Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monica Dorsey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Monica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?

My entire life I was known as a leader on and off the basketball court , earning accolades , honoring my father who coached basketball in DFW for over 25 years .He taught me what it meant to lead , love , and learn . In 2019, I lost my father to a hard fought battle to cancer called Multiple Myeloma . In my devastation in grief I started working at the Texas Offenders ReEntry Initiative to aid, empower and support previously incarcerated women and men . I have been able to go within the prisons in dallas county and tarrant county to empower and serve . I have had the fortunate opportunity to serve a vulnerable population that is often not advocated for enough , forgotten about , and whom in which many look like myself . I was able to be a voice for the voiceless . I was able to advocate for women who have been broken , beaten , battered , and barred from society . I have opened doors for young men who have fought against the barriers and obstacles stacked against them in the criminal justice system . I have aided in getting them the resources they need to reintegrate back into society . I have found that in my grieving , is when I realized that gratitude was my greatest weapon . I have found my voice while empowering others to use their voice for change . It’s now been three years of serving and being a agent of change that I went back to school and I will be graduating this summer from the University of Texas at Arlington with my licensed of masters in social work with a concentration in mental health and substance abuse .

Monica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have always loved helping others and I love talking , giving advice and connecting others to resources . When I declared my undergrad in social work I knew I could be a variety of things . When I joined my agency called TORI I began to be well-versed in many platforms . Due to the population being second chance citizens I have dealt with a variety of cases and criminal backgrounds . Therefore I have dealt with a range of cases , from CPS , to domestic violence , to alcohol , substances and clients who suffer from addictions , to chronic homelessness and mental health . The list goes on , but being able to advocate for second chance citizens has been one of my greatest blessings . I am most proud of bridging the technological gap for many I have served within the pandemic and teaching them technological advancement so that they can be more marketable and enhance their. communication skills needed upon release . I am also most proud of my dedication to my studies to advance and advocate for those with mental health and substance issues in DFW. I facilitate groups at my agency and assist in the intervention process of all of my clients in making them healthier both mentally and emotionally..

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing any clientele is to make sure that the client is heard , seen and valued . People can tell if you aren’t genuine and they. and they can tell if you aren’t paying attention to them while they are speaking .

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

In order to be an effective leader you must know all positions which means you need to be able to listen and follow . A leader is more than an influencer , but they lead in character and integrity as well. Lastly , no matter how many obstacles are thrown at you as a leader you must communicate through all of them with your team , or board .

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @iammonicadorsey