Her Story
About Carrissa
Carrissa Ammons entered the nonprofit field in 2023 upon earning her bachelor's degree in psychology from California State University, Sacramento, after beginning her higher education journey at a community college in 2018. Her early professional experience included serving foster youth at the Sacramento Urban League, after which she relocated to Alabama in 2024 to take a position at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. In this role, she facilitates events, delivers direct services such as employment assistance and resource connections, and introduces assistive technology to community members who are blind or have low vision. Beyond her daily responsibilities, Ammons dedicates significant volunteer time to organizing legislative advocacy efforts for the National Federation of the Blind and engaging with the blind and low vision community at the chapter level. She is currently preparing to begin a master's program in social work. Ammons attributes her professional success to personal resilience and a commitment to building a better life, supported by therapy and a willingness to take chances. She values nuanced thinking to mitigate bias and advises others in helping professions to prioritize their own mental health to avoid burnout and remain effective in their service to others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carrissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and wanting to make a better life for myself than what I grew up around. My goal in life is to be happy. I took chances and believed in my heart that things could be better. Therapy has also been key to my success and growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of advice I've ever received is that if you're in the room, you belong there. Typically if you're already in a position or being asked to assist, they're asking you because you can do it, not as a hand-me-down. This helps combat imposter syndrome especially for people with disabilities or from marginalized backgrounds.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You need to put yourself first. If you're burnt out and struggling, you won't be as helpful to the people you serve. Women in helping fields often help others but need to realize they must help themselves too, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Make sure you're taking care of your own mental health when serving others.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A lack of resources in nonprofits. Another issue is disorganization and disconnection with available resources. On paper resources exist but organizations and staff need more training and support to properly run programs. This drives my interest in policy-level social work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I highly value trying to mitigate bias and think in a nuanced way. I take time to reflect and get to the bottom of feelings and thoughts before acting to ensure I'm not perpetuating biases that may not be immediately conscious.
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