Conscious Empowerment Series: Meet Angela C. Flowers
Interview with Angela C. Flowers
What inspired your career choice?
My name is Angela C. Flowers and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker and a mental health therapist. I have been working in the field with youth since I was a junior in undergrad at John Carroll University where I was pursuing a degree in Psychology. I originally went to school to become a Biomedical Engineer but changed my major a few times before deciding on Psychology. I chose this field after a professor (Dr. Manos) came in to speak about his career with working with youth with ADHD at Cleveland Clinic. I was intrigued with human behavior but also how the environment can affect outcomes. I decided on pursuing a Master’s in social work at Case Western Reserve University to further my studies because it meant that I could still do mental health therapy but didn’t need to go to school for another 4 years. As I reflect on my upbringing and also some of the struggles I had growing up, I probably would have benefited from having a counselor or therapist as well as a group to be a part of to help navigate my goals but have a shared sense of belonging. I feel like mental health matters and that being able to be in the field and help empower my clients to make life decisions that they feel will help them navigate and grow makes my career a blessing!
What intrigues you about the book, Conscious Empowerment?
I am interested in the book Conscious Empowerment because it explores organizations that work with girls but also allows the girls to have a voice and discuss strategies and best practices that have helped them feel empowered and grow. I can’t wait to learn more about the people that were interviewed and also the strategies that can help other practitioners or youth development workers in the field.
What is your best advice to give to individuals who work with girls?
The best advice I would give to individuals that work with girls is to continue to encourage them, affirm them, and give them a place where their thoughts, voices, and opinions are not judged. Allow for autonomy, choice, and continue to help improve their confidence. Expose them to non-traditional things that are not “typical” of things stereotyped for girls. Also remember that this is a critical time period in their development so what we speak and say helps form their viewpoints.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
The advice I would give to my younger self is to continue to be you! You are a trailblazer, your voice is important, and you are going to do BIG things girl! It doesn't matter that you decided not to become a doctor or engineer, what you are doing has changed so many lives. Embrace it, enjoy it, and continue to live fearlessly and take risks!
What makes you Empowered & Poised?
The thing that empowers me is being kind, sharing ideas, and continuing to be a leader in a field where the light is often dim. The helping profession is one of the best fields to be a part of because you can literally watch the seeds you plant grow and bloom, but, it is not for the faint at heart. There are stressful times where you lose clients, limited resources, or accolades, but, when you do the work that we do, the rewards are unbelievable! Each day that I wake up, I hope to make a difference in someone's life and to encourage and empower them.
