Happy April, Goddesses
April begins with what is often called April Fool’s Day, but I’ve been thinking about it a little differently this year.
What if it’s not about foolishness, but about play? About staying curious and being willing to try something new without needing to have it all figured out first.
After spending March celebrating National Social Work Month and who we are as a profession, April feels like an invitation to return to ourselves, not just as social workers, but as whole people, bringing our authentic selves and the things we love and are passionate about to the table.
Show up as we are. Trust what feels aligned. And believe that God/Spirit/Universe will meet us there.
There is something powerful about allowing yourself to begin again; not from scratch, but from experience, from wisdom, from everything you’ve already lived.
This is actually the Fool's/Hero's/Heroine's Journey (I invite you to read the mythology if you do not already know it).
Community Spotlight: Advocacy in Action
Last month, Charnita and I had the opportunity to attend Alabama Advocacy Day at the State House, and I loved every minute of it.
There were many moments of connection, learning, and unexpected opportunity. Simply by us showing up, doors opened. Conversations expanded. Possibilities presented themselves in ways neither one of us could have planned.
One of the most powerful moments for I think many of us in that room was watching House Representative Juandalynn Givan (https://bit.ly/3OeOUt6).
She showed up fully as herself, unapologetic, clear, and grounded in truth. She was audacious enough to say what needed to be said, even when it made people uncomfortable. And in doing so, she created space for the voices of so many marginalized people she represents.
But what stood out just as much was what she modeled:
What is possible when you trust your voice enough to use it?
For women who look like her, for women who look like us, that kind of leadership mattered. It mattered that day, and it matters now. Use your voice, show up unapologetically as your authentic self.
Here are a few photos from Advocacy Day -
Community Spotlight: Tiffany Siler
We also want to celebrate Tiffany Siler, who was recently promoted to a supervisory position with YesCare and has transitioned to working at Tutwiler Prison.
Tiffany made a decision to bet on herself, and she won.
Her growth, leadership, and willingness to step into new spaces reflect the kind of expansion we talk about often in this community. We are so proud of you, Goddess.
Supervision Updates
Over the next couple of months, we have several Goddesses preparing for graduation, and part of that process includes facilitating supervision sessions leading up to their final presentations in June.
Please make it a priority to attend these sessions so that each Goddess has a full and engaged space to facilitate within.
Leandra – April 15th at 6:00 pm CST;
Chandreka – April 16th at 6:00 pm CST
Katrena – April 26th at 6:00 pm CST
Your presence matters in these spaces not just as participants, but as part of the learning and support that makes this community what it is.
Current Goddesses: The April supervision calendar is attached. Please continue sending me the dates you plan to attend, just as you’ve been doing.
From the Podcast
The Goddesses of Social Work Podcast continues to be a space for reflection, truth-telling, and shared wisdom.
If you’re a Goddess who feels called to share your story, your work, or your perspective, I invite you to join me. This is an open and welcoming space, and your voice matters.
Schedule a podcast conversation here:
https://calendly.com/illuminated-expressionsllc/goddesses-of-social-work-podcast-interview-clone-1
Book Club
Book Club is still on pause as I continue to move through this season of travel and expansion. We are still planning to discuss 107 Days by Kamala Harris, and I will share updates as soon as we have a confirmed date.
Thank you for your patience with me as we find the right time to come back together for this.
Employment Updates
Current Goddesses: If your employment has changed from what we submitted to the Board, please let me know.
Stay Connected Between Sessions
Our GroupMe continues to be the most active gathering space for:
• quick check-ins• resource sharing• asking questions• celebrating wins• receiving support from past and present Goddesses
If you’re not in the GroupMe yet and would like to be added, just let me know.
As always, I’m grateful to walk alongside each of you in this journey.
