By Ashley Brown
In a groundbreaking achievement, Trinitee Smith, a senior at Elizabeth City State University, has made history by becoming the university’s first social work student elected to the National Association of Social Workers – North Carolina Chapter board of directors. Smith will serve as the undergraduate student representative for the 2024-2025 term. She emerged victorious amidst fierce competition from social work students statewide.
Smith’s journey into social work was fueled by her lifelong dream of supporting children and advocating within the mental health and legal sectors.
Beyond personal achievement, Smith views her election as a significant milestone for representation. As a Black woman, she emphasizes the need for diversity in leadership roles within the field. “We deserve to be in those spaces, and we have every right to contribute and excel in them,” she stated.
Goals of the Young Leader
Driven by her commitment to advocate for communities often marginalized, Smith aspires to specialize in clinical social work. She wants to focus on children’s therapy while integrating her expertise into schools, nonprofit organizations, and community programs.
“I would also like to work alongside government to advocate for and implement policies that truly address the needs of marginalized communities,” Smith explained.
Applying for the NASW-NC board position was a step towards entering influential spaces early in her career. “I knew it was a challenge, but that’s what drives me. I like being in uncomfortable circumstances to see how I thrive,” she reflected.
At just 20 years old, Smith is poised to take on a leadership role among seasoned professionals. “While I may be younger than the other members of the board and just starting my career, I firmly believe that age is only a number. I’m confident in my ability to contribute effectively and capably,” she noted.
Kim Downing is a professor of social work and the director of the social work program at ECSU. She praised Smith’s skills and qualities and the impact she can make in her new NASW-NC role. “As a small HBCU, sometimes, our students are not always afforded the opportunity to demonstrate their level of brilliance and skills. But this position will allow Smith to showcase her knowledge and skills, proudly representing ECSU,” Downing shared. “One of the reasons Trinitee’s acceptance is so significant for our program and the broader student body is because such an achievement will convey to students, current and future, they too ‘belong’ in positions and spaces with leaders and decision-makers.”
