Her Story
About Antoinette
Antoinette Wiseman is an education and customer service professional, counselor, and social worker with more than two decades of experience serving children, youth, and families. She currently works as a social worker with the Department of Children and Families in Connecticut, where she partners with children, young adults, and families through assessments, advocacy, and supportive interventions designed to strengthen family well-being. Guided by compassion, empathy, and a commitment to equity, she has built a career centered on empowering others while fostering resilience, healthy communication, and positive outcomes for those she serves.
Antoinette's professional journey reflects a deep commitment to education and community service. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bay Path University, she began her career in the school system, serving for many years as a school clerk while actively raising her three children as a single mother. She later transitioned into guidance counseling at Job Corps, helping young adults develop the skills and confidence needed for successful careers and independent living. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, she expanded her impact by moving into child welfare, where she continues to advocate for vulnerable children and families. Along the way, she has also held roles in career services, case management, mentoring, and classroom instruction, giving her a well-rounded perspective on education, workforce development, and social services.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Antoinette has dedicated decades to mentoring women, youth, and students through volunteer leadership, church ministries, and university mentoring programs. She is passionate about restoration, conflict resolution, and helping individuals discover their strengths while maintaining healthy personal and professional boundaries. Through her work and community involvement, she remains committed to creating supportive environments where people can grow, overcome challenges, and achieve lasting success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Antoinette
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serving children and families. Throughout my career in public service and social work, I have remained focused on leading with empathy, cultural humility, and integrity while advocating for those in need. By approaching every situation without judgment, collaborating effectively with others, and keeping the well-being of families at the center of my work, I have been able to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best career lessons I’ve ever received was to establish and protect professional boundaries. I learned that while serving others requires compassion and dedication, it’s equally important to take care of myself. Setting boundaries between work and personal life allows me to recharge, avoid burnout, and continue showing up as my best self for the families and communities I serve.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering social work is to establish healthy boundaries early, never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Advocate for yourself as confidently as you advocate for your clients, trust your knowledge and experience, and never underestimate the value of your voice. Protecting your well-being isn’t a sign of caring less—it’s what allows you to build a long, meaningful, and impactful career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in social work today is for women to use their voices to lead, influence change, and empower others. At the same time, the profession continues to face challenges such as burnout, compassion fatigue, workforce shortages, and increasingly complex cases. I believe we can strengthen the future of social work by supporting one another, advocating for healthier systems, embracing innovation, and ensuring that those who care for others are supported as well.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are compassion, empathy, integrity, resilience, and service. I believe in listening before judging, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and leading with cultural humility. I also value balance and self-care, knowing that taking care of myself allows me to continue serving others with purpose, compassion, and excellence.
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