Her Story
About Miracle
Miracle Matlock is a Social Service Team Lead with over 10 and a half years of experience in child protection and social services. She leads screening and intake for child abuse and neglect reports across counties in Mississippi, handling task prioritization, severity assessment, and community support. She holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Political Science from Tougaloo College earned in 2011, a master's degree in Healthcare Administration from Belhaven University earned in 2016, and is pursuing a doctorate in Business Administration at Belhaven University with expected graduation in December 2026. She previously served as alderwoman in Carthage, Mississippi, where she was the first African-American and youngest elected to the position. Matlock attributes her success to her parents and children, values service, integrity, and compassion in her work, and advises professionals not to become attached to titles but to focus on goals like child safety while remaining open to growth and opportunities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Miracle
01What do you attribute your success to?
My parents raised me with values I couldn't have gotten anywhere else, and my children bring something out in me that contributes to my success every day. Most definitely my family, my parents, and my children.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Do not become so attached to a title. Careers change, positions change, but focus on why you're doing what you're doing and the ultimate goal. Remain open to growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do not become attached to a title. Never count yourself out. We are too close to qualify, too confident to pursue any opportunity. Go apply for that position, go get that degree, accept that leadership opportunity.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Families sometimes give pushback not realizing we are here to help. Past trauma makes things look the same even today. Burnout is a major challenge; agencies lack tools like counseling or smaller workloads leading to employee shortages and community impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Service, because I am a natural leader who loves to provide service to people. Integrity, as my parents instilled always doing the right thing even when no one's looking. Compassion, because you have to have patience in this work.
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