We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Autumn Francisco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Autumn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
Throughout my life, I’ve experienced transformative moments that have shaped my perspective. Like many social workers, my decision to pursue this path was influenced by my lived experiences, particularly an impactful encounter with a compassionate social worker years ago on a fateful Friday the 13th in July. Her empathy and attentive listening inspired me to want to touch people’s lives in the same way.
As I embraced my authentic self, I received affirmations that I was on the right path. One significant moment was when motherhood allowed me to reinvent both myself and my career. The birth of my son illuminated my vision further, as I navigated a physically healthy but emotionally challenging pregnancy with my therapist’s support. The physical endurance showed up during his birth… this traumatic birth experience emphasized the importance of Black perinatal health for me—the critical period encompassing pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Becoming a mother amidst the complexities of life taught me profound lessons about myself and my view of the world. This awakening reinforced my career goal of using motherhood to connect with others, providing support and guidance through their emotional journeys as they embrace motherhood themselves.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Currently, I work full-time as a social worker, providing support to victims of violent acts of crime. Additionally, I work as a contract therapist in private practice, specializing in complex PTSD and perinatal mental health. My true passion lies in addressing community trauma.
One of my proudest achievements is seeing my aspirations come full circle, becoming the person I needed during my childhood and even adulthood; now being able to offer that same support to others.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
Absolutely. In it for the well-being of my community.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Having an open mind and open heart. You can’t change the world tomorrow, but it’s the little things that truly make a difference.
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