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Queens of Social Work
“Afro-Caribbean American Social Workers sharing our first hand experiences in the field. Laugh, cry and learn with us as we discuss various types of social work, career advice, stress management, cultural issues and more!”
Queens of Social Work
Decolonizing Social Work
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Monica Gavilanes, LMSW, also known as Queen M, an intergenerational trauma and liberation-centered therapist and educator from Queens, NY. Monica is the founder of Roots & Alchemy PLLC, a healing hub for racially marginalized communities that provides both individual and community-based support through a decolonized lens. Her mission is to guide therapists and therapy seekers in addressing cultural amnesia and reclaiming mental wellness for themselves and their lineage.
We delve into the concept of decolonizing social work—what it means, how it can transform everyday social work practice and how it intersects with our personal lives. Together, we explore the importance of embracing our full selves, recognizing our power and making intentional choices about how to move forward with this knowledge.
This episode is for social workers, therapists and anyone committed to dismantling oppressive systems in mental health and social work while embracing a liberatory practice.
Connect with Monica Gavilanes (Queen M):
- Instagram: @rootsandalchemy
- Website: www.rootsandalchemypllc.com
Social workers of color face immense challenges—systemic racism, underfunding, and overwhelming caseloads. They work tirelessly to support others but often lack the support they need. That’s why we created the Queens of Social Work Podcast—a lifeline and safe space for social workers of color to vent, share, laugh, and find the resources they need to thrive.
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