Maya Wallace
Maya Wallace, LMSW, LSSW, is a passionate social work professional based in Memphis, Tennessee, with 20 years of experience in her field. Her career was inspired by her early volunteer work with AmeriCorps, which ultimately shaped her lifelong dedication to helping others. After high school, she worked as a dental assistant for about three years, but soon realized her true passion was in service and advocacy work. While volunteering with Dress for Success, she was introduced to AmeriCorps by a friend and immediately felt connected to the mission of supporting communities in need. She spent five to six years working with AmeriCorps and later transitioned into the VISTA program, which helped support her education and solidified her decision to pursue a career in social work. Since then, she has remained deeply committed to advocating for individuals who need a voice, especially youth populations.
Maya holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Union University, where she graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Victory University. Throughout her career, she has worked in roles focused on leadership, service coordination, and community support. She currently serves as a Team Supervisor at WIS International, where she applies her leadership skills in a fast-paced professional environment. She is currently working toward obtaining her clinical license, with a long-term goal of providing play therapy services for children, an area of practice that is still limited in Memphis. Maya is especially passionate about mentoring young people, helping them build confidence, and guiding them toward positive life choices rather than navigating challenges alone.
Throughout her career, Maya has also focused her efforts on youth advocacy after stepping away from domestic violence work due to the emotional toll of losing clients to domestic violence situations. These experiences strengthened her perspective on the importance of boundaries in service work and reinforced her passion for helping those who are willing and ready to receive support. She is committed to making a meaningful impact by empowering youth, providing guidance, and helping them discover their goals and potential. Maya believes in continuous learning, professional growth, and serving her community with compassion, integrity, and purpose.
• Union University - MSW
• Victory University - BSW
• Little Black Dress recognition from Dress for Success
• Dress for Success volunteer
• Young Achievement volunteer
• City of Memphis programs for children with disabilities
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my 20 years of experience in social work, my passion for helping others, and the lessons I have learned throughout my career journey. I began my career as a dental assistant after high school but soon discovered my true purpose in service work through AmeriCorps and the VISTA program, where I developed a passion for community advocacy and empowerment. My work in domestic violence services was deeply impactful but emotionally challenging, especially after losing clients to domestic violence, which ultimately shaped my decision to focus on youth advocacy. Today, I serve youth in Memphis, Tennessee, focusing on empowerment, resilience, and long-term stability while working toward my clinical license to specialize in play therapy for children and create safe, healing spaces for youth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't give up. You know, a lot of times, we beat ourselves up. We can't help everyone, but you can always try to help those who you can help, and keep helping. That's one of the reasons I kind of stepped away from domestic violence, because I can help you, but you have to want it - I shouldn't have to want it more than you. And that was my biggest thing, because I did want it more than they did, and they would go back. That was a big kick in my butt because they were like family to me. I lost a couple of people due to domestic violence when they were my clients. So just don't stop. Don't beat yourself up, because you're not gonna be able to do it all.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the impact of funding limitations on social service organizations. Many programs have experienced significant budget reductions, which creates uncertainty for both service providers and the communities they serve. For me personally, this has been a challenge as my current organization has experienced major funding losses, including a reduction of approximately $150,000, which has created uncertainty about future roles and career stability. Despite these challenges, I also see opportunity in continuing to adapt, expand my skill set, and remain flexible in a constantly evolving field that is always in need of dedicated advocates and service professionals.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I love being an advocate for those who they need, and those that need that voice, and they cant, and that's what I love doing."
"I can do it with my eyes closed, because thats what I like doing."
In between the hard work, I find joy in simple things swimming, Christmas movies year-round, and arts and crafts that allow creativity to breathe. Balance matters in this field. Restoration fuels service.