specializes in providing therapy to Black men and couples dealing with anxiety, trauma, depression and identity issues.

Dana shares how his own healing journey inspired his work and how he helps men and couples embrace their authentic selves to excel in every area of life. Over the past two years, Dana has been deeply committed to helping Black men develop emotional intelligence, empowering them to better understand themselves and others while thriving in any environment.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The unique mental health challenges faced by Black men
• Why emotional intelligence is a game-changer for personal and professional success
• Insights into how therapy can help Black men and couples navigate anxiety, trauma and identity

You can connect with Dana Lewis on Instagram at @urban_counselor or visit his website at wholelifecenterservices.org for more information about his practice and resources.

Tune in now for this powerful discussion about mental health, healing and thriving in authenticity!

Social workers of color face immense challenges—systemic racism, underfunding, and overwhelming caseloads. They work tirelessly to support others but often lack the support they need. That’s why we created the Queens of Social Work Podcast—a lifeline and safe space for social workers of color to vent, share, laugh, and find the resources they need to thrive.

The  QOSW Daily Journal and our Royally You Interactive Journal for yourself will help you get all of your thoughts out and reflect on what’s next for you. For all of the budding social workers and those wanting to know more about social work in a healthcare setting, check out our Guide for ER Social Workers also for sale on Amazon and go to our website queensofsocialwork.net for your queens of social work merch! It makes a great gift. 

Support the show

→ DON'T MISS THE NEXT EPISODE OF THE QUEENS OF SOCIAL WORK PODCAST! Follow us on your preferred podcast platform (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and share your thoughts in a review.

→ WE VALUE YOUR INPUT. Take our 1-question survey and shape future episodes.

→ DONATE TODAY to be a part of positive change for social workers of color.

→ LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION? Follow us on Instagram @queensofsocialwork

→ TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL! Follow our LinkedIn page for professional insights.

→ UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES. Visit our website and join our email list to receive your FREE Travel Social Work Guide.

Send us a text

This is our 2nd Career Series Episode. For this episode we decided to speak with the MSW Coach. Marthea Pitts aka Queen M. Marthea Pitts is the founder and lead consultant of The MSW Coach, a social impact design firm. Where she helps corporations and individuals engage in social impact and corporate social responsibility work. 

She is a 3x award-winning workforce development professional and macro social worker. Marthea is a current PhD Educational Leadership candidate at the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University located in Tallahassee, Florida.  

She has experience in for-profit, nonprofit, corporate, governmental, K-12 education, and higher education settings. Marthea was recently featured on LinkedIn, detailing her journey to becoming a social entrepreneur. Her professional mission is to help individuals achieve lifelong self-sufficiency through education and career goal achievement.

If you want to reach out to Queen M you can follow her on ig @the_mswcoach. Also, please check out her content on her website: https://macroandpaid.com.

Social workers of color face immense challenges—systemic racism, underfunding, and overwhelming caseloads. They work tirelessly to support others but often lack the support they need. That’s why we created the Queens of Social Work Podcast—a lifeline and safe space for social workers of color to vent, share, laugh, and find the resources they need to thrive.

The  QOSW Daily Journal and our Royally You Interactive Journal for yourself will help you get all of your thoughts out and reflect on what’s next for you. For all of the budding social workers and those wanting to know more about social work in a healthcare setting, check out our Guide for ER Social Workers also for sale on Amazon and go to our website queensofsocialwork.net for your queens of social work merch! It makes a great gift. 

Support the show

→ DON'T MISS THE NEXT EPISODE OF THE QUEENS OF SOCIAL WORK PODCAST! Follow us on your preferred podcast platform (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and share your thoughts in a review.

→ WE VALUE YOUR INPUT. Take our 1-question survey and shape future episodes.

→ DONATE TODAY to be a part of positive change for social workers of color.

→ LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION? Follow us on Instagram @queensofsocialwork

→ TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL! Follow our LinkedIn page for professional insights.

→ UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES. Visit our website and join our email list to receive your FREE Travel Social Work Guide.

Send us a text

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Monica Gavilanes, LMSW, also known as Queen M, an intergenerational trauma and liberation-centered therapist and educator from Queens, NY.  Monica is the founder of Roots & Alchemy PLLC, a healing hub for racially marginalized communities that provides both individual and community-based support through a decolonized lens.  Her mission is to guide therapists and therapy seekers in addressing cultural amnesia and reclaiming mental wellness for themselves and their lineage.

We delve into the concept of decolonizing social work—what it means, how it can transform everyday social work practice and how it intersects with our personal lives.  Together, we explore the importance of embracing our full selves, recognizing our power and making intentional choices about how to move forward with this knowledge.

This episode is for social workers, therapists and anyone committed to dismantling oppressive systems in mental health and social work while embracing a liberatory practice.

Connect with Monica Gavilanes (Queen M): 

• Instagram: @rootsandalchemy
• Website: www.rootsandalchemypllc.com

Social workers of color face immense challenges—systemic racism, underfunding, and overwhelming caseloads. They work tirelessly to support others but often lack the support they need. That’s why we created the Queens of Social Work Podcast—a lifeline and safe space for social workers of color to vent, share, laugh, and find the resources they need to thrive.

The  QOSW Daily Journal and our Royally You Interactive Journal for yourself will help you get all of your thoughts out and reflect on what’s next for you. For all of the budding social workers and those wanting to know more about social work in a healthcare setting, check out our Guide for ER Social Workers also for sale on Amazon and go to our website queensofsocialwork.net for your queens of social work merch! It makes a great gift. 

Support the show

→ DON'T MISS THE NEXT EPISODE OF THE QUEENS OF SOCIAL WORK PODCAST! Follow us on your preferred podcast platform (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and share your thoughts in a review.

→ WE VALUE YOUR INPUT. Take our 1-question survey and shape future episodes.

→ DONATE TODAY to be a part of positive change for social workers of color.

→ LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION? Follow us on Instagram @queensofsocialwork

→ TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL! Follow our LinkedIn page for professional insights.

→ UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES. Visit our website and join our email list to receive your FREE Travel Social Work Guide.

Send us a text

We’re back for Season 6 of The Queens of Social Work podcast and we’re kicking things off with a career-focused episode!  As social workers, advancing your career often means taking the licensing exam—but what happens when the journey isn’t smooth?

In this episode, we’re joined by Queen T, aka Tabatha from The 4air Project, who shares her inspiring story of resilience and perseverance in tackling the licensing exam.  Whether you’re taking it for the first, second or even third time, her journey will motivate you to keep pushing forward and not give up.

We also dive into the data released by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), which highlights the inequities and systemic biases in the exam that disproportionately impact people of color.  This discussion sheds light on the challenges many social workers face and the need for change in the field.

Resources Mentioned:

• Connect with Tabatha on Instagram @the4airproject for updates, resources and materials for parents supporting their children’s education.
• Explore the ASWB data: 2022 ASWB Exam Pass Rate Analysis.

If you’re preparing for the licensing exam or advocating for change in social work, this episode is for you. Let’s start the season strong by breaking down barriers and building community together.

Social workers of color face immense challenges—systemic racism, underfunding, and overwhelming caseloads. They work tirelessly to support others but often lack the support they need. That’s why we created the Queens of Social Work Podcast—a lifeline and safe space for social workers of color to vent, share, laugh, and find the resources they need to thrive.

The  QOSW Daily Journal and our Royally You Interactive Journal for yourself will help you get all of your thoughts out and reflect on what’s next for you. For all of the budding social workers and those wanting to know more about social work in a healthcare setting, check out our Guide for ER Social Workers also for sale on Amazon and go to our website queensofsocialwork.net for your queens of social work merch! It makes a great gift. 

Support the show

→ DON'T MISS THE NEXT EPISODE OF THE QUEENS OF SOCIAL WORK PODCAST! Follow us on your preferred podcast platform (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and share your thoughts in a review.

→ WE VALUE YOUR INPUT. Take our 1-question survey and shape future episodes.

→ DONATE TODAY to be a part of positive change for social workers of color.

→ LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION? Follow us on Instagram @queensofsocialwork

→ TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL! Follow our LinkedIn page for professional insights.

→ UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES. Visit our website and join our email list to receive your FREE Travel Social Work Guide.

Send us a text

Season 5 is officially a WRAP!  We can’t believe we’ve completed five incredible seasons of the Queens of Social Work podcast and we’re so grateful for your continued support.  From tackling key social work topics to sharing personal and professional insights, this season has been a meaningful journey for us—and hopefully for you too.

In this episode, we reflect on the highlights of Season 5, share our gratitude for your feedback and engagement and give a sneak peek into what’s coming next. Whether you’re a new listener or have been with us from the beginning, thank you for being a part of our growing community of social workers and supporters.

Have a wonderful summer and we’ll be back in the fall with more episodes dedicated to empowering social workers of color and addressing the important issues in our field.  Stay tuned!

Social workers of color face immense challenges—systemic racism, underfunding, and overwhelming caseloads. They work tirelessly to support others but often lack the support they need. That’s why we created the Queens of Social Work Podcast—a lifeline and safe space for social workers of color to vent, share, laugh, and find the resources they need to thrive.

The  QOSW Daily Journal and our Royally You Interactive Journal for yourself will help you get all of your thoughts out and reflect on what’s next for you. For all of the budding social workers and those wanting to know more about social work in a healthcare setting, check out our Guide for ER Social Workers also for sale on Amazon and go to our website queensofsocialwork.net for your queens of social work merch! It makes a great gift. 

Support the show

→ DON'T MISS THE NEXT EPISODE OF THE QUEENS OF SOCIAL WORK PODCAST! Follow us on your preferred podcast platform (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and share your thoughts in a review.

→ WE VALUE YOUR INPUT. Take our 1-question survey and shape future episodes.

→ DONATE TODAY to be a part of positive change for social workers of color.

→ LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION? Follow us on Instagram @queensofsocialwork

→ TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL! Follow our LinkedIn page for professional insights.

→ UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES. Visit our website and join our email list to receive your FREE Travel Social Work Guide.

Send us a text

As we wrap up this season of the Queens of Social Work podcast, we wanted to end on a lighter note.  Inspired by the popularity of last season’s “Cocktails and Questions,” we’re bringing it back—this time without the cocktails!  In this fun and reflective episode, we tackle thought-provoking questions about the social work profession, share personal insights and explore challenges and triumphs faced by social workers today.

It’s the perfect way to close out a season that has addressed heavy yet essential topics, giving listeners a moment to relax while still engaging with important social work discussions.

We’d love to hear your thoughts!  Thank you for listening and supporting the Queens of Social Work podcast.

Social workers of color face immense challenges—systemic racism, underfunding, and overwhelming caseloads. They work tirelessly to support others but often lack the support they need. That’s why we created the Queens of Social Work Podcast—a lifeline and safe space for social workers of color to vent, share, laugh, and find the resources they need to thrive.

The  QOSW Daily Journal and our Royally You Interactive Journal for yourself will help you get all of your thoughts out and reflect on what’s next for you. For all of the budding social workers and those wanting to know more about social work in a healthcare setting, check out our Guide for ER Social Workers also for sale on Amazon and go to our website queensofsocialwork.net for your queens of social work merch! It makes a great gift. 

Support the show

→ DON'T MISS THE NEXT EPISODE OF THE QUEENS OF SOCIAL WORK PODCAST! Follow us on your preferred podcast platform (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and share your thoughts in a review.

→ WE VALUE YOUR INPUT. Take our 1-question survey and shape future episodes.

→ DONATE TODAY to be a part of positive change for social workers of color.

→ LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION? Follow us on Instagram @queensofsocialwork

→ TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL! Follow our LinkedIn page for professional insights.

→ UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES. Visit our website and join our email list to receive your FREE Travel Social Work Guide.

Send us a text

The field of social work is incredibly diverse, offering a wide range of career paths.  In this episode of our Career Series, we dive into the fascinating world of Forensic Social Work with Lindsay Bendell.  Lindsay shares her journey into this unique field, the roles and responsibilities of a forensic social worker and how her work intersects with the legal system.

Forensic social workers play a crucial role in areas such as criminal justice, mitigation, and advocacy, often working with individuals involved in the legal system.  Whether you’re curious about the profession or considering it as a career path, this episode offers valuable insights into a lesser-known but impactful area of social work.

Want to learn more? 

• Visit Lindsay’s website: mitigationmentor.com 
• Follow her on Instagram: @theforensicsocialworker and @truecrimesocialworker

Social workers of color face immense challenges—systemic racism, underfunding, and overwhelming caseloads. They work tirelessly to support others but often lack the support they need. That’s why we created the Queens of Social Work Podcast—a lifeline and safe space for social workers of color to vent, share, laugh, and find the resources they need to thrive.

The  QOSW Daily Journal and our Royally You Interactive Journal for yourself will help you get all of your thoughts out and reflect on what’s next for you. For all of the budding social workers and those wanting to know more about social work in a healthcare setting, check out our Guide for ER Social Workers also for sale on Amazon and go to our website queensofsocialwork.net for your queens of social work merch! It makes a great gift. 

Support the show

→ DON'T MISS THE NEXT EPISODE OF THE QUEENS OF SOCIAL WORK PODCAST! Follow us on your preferred podcast platform (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and share your thoughts in a review.

→ WE VALUE YOUR INPUT. Take our 1-question survey and shape future episodes.

→ DONATE TODAY to be a part of positive change for social workers of color.

→ LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION? Follow us on Instagram @queensofsocialwork

→ TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL! Follow our LinkedIn page for professional insights.

→ UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES. Visit our website and join our email list to receive your FREE Travel Social Work Guide.

Send us a text

As the season winds down and summer break approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect, recharge and refocus on your personal and professional goals.  In this episode of the Queens of Social Work podcast, we explore practical goal-setting strategies tailored for social workers.  Whether you’re navigating career milestones, striving for work-life balance or pursuing self-improvement, setting intentional goals is key to your success.

Discover why being a “GOAL Digger” can transform your mindset and boost your confidence, no matter the size or format of your aspirations.  Tune in for actionable tips and inspiration to help you achieve your goals and thrive in your social work journey.

Social workers of color face immense challenges—systemic racism, underfunding, and overwhelming caseloads. They work tirelessly to support others but often lack the support they need. That’s why we created the Queens of Social Work Podcast—a lifeline and safe space for social workers of color to vent, share, laugh, and find the resources they need to thrive.

The  QOSW Daily Journal and our Royally You Interactive Journal for yourself will help you get all of your thoughts out and reflect on what’s next for you. For all of the budding social workers and those wanting to know more about social work in a healthcare setting, check out our Guide for ER Social Workers also for sale on Amazon and go to our website queensofsocialwork.net for your queens of social work merch! It makes a great gift. 

Support the show

→ DON'T MISS THE NEXT EPISODE OF THE QUEENS OF SOCIAL WORK PODCAST! Follow us on your preferred podcast platform (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and share your thoughts in a review.

→ WE VALUE YOUR INPUT. Take our 1-question survey and shape future episodes.

→ DONATE TODAY to be a part of positive change for social workers of color.

→ LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION? Follow us on Instagram @queensofsocialwork

→ TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL! Follow our LinkedIn page for professional insights.

→ UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES. Visit our website and join our email list to receive your FREE Travel Social Work Guide.