Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantel Kufeji.
Chantel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My passion to assist and empower others led me to my story. My name is Chantel Kufeji, a Nigerian and Jamaican girl originally from Miami, FL. As a young child, it was always placed on my heart to assist others in need from giving my lunch to students who had nothing to eat to organizing clothing drives for families who were less fortunate. I believe I was made to be a change agent. I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work degree from Florida A&M University and my Master of Social Work degree from Barry University. I am a Licensed Master of Social Worker with many years of experience serving adolescents, adults, families, and communities.
My passion has led me to work in many roles, from case management for children and families to a director of a psychiatric hospital. I have experience working in the mental health field, assisted individuals struggling with substance abuse, and advocated for youth who were involved in the juvenile justice system. Currently, I facilitate evidence-based trainings to teachers and mental health professionals on strategies to provide services to youth and families who are impacted by severe trauma. Throughout my journey, I have encountered so many social workers who share the same passion and drive as I do. However, may times social workers do not get the recognition they deserve; so that’s when S.H.E Squad was born.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I am thankful that many people support this platform. However, I have had the experience of having to explain why this platform only honors social workers. I inform people that I will always pay respect to all individuals in the helping professions and acknowledges that this platform honors social workers but will never attempt to dim the light of the important work of others.
S.H.E Squad – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
S.H.E is an acronym for Social Workers Hustling every day. S.H.E Squad was developed to honor and celebrate social workers. As a social worker myself, I understand the passion that goes behind the job and I want to shed light on the hard work social workers do. Using the word hustling was to describe the concept that social worker performs tasks everyday to achieve goals for themselves and assist others to achieve goals as well. Currently, S.H.E Squad celebrates social workers through merchanise. We will be launching very soon S.H.E University. S.H.E University is where social workers will have the opportunity to network and learn skills from other social workers. In addition, we will be hosting the 1st annual S.H.E Squad Honors in 2021. This will be an event where social workers and guests celebrate and honor two social workers who are doing amazing humanitarian work in the community.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Many times the criteria for success is defined by the amount of material things we own. However, I count success as to how many families I have partnered with, how many social workers I have empowered, how many trainings I have facilitated to mental health professionals so they can have a different perspective and/or skill to achieve success in their jobs. Personally, success for me is the elevation of people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://s-h-e-squad.myshopify.com
- Email: she_2020@yahoo.com
- Instagram: S.H.E_Squad
- Facebook: S.H.E: Social Workers Hustling Everyday
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