For Micronesians by Micronesians Host, Angela Edward, Is Amplifying Micronesian Voices
For Micronesians by Micronesians Host, Angela Edward, Is Amplifying Micronesian Voices. Picture courtesy of Angela Edward
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Tell us about your background and career path.
I am Micronesian-American; a child of the diaspora. I grew up straddling two worlds. I would spend the school year in a homogenous student body and every summer, I would spend most of my waking moments with my Micronesian friends and family. My worlds felt so compartmentalized. As an adult, I work to find ways to blend the worlds together.
I graduated High School 3rd in my class and was in the National Honor Society. I have an Associates in Liberal Education with a concentration in Spanish, a Bachelors’s of Arts, and a Master’s of Social Work. Since graduating, I have passed the exams and earned licensure in my profession in the State of Minnesota and in the State of Michigan.
I am a Social Worker and Mental Health Therapist. My goal is to not completely use my training as a therapist but to use that and to incorporate my ancestry and identity into healing the community.
What are your thoughts on Pasifika representation in social work?
I actually know a few Micronesian MSWs (Masters in Social Work) but I would love to see more who use their degree as Therapists. I am proud to say that all the Micronesian MSWs that I know are working on community healing which is beautiful to me. I would love to meet more MSWs who are Polynesian and Melanesian, too. I’ve never met any.
For Micronesians by Micronesians Host, Angela Edward, Is Amplifying Micronesian Voices. Picture courtesy of Angela Edward
Any tips for Pacific Islanders interested in Social Work?
Remember that healing has been a piece of Pasifika culture for centuries; so many villages have “healers.” Harness the power of your ancestors when wondering if you were made to go into Social Work.
You are the host of For Micronesians By Micronesians. What inspired you to start this podcast?
I started a podcast that was all things Micronesian because we are often reading, hearing, and digesting our stories as told by others and not from us, directly. When you put a microphone in a Pasifika brother or sister’s hand, you give them a voice. And their voice is power(ful).
Follow For Micronesians by Micronesians on Instagram and listen to the series on Apple Podcasts.
Would you like to be featured in our Spotlight Program?