Gerri K. Connaught, PhD, LCSW

I attribute my success to two things: support and faith. Support in the sense that I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today if it weren't for my family and their belief in me. They have always supported the visions and dreams that I had for myself. In West Indian culture, mental health tends to be a taboo topic, but even with that, my parents still supported and believed in me because they knew that this was something I was passionate about. They always told me, 'Whatever it is that you want to do, we support you and we're behind you 100%.' I take a lot of pride in coming from a hardworking, immigrant family who sacrificed a lot in order for me to be where I am now. In the same token, my brother who passed away five years ago, is also a huge part of who I am and my success. He was and continues to be my biggest role model. He was a business owner himself in the field of electrical engineering and he founded his own successful business from scratch. Me even thinking that I could be a business owner and be successful at it came from watching him. I honor him in what I do every day, and knowing that I had his support when he was alive, but also now in a spiritual sense, means the world to me.

I also attribute my success to faith. A lot of where I am today is because of me taking chances and betting on myself. No one is going to believe in my vision more than I do, and I have to have faith that everything that I set out to do is going to work. I have faith that I was put here on this earth for a purpose, that I have a calling, and that's exactly why I love what I do so much and why I'm so passionate about it. I know that part of my purpose is helping people to heal and transform in ways that allow them to live up to their fullest potential. That's what grounds me and is the most successful aspect for me. It always comes down to the question: Am I living out my purpose and making the difference I know I’m here to make?

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to choose alignment over prestige. It’s easy to be drawn to names, titles, status, or opportunities that look impressive on paper. But over time, I’ve learned that character, integrity, and shared values matter just as much, if not more. The people and organizations you choose to work with influence not only your career, but also the impact you’re able to make. That advice has helped me to be intentional about who I partner with, where I invest my energy, and the kind of work I want to put into the world.

My advice to young women entering the social work or mental health profession is to not limit yourself. Too often, society places us in boxes and attempts to convince us that we're not qualified enough, experienced enough, or talented enough for certain opportunities, especially Black women and women of color. The benchmark is constantly moving, so if you wait until you feel completely ready, you may end up waiting forever. Know your worth and trust your vision. Social work is far more expansive than many people realize. We serve as therapists, educators, advocates, researchers, consultants, community organizers, thought leaders, policy makers, and more. We are often the bridge between individuals in need and the systems designed to support them. If you have a vision for yourself and a desire to make an impact, don’t let anyone else define what’s possible for you. Your potential is not determined by someone else’s expectations. It's determined by what you’re willing to believe, pursue, and build. If you have a vision for your life, pursue it boldly. That vision exists because you're meant to bring it to life.

I believe one of the biggest challenges in social work right now is having the courage, resources, and support to reimagine what a truly just and equitable world could look like. At a time when many people are questioning existing systems, it can feel risky to challenge the status quo, especially for those from marginalized communities who often face greater consequences for speaking up. At the same time, I believe that challenge is also our greatest opportunity. The heart of social work has always been about envisioning something better and advocating for meaningful change. Even in moments when hope feels difficult to hold onto, we have a responsibility to reimagine and help create systems that are more equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the people they serve. Social workers are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between lived experience and systemic change. We don't just respond to problems. We help shape solutions. That's where I see the greatest opportunity for our profession right now.

One of the values that guides me most, both personally and professionally, is seeing the humanity in every person. In my work, I try to approach people with curiosity, empathy, and the understanding that everyone has a story. Before we see someone's title, achievements, struggles, or mistakes, there is a human being with experiences that have shaped who they are. I believe there's real power in taking the time to understand someone's story and recognizing their inherent worth and dignity. We live in a time when kindness, patience, and even basic human consideration can sometimes feel scarce. That's why I place such a high value on grace, empathy, and treating people with humanity. I also believe it's important to balance caring for ourselves with caring for one another. We can't pour from an empty cup, but we're also not meant to navigate life alone. When we choose to see the humanity in each other and lead with kindness, it creates connection, healing, and hope—and that's something I try to carry into every aspect of my life.