Her Story
About NaQuita
NaQuita Merritt is a social services professional, social worker, and therapist intern based in Panama City, Florida. With experience in community services, crisis intervention, family support, and mental health advocacy, she is committed to helping individuals and families access the support they need. She currently serves as a Therapist Intern at United Hands Counseling and Consulting while also working as a Service Coordinator at NHE, Inc. Her previous experience includes serving as a Family Service Counselor at Daniel Kids and a Co-Responder Case Manager at Mental Health Resource Center, where she contributed to crisis intervention and community-based support services.
NaQuita earned her Associate's degree in Human Services, completed her Bachelor's degree in Social Work at IWU National & Global in December 2024, and is pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work at Walden University, with expected completion in February 2027. Her professional interests include individual and family therapy, group counseling, crisis response, youth mental health education, and suicide prevention. Through her work and community involvement, she has also contributed to initiatives connecting STEM education with mental health awareness for middle and high school students. Her leadership development includes the Foundations of Leadership and Advanced Leadership Certificate programs through the National Society of Leadership and Success. She is also associated with Omega Nu Lambda and the Collegiate Leadership and Achievement honor society.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, NaQuita has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to community service through nine years of volunteer involvement with Kilton's First Foundation, supporting human resources, marketing, and outreach initiatives for low-income families. She has also contributed to the co-responder program in Duval County, the 988 movement, and Zero Suicide initiatives. Her approach to social work is grounded in advocacy, equality, and the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity. Guided by her desire to provide others with the support she wishes she had growing up, NaQuita strives to create positive change through consistent effort, compassion, and a commitment to challenging social stigmas.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with NaQuita
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my desire to become the person I wish I had when I was growing up. I want to be part of the change I hope to see in the world by providing others with the support, understanding, and opportunities they deserve. To me, success is not necessarily about overcoming every challenge completely; it is about having the courage to face things you once thought were impossible. Every step forward, regardless of how small it may seem, represents progress and is worth recognizing as success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have received is to give one percent every day. We do not have to accomplish everything or conquer the world overnight. What matters is remembering our primary objective, staying connected to our mission, and consistently making small efforts toward our goals. I believe that even the smallest daily actions can create meaningful change when they are sustained over time.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to maintain a positive outlook and approach challenges with the belief that things can work out. Rather than focusing too much on what could go wrong, consider the possibilities of what could go right. Remember that the sacrifices and hard work required to pursue your goals are temporary, while the rewards of personal and professional growth can last a lifetime. Stay focused, remain optimistic, and trust the process.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My most important values are my morals and my commitment to advocacy. I believe in standing up for what is right and treating people fairly. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to be seen, heard, and respected, regardless of their background or circumstances. I believe that everybody matters, and I am committed to challenging stigma, breaking down stereotypes, and preventing people from being defined or limited by the social groups to which they belong.
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