Kamil Portis is currently in the DSW program and is expected to graduate in May 2025.
Where do you currently work, and what does your work entail?
I currently work as a Community School Coordinator in the public school system in metro Atlanta, Georgia. This position enhances my clinical skills while leveraging my leadership and organizational abilities. My work primarily focuses on the mezzo and macro levels of social work, aiming to create a positive impact within the community.
In this role, I assess the needs and strengths of the school community and develop strategic plans to address them. I build relationships with students, families, staff, and community members to foster a collaborative environment. I coordinate various services to ensure they effectively support student and family needs while also creating programs that enhance student achievement and wellness.
Additionally, I manage communication channels, including the school’s e-newsletter, social media, and website, to keep the community informed and engaged. Providing case management for families in need is also a critical aspect of my work, helping to connect them with essential resources and support. Overall, my role is dedicated to organizing and maximizing resources to promote student success and strengthen community ties.
What made you decide to enroll in the DSW program at the UT College of Social Work?
When I embarked on my doctoral journey, my primary goal was to return to metro Atlanta and establish a school-based mental health program tailored to the needs of students and their families. My community is predominantly African American and Hispanic, and its members face significant challenges, including academic pressures, family stressors, community violence, poverty, trauma, and mental health issues. Despite these hardships, the community’s resilience is inspiring; its members hold onto hope and strive to be seen, heard, and supported.
As a clinical social worker embedded in this community, I felt a deep obligation to contribute to its healing. I recognized that merely modifying existing culturally biased therapeutic approaches would not suffice. Instead, I believed I could develop culturally appropriate interventions that genuinely resonate with the community’s unique context. Enrolling in the DSW program at the UT College of Social Work provides me with the necessary training and skills to achieve this goal. I aim to create meaningful change and address the mental health needs of marginalized populations, ultimately working towards a more equitable and effective support system for those I serve.
How do you plan to use your DSW degree?
I plan to use my DSW degree to address the urgent mental health needs in my community, recognizing that these challenges are beyond what I can tackle alone. My goals include developing a culturally responsive school-based mental health program, teaching social work students, developing training on applying cultural humility, and engaging in meaningful research that addresses mental health disparities in marginalized communities.
The DSW program has been instrumental in shaping my research interests. As an African American woman working in a predominantly African American and Hispanic community, I feel a strong responsibility to contribute to research that highlights the unique mental health challenges faced by these populations and explores effective solutions.
Additionally, I have completed two elective teaching courses at the University of Tennessee. As an instructor, I plan to equip social work students with the skills and knowledge necessary to critically analyze social issues. I aim to help them dismantle oppressive systems of power and address mental health needs at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
By fostering a deeper understanding of these issues, I hope to empower my students to combat social injustices through advocacy, practice, and research. Closing the gap in mental health services requires a collaborative effort, and I am committed to cultivating competent social workers who can make a meaningful impact.
What has been your favorite part(s) of your experience so far?
I have many favorite aspects of my experience so far, but one standout has been the unexpected opportunities offered by the UTK College of Social Work. This program goes beyond traditional learning, providing a wealth of experiences that significantly enhance my professional, academic, and personal growth. DSW students are able to attend, present at, and help plan various workshops and conferences. For me, a highlight was attending the 13th Annual Women of Color in Academia (FWCA) conference, titled “Empower, Elevate, and Excel: Women of Color Leading the Academy,” in Arlington, VA. That experience was incredibly rewarding.
In addition to conferences, I’ve engaged in branding workshops, collaborated on grants, and worked on research projects with faculty. Opportunities to take teaching courses and serve as a guest lecturer have enriched my educational journey, while other cohort members have also pursued roles as teaching assistants and worked on publishing their research.
Moreover, the College of Social Work has encouraged our cohort to take on leadership roles, including serving as a Cohort Representative, DSW Committee Representative, and Student Council Representative. I was honored to be chosen as both a Cohort Representative and DI Fellow, which has deepened my involvement in the program. Initially, I focused on advancing my clinical skills and completing a research project, but the unexpected opportunities have truly enhanced my experience, fostering a sense of community and professional development that I deeply value.
You are currently a DI Fellow at the college. What has that experience been like?
As a Diversity Student Fellow, I am deeply committed to fostering inclusive dialogue and exploring diverse perspectives. I believe that our communities flourish when all voices are heard. Embracing diversity allows us to collaboratively address societal challenges and create healthier, more vibrant environments for everyone.
Working alongside Dr. Gitau, fellow CSW students, and peers from other disciplines has been an enriching experience. Together, we are creating opportunities for students to learn about the rich diversity within the UTK community and beyond. We’re also focused on developing our commitment to allyship, a vital component of advocacy and cultural humility in social work practice. This role has deepened my understanding of diversity and reinforced my dedication to promoting inclusivity and equity within all communities. Overall, this journey has been fulfilling and aligns seamlessly with my passion for social justice, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to more inclusive environments.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Being in the DSW program has profoundly impacted my life. As I progress through the program, I have been able to apply the knowledge I’ve gained to my work, which has helped me clarify my future career aspirations. The program has also equipped me with valuable tools to ensure my success.
The richness and diversity within my cohort have greatly enhanced this journey. Through my interactions with fellow DSW students and esteemed faculty, I am confident I have forged lifelong connections. Although this journey has presented its challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing. The growth and learning I’ve experienced have been invaluable, shaping both my professional and personal development. I am excited to see where this path leads me and am grateful for the experiences that have brought me here.