We sit down with Michael Becketts, the Director of Fairfax County, Virginia Department of Family Services. Michael shares the details of his professional journey, from being a social worker to understanding his desire to create a more macro-level impact in the sector as a
leader.

In his current role, Michael has learned the importance of seeing individuals as whole people, embracing their intersecting identities, and fostering authentic conversations that help them bring their best selves to the table.

This conversation provides an approach for human services workers to better understand and apply their strengths as they help communities thrive while also offering insight into how to navigate the intersections of race and identity.

Shaneen Moore, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services Children and Family Services and Director of the Administration’s Child Support Division, tackles the effects of imposter syndrome that many BIPOC leaders face, as well as the
deep importance of listening to people with lived experience.

Shaneen’s career in the human services sector began with an understanding of the value she brought as someone whose life was significantly enriched by the human services system. She stood in stark contrast to others who were on a more traditional career path, and so this episode talks about those differences along with the approach Shaneen takes to ensure she’s able to serve the communities of Minnesota while always being her authentic self.

Gain insight into what leaders can do to enhance their work with people from diverse backgrounds, and learn what it means to stand in your greatness.
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“Whiteness in Plain View: A History of Racial Exclusion in Minnesota,” by Chad Montrie: https://amzn.to/48zpcnj

Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag #DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at jgaron@aphsa.org.

Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.

Emeka Madu, the Health and Government Solutions Manager with KPMG, joins us to share his unique perspective as a leader of color and second-generation Nigerian immigrant. Working within the private sector, Emeka is able to offer a different take on nationwide human services work than what we’re used to hearing.

For Emeka, it’s been about leaders being able to help others feel seen and applying that understanding to their approach to mentorship. He sees his personal history as a testament to that need and a reason to ensure that we include all identities in the conversations that drive us forward. This episode speaks to the necessity for BIPOC leaders to be bold in their efforts to
build safe and inclusive communities while taking on underrepresentation in their respective industries.

Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag #DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at jgaron@aphsa.org.

Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.