I hope my legacy impacts my community by building a nonprofit, connecting with local leaders, and ensuring the underserved receive resources through hard work and collaboration.
Chioma Shaw · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Chioma
Chioma Shaw is a dedicated case manager at Service Coordination Incorporated, a nonprofit organization in Maryland, where she works as an advocate and services coordinator helping individuals access essential resources and support systems. She assists clients, including older adults and individuals with mental and physical disabilities, by connecting them with services such as in-home aides, medical supplies, insurance assistance, food banks, grants, and other community resources. Shaw also has a strong commitment to supporting veterans, particularly those navigating challenges related to PTSD, transitions, and access to care. With a background in behavioral health and counseling, Chioma earned her undergraduate degree from Townsend University in December 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health at Bowie State University. Her career goal is to become a licensed counselor, expanding her ability to provide therapeutic support to individuals and communities in need. Throughout her professional journey, Shaw has gained valuable experience through her work as a Registered Behavioral Technician, internship opportunities, and supervised counseling sessions. She credits her mentors, Dr. Sheila Osborne and Dr. Crystal Joseph, for providing guidance, networking opportunities, and experiences that helped shape her professional growth. Chioma’s approach to her work is grounded in person-centered advocacy, multicultural competence, and a commitment to meeting clients where they are. She believes in understanding each individual’s background, culture, and unique challenges to provide meaningful support. Shaw is passionate about increasing access to mental health services and addressing issues such as workforce shortages, large caseloads, burnout, insurance limitations, and funding barriers. She encourages young women entering the field to build strong networks, seek opportunities, and explore the many career paths available within psychology and mental health.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Chioma
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to Dr. Sheila Osborne and Dr. Joseph for their mentorship, trust, and the opportunities they provided through networking and allowing me to facilitate counseling sessions before I was licensed.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to network and believing in yourself. Many opportunities come from simply asking and the confidence to try, and I was given a chance because I took the initiative to connect with others and explore new things.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to network and never be afraid to reach out through an email or phone call. A psychology degree can open many doors, so explore different paths and find the area that truly interests and inspires you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include limited funding for resources, a shortage of mental health professionals leading to burnout and high caseloads, and navigating restrictions created by insurance limitations. At the same time, these challenges highlight the need for greater support and investment in accessible mental health care.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are compassion, empathy, and being person-centered in my approach. I am committed to supporting individuals facing challenges such as limited resources, medical needs, housing, and employment barriers while practicing with cultural awareness and respect for each person’s unique experiences.
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