[fade]Who am I?[/fade]
A question we should all ask ourselves out loud! Cues Eve-“Who’s That Girl” ~La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la~ Ok now that I’ve gotten that song out of my head, HEY Y’ALL HEY! I am the founder of Counsel for The Culture. Let’s start there in case you haven’t had your morning coffee and you’ve already decided to scroll right on pass everything in between here and the last paragraph!
I was always destined to help people in some way. I initially thought my path would lead to law school after graduating from East Carolina University. I studied criminal justice and psychology during my time there but never pursued law school. In fact, I realized much later that I never had a plan of action. I only knew my end goal was to be a lawyer and that the first step was college. I toured ECU while I was a senior in high school and decided that was where I would attend. It was close enough to drive home but far enough to be on my own. The campus tour was dope. I mean how could it not be, it’s a college campus! So I applied, was accepted, and went on to live my best undergraduate life!
After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I began working with at-risk youth in their communities. Eventually opening my own group home for teenage girls and a community-based program for children and adults, my heels were completely planted in mental health and they’ve been there ever since!
I’ve continued to work with various populations in a multitude of settings throughout the course of my career. Within the past 14 years, I’ve provided counseling to inmates and their families as they prepared to be released from prison; and therapy to people of all ages within their homes, schools, psychiatric hospitals, assisted living facilities, and outpatient clinics.
My background in creating policies and procedures, developing new programs, auditing existing programs and consulting with rising entrepreneurs has also been an integral part of my experience, extending over 14 years. To further my reach, I began working as College Professor for BSW and MSW students as well as a Clinical Supervisor for Associate level Licensed Clinical Social Workers. The opportunity to teach and mentor others allows me to indirectly impact individuals and communities that I wouldn’t otherwise reach.
Now, in case you missed it all and just scrolled on down to the bottom, allow me to reintroduce myself! I’m Shashanah, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Business Consultant for all things BOSS, Professional Coach for mental health professionals, and Education Strategist! As such, I will empower you through major life transitions using strategies to ensure you are equipped to manage life instead of allowing it to manage you!
[fade]I AM[/fade]
your sister, friend, mentor, motivator, and advocate. I AM the person you call on when you need advice, support, guidance, information and counsel. I AM the person who is going to empower you to see things in yourself you never knew were there. As a black person, woman, and professional, I AM both a servant, and member of my community.
[fade]What’s My Purpose?[/fade]
My purpose is much bigger than me, truly. I’ve touched so many lives, some intentionally and others by chance. I am aware of my gift to help any and everyone, and I always will because that is who I am; but in this space, I choose you. I choose us. I choose to be intentional about my purpose in this particular space because I know what we’re faced with in our dual roles within our personal and professional communities. Counsel for the Culture will empower you to grow professionally and personally; and within this growth I am hopeful you will become the best version of yourself, feel good about the work you are doing for others; and be confident enough to speak up and lead.