Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Davine Ricks, LCSW, MAC, E-CADC.
Dr. Ricks, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The name of the organization, Sense of Equity, originated as I worked in the field of Social Work. I observed so much potential in so many people. Yet, their level of awareness appeared to be lacking. I saw a sense of inequity. This was not about other people treating them unfairly, but about individuals not treating themselves fairly. I felt a passion rise in me that made me want to intercede for them and help them find their sense of equity. I realized that, “There is no dichotomy between knowing and doing.” I wanted them to join me in not only knowing, but doing. But first I had to show them by putting to work what I know and do it. I realized that as their willingness to allow their mind’s eye to be more open, their level of self-awareness would increase. In turn, they would gain knowledge about coping tools, evidenced-based practices and training resources to help them make better decisions, recognize and change self-defeating thoughts and actions. Sense of Equity, LLC embraces the opportunity to add value to others. Individuals have the opportunity to maximize their potential and fulfill their God-given purpose. We help people begin to see. It’s just a matter of “CHOICE;” Making a choice to take that leap of faith!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Sense of Equity, LLC has met some challenges along the way. Fortunately, these challenges have been opportunities that have propelled us into the position of consistently providing quality services and demonstrating exceptional capabilities.
We’d love to hear more about the organization.
Sense of Equity, LLC is a program development, leadership and consultation organization. We provide training and education based on evidenced-based practices that are required for accreditation. The purpose of the organization is to engage, educate and empower individuals and organizations to maximize their value. We help individuals identify and develop their gifts and unique capabilities with an intentional outcome of maximizing their value.
The vision statement for Sense of Equity, LLC is: We Engage, We Educate, We Empower individuals and organizations to maximize their potential and improve lives. Our mission utilizes evidenced-based tools to educate our clients. We provide program development and leadership training to empower individuals and/or organizations to exceed their expectations.
Sense of Equity, LLC fills a void in the business community by providing a consistent presentation of our exceptional capabilities. The services we provide include Grant Writing, Program Development, Evidenced-based leadership training (behavioral health and organizational development workshops), Life Coach Services, Counseling, Motivational Speaking and Accreditation services.
Sense of Equity, LLC offers a unique skillset and credentials that create a perfect fit for providing services. Having conceptualized and built programs that were successfully funded by the State of Georgia, Sense of Equity, LLC has become established as an exemplary organization. Expertise is offered in not only writing and successfully being awarded grants but also in successfully developing and implementing programs and ensuring sustainability and national CARF accreditation. These skills exist in combination with my experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Masters Addiction Clinician (MAC), Electronic Certified Distance Counselor(E-CADC) and Certified John Maxwell Coach, Trainer and Motivational Speaker working with men, women, children and adolescents who may experience challenges in the areas of mental health, substance use and criminal justice. These qualifications enable Sense of Equity, LLC to consistently and effectively engage, educate and empower individuals to help them maximize their potential.
Sense of Equity, LLC experiences a lot of proud moments. The fulfilling moments range from seeing individuals progress from feeling self-defeated and discouraged to experiencing delight and encouragement as the “self-awareness light bulb” comes on and becomes brighter and brighter. We see individuals who were unemployed (or underemployed) build their skillset and get the long-awaited promotions and/or start their own businesses. We applaud individuals who experience mental health, substance use and/criminal justice problems as they grow, learn and live productive and fulfilling lives. In addition, we see organizations transform from being unorganized and challenged with sustainability problems, to thriving and receiving national accreditation. Their success gives us delight. We are proud to be servant leaders.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up from childhood, I have always been an optimistic, enthusiastic and energetic person. I enjoyed, and still enjoy helping people. I grew up in a loving and supportive family with my parents, brother and sister where Christianity and Spirituality established the root of my foundation; Yes, I am a “PK,” preacher’s kid! My parents instilled in me great God-given, principle-centered morals and beliefs. I believe in treating people fairly and in working hard and practicing with ethics. I have enjoyed sports from childhood, having been accomplished as a track and field athlete and cheerleader. I continue to love working out. As a child and through adulthood, I enjoy reading books, traveling internationally, and I have been strong in academia. I graduated from Virginia Union University, Summa Cum Laude, with only one B throughout my four-year matriculation. I continued to do well in graduate school, where I received my Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Atlanta University School of Social Work and my Ph.D. in Social Work Policy and Administration from Clark Atlanta University School of Social Work. I continue to thrive and enjoy being a life-learner.
My personal and professional accomplishments are due to having a village of support which begins and ends with God and all of the individuals He has strategically placed in my life. I come from a supportive family. My parents have always been my role models. I am blessed and thankful for a very supportive husband, children, niece, nephews and close friends. God is good, and I know, the Best is Yet to Come!
Contact Info:
- Address: One West Court Square, Suite 750, Decatur, Georgia 30030
- Website: www.senseofequity.com
- Phone: 404-955-7198
- Email: senseofequity@gmail.com
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