We were lucky to catch up with Kenya Murphy recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kenya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
In the trajectory of a career, there often emerges a pivotal juncture. That point unfolded when I juggled roles as a wife, mother of two young children, and an enthusiastic social worker eager to leverage my position to effect change and secure career advancement.
My position as a supervisory social worker overseeing adoptions initially seemed like a gateway to fulfilling professional and personal aspirations. Yet, an encounter with a foster-to-adopt parent and a child with special needs profoundly reshaped my understanding of professional duty and personal fulfillment.
Within my supervisory role, I navigated the adoption process for prospective parents, often collaborating with community agencies and court systems. One particular case involved a foster-to-adopt parent who vocalized a commitment to adopting a medically fragile child she had encountered through her work. Excitement buzzed around expediting this adoption due to the child’s “special needs” and lack of family resources. However, as the visitation and placement progressed, unmistakable warning signs emerged, prompting deep concern on my part. Despite my efforts to convey these concerns to the community partners and superiors, there appeared to be a disconnect between recognizing risks and taking decisive action.
The unfolding tragedy of a child fatality within the home of the foster-to-adopt parent I had flagged left me grappling with profound feelings of helplessness and responsibility. Despite voicing my apprehensions, I confronted the harsh reality that some outcomes remain beyond our control despite our best efforts. This experience sparked a reassessment of institutional protocols and the scope of my influence within the system.
In the aftermath, the agency prioritized maintaining a unified front and adhering to established internal review practices. However, amidst the external pressures, I underwent a profound internal reckoning. I realized that monetary gain, professional
titles, and institutional stability paled to the importance of peace of mind and moral integrity. The isolation I felt was the catalyst for introspection and self-discovery.
The pivotal moment in my career was a wake-up call, prompting me to reevaluate my priorities and career goals. I realized that true fulfillment comes not from external rewards or material wealth but from living with purpose and ethical responsibility. Moving forward, I naturally prioritize ethical decision-making and my well-being when considering job opportunities. This realization gave me the confidence to acknowledge my value and assert my right to choose the paths I pursue in my professional journey. 
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a woman of color from the Bronx, New York, who now resides in Maryland. I am passionate about the impact on people’s lives, especially people of color. Growing up, my mother was a single parent who received aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) in low-income housing. It seemed education and religion were the only ways out of poverty. Thus, a profound desire to advocate for and support vulnerable, marginalized, and invisible populations manifested. My journey into social work began with a strong sense of empathy and a keen awareness of the systemic injustices experienced by many individuals within my communities.
Obtaining my Master of Social Work degree from the State University of New York at Albany was a step in my journey toward becoming a licensed clinical social worker. This rigorous program provided me with a comprehensive understanding of social work theory, research, and practice, laying the foundation for my career in the field. Through internships, volunteer work, and professional experiences, I gained first-hand exposure to the multifaceted challenges within the social work landscape in areas such as child welfare, criminal justice, mental health, special education, and mindfulness.
My practice encompasses a range of services, including individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, supervision, and training.
Addressing the intersection of mental health issues with broader social and environmental factors is a core focus of my practice. My belief is mental health cannot be effectively addressed in isolation; it is the external factors that shape an individual’s experiences and well-being.
A commitment to personalized, client-centered care is what sets me apart. I recognize that each individual comes with unique experiences, strengths, and needs, and I tailor my approach accordingly, drawing from a diverse toolkit of evidence-based practices and therapeutic modalities. Whether working with children, adolescents, adults, or families, I prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to pursue positive change.
I receive immense joy in the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the transformations I’ve witnessed firsthand. Nothing brings me greater satisfaction than seeing individuals overcome adversity, cultivate resilience, and thrive. My dedication to this work stems from a genuine belief in the inherent worth and potential of the individual, and I am honored to play a role in their journey toward healing and growth.
For potential clients, followers, and supporters, I want them to know that my practice is rooted in integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to making a difference. Whether seeking support for mental health concerns, navigating life transitions, or addressing systemic barriers, I am here to provide guidance, support, and advocacy every step of the way. The goal is to alleviate immediate distress and empower individuals to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives grounded in authenticity and resilience.
Training and knowledge matter, of course, but beyond that, what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Firstly, a belief in a higher power and a strong self-awareness are foundational for success in social work. The challenges inherent in social work demand unwavering commitment, perseverance, and a sense of conviction. Belief in a higher power can serve as a source of
motivation, resilience, and hope, especially during adversity or when confronted with the complexities of human suffering and systemic injustices.
Furthermore, maintaining a steadfast commitment to core values such as empathy, compassion, integrity, and social justice is essential for navigating ethical dilemmas and moral complexities inherent in social work practice. Upholding these values guides ethical decision-making. It also fosters trust and credibility while working with clients and communities.
In addition, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, cultural competence, advocacy, and a commitment to lifelong learning – remain integral for success in the field. Ultimately, success in social work requires a holistic approach that encompasses spiritual grounding, ethical integrity, professional competence, and a deep sense of purpose. By embodying these qualities and values, social workers can make a profound and lasting difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The valuable lesson I have had to unlearn was rooted in both personal and cultural conditioning. As a child, I internalized the belief showing emotion or being emotionally vulnerable equated to weakness. I lived in a neighborhood where strength was for survival; emotional vulnerability became synonymous with fragility. Consequently, I learned to suppress my emotions, believing it to be the logical course of action to avoid judgment or ridicule. This belief spilled over into other areas of life. How do you then conceptualize forgiveness if you can not be vulnerable? As a child, you watch how people treat one another and learn from that experience. Unfortunately, many of my family members did not forgive one another, and this perpetuated generational cycles of pain and resentment. I now know it was because of fear of vulnerability or being disrespected, ridiculed, or taken for granted. I am thankful for life experience and understand that vulnerability doesn’t equate to suffering. I learned I could make a conscious choice daily to embrace vulnerability and forgiveness as sources of strength and resilience, transcending the limitations of my upbringing and empowering myself to have authentic relationships and connections.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theconsciouschoice.llc
- Instagram: @theconsciouschoice
Image Credits
Kioni Murphy, photography Sahar Golriz, logo