In this inspiring episode of Blaze the Mic, host Jaelon Jackson sits down with Monica Dorsey, a social worker, national advocate, public speaker, and host of Thoughtful Conversations. Monica shares her powerful journey through the social work profession—from her early days as a White House Ambassador advocating for HBCU funding, to mentoring students, leading community initiatives, and using her voice on national stages.

Monica opens up about discovering the versatility of social work, navigating graduate school during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how her background as a college basketball player and coach shaped her leadership style. She reflects on the importance of mental health advocacy in Black and Brown communities, the responsibility of being a voice for the voiceless, and how social work training strengthened her confidence as a public speaker and change-maker.

This episode challenges narrow perceptions of social work and highlights just how far the profession can take you—from policy and government work to media, advocacy, and beyond. Whether you’re a student, professional, or someone searching for purpose-driven work, this conversation is a reminder that your voice matters, your impact is real, and the path forward is bigger than you might imagine.

🎧 Listen now to hear how social work can take you from the classroom to the national stage—and everywhere in between.

Check out the full transcript here: Blaze-the-Mic-S2E7-Monica-Dorsey-Transcript

Episode Hosted by Jaelon Jackson

Music by Adi Ursu - "Out of Fire". Provided by Adobe.