Keena Friday-Gilbert, MBA, MSW, IMH-E received her BSW in Social Work from Oral Roberts University, her Masters of Business Administration from Phoenix University, and her MSSW from UTCSW in 2019. Friday-Gilbert currently works as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for Association of Infant Mental Health in Tennessee (AIMhiTN), and is based in Memphis.
Social Work Job Duties:
To ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion is embedded and weaved into our everyday practice and in the infant and early childhood mental health community. It is my desire that all infants and young children feel a sense of belonging.
Other experience:
Child Protective Services Investigator in Atlanta, GA; Tulsa, OK; and West Memphis, AR; Forensic Interviewer/ Director for Children’s Advocacy Center of Eastern Arkansas; CPS Investigations Supervisor in Nashville, TN; Program Director for Children Home Network, Orlando, FL.
Why did you become a social worker:
I grew up in Memphis and saw and experienced families struggling financially, emotionally, mentally, and physically. I have always wanted to help. I wanted to empower others to become the best version of themselves. I have not lost that passion and desire. I want people to win and succeed, however that may look in their lives.
What is the best part of being a social worker:
The best part about being a social worker is that we are forever learners. I have learned so much more from my clients and families than I could have imagined. Our field is also ever evolving. We adapt and evolve with humanity. That’s the beauty of our field.
What is the biggest challenge:
The biggest challenge is no matter how hard you try to not bring your work home, it will definitely come home with you. There is not on and off switch. Self-care is very important.
Who or what is your inspiration:
This answer has changed for me over the years. However, working in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requires a lot of personal work. I have come to find my inspiration to be my ancestors, my grandmother, mother, and aunts who came before me and paved a way for the opportunities that I have today. They give me purpose and motivation to keep moving forward.
What is your self-care routine:
Self-care does not come easily for me. I have to really work at it. I am intentional about working out four to five days a week. I also love to spend time with my family. They keep me laughing and make my days brighter.
What do you love about being a UTCSW Alum:
I love the networking and opportunities to connect with other alum throughout the country.
If you had to choose one social work value as most important from the Code of Ethics, which one would you choose and why?
The most important value to me is to recognize the importance of human relationships. Our work is grounded in relationship. We cannot effectively serve individuals and families with connection and the development of dyadic relationships.