Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Micole Foster. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Micole , appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
A defining moment for me in practice was the loss I experienced with my grandmother in 2014. Loosing her the way I did changed my whole trajectory and impact in social work. I was in my undergraduate junior year in college at Clark Atlanta University. Not even a social worker yet but, I was ready to be of service to my community and to the lives that needed me.
My grandmother always told me, “when it’s time for me to be with the Lord, let me go. I don’t want to be hooked up to no machines.” It really never registered to me what she meant but, I later found out when she fell severely ill in 2014.
My grandmother has 12 children and over 30 grandchildren that loves her dearly. We wasn’t ready to deal with potentially loosing her, the matriarch of our family. The doctor came in and told us a decision had to be made in regards to her health.
They needed to know did grandma have an advanced directive and who was selected as her healthcare agent in the family.
No one had a clue what that meant and who was the selected person. They further explained that an advance directive was my grandmothers health care wishes.
I remember that day in the ICU family area. All the arguing and confusion amongst my family that took place.
I remembered the delicate conversation my grandmother and I had in regards to her wishes but, I didn’t share because I was told to stay out of it as being the grandchild.
My family collectively told the doctors to do all that they can to save my grandmothers life. She suffered a great deal and her body went through a lot due to being resuscitated and incubated at the age of 81.
It was so tough to see her in the condition she was in. It wasn’t until my dad said, “ mama you want us to keep you on this machine or take it off? Squeeze my hand if you want it off.” She squeezed his hand with all her strength.
The doctors removed her tubes and breathing Machine. My grandmother passed away the next day.
The way we loss her didn’t have to happen. There should have been an advance directive in place with her wishes. I knew what her wishes were but, it was not honored during her finale moments.
I made a vow that I will never allow another family to go through what my family went experienced.
Now as an advanced practice social worker, I educate all families on the importance of advance directives and honoring their loved ones wishes.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
In social work, we are most encouraged to practice humbly and to always be reasonable. What that means is, we do what we do for the cause and not the applause. We do what we do because, of our spirit to serve others. We are always the peace makers and problem-solvers of a company.
I have worked in the field of social work for over 12 years now and I have served a diverse population of people. My work has mostly led me to serve our senior population.
The lord advised me that they needed me the most. Serving my seniors gives me the greatest joy. Restoring hope in those that were once broken and providing the tools that someone needs to survive. What I do is save lives and I don’t take it likely.
Not only a professional social worker but, also a hope dealer. I empower everyone around me to keep going. Most would say my smile brightens up a room. I just believe in treating everyone right. I’m a huge advocate of spreading love the following peace.
In the future, my plan is to have affordable senior housing, and to have a support services programs to help those that are in need.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson I had to learn is, I can be more than a social worker and don’t allow anyone to box me in. I can be the social worker, entrepreneur, influencer, and Content creator.
I had to get out of my head and tap into my faith. Just because I have degrees in social work, doesn’t mean I have to be confined to just social work.
I can expand and evolve into other areas. I have a startup hair line and product line that I’m venturing into.
I don’t have all the pieces but, the most important thing is that I started.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?
Funding for my business has been tough but, I’ve done research to get what I need. I didn’t know what I know now and that’s why my business had a late start.
However, that late start is what’s perfecting my business. I now know there are funding opportunities for me as a woman of color and I plan to fully explore them and not allow fear to stop me.
I’m also saving funds from my care management job to support my business. Putting money aside is a great practice for rainy days in business. I encourage all future entrepreneurs to plan accordingly and always think ahead for ways to grow financially.
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