Elizabeth City, N.C. — Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) senior Trinitee Smith has made history as the first ECSU social work student elected to the National Association of Social Workers - North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC) board of directors.
Smith, who will serve as the undergraduate student representative for the 2024-2025 term, beat out stiff competition from Bachelor of Social Work students across the state to earn this role.
Smith's journey into social work was no accident. "I always knew I wanted to work with children and go down the mental health and law route," Smith said. When Smith realized social work was an option for her, she said, "It combined everything I loved."
For Smith, this achievement is not just about personal success—it represents a step forward in fulfilling her life-long passion for advocating for children and working within mental health and legal systems to create change. Smith also highlighted the importance of representation as a Black woman and emphasized her motivation to encourage others from the Black community to join spaces where they are underrepresented.
"We deserve to be in those spaces, and we have every right to contribute and excel in them," Smith added.
Her drive to pursue social work stems from her desire to work with communities that are often systematically excluded and advocate for change. She envisions a future in clinical social work, starting with children's therapy and bringing her knowledge into school settings, 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.
Smith's desire to make a difference led her to apply for the NASW-NC board position and allowed her to step into 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 said.
At just 20 years old, Smith is entering a leadership role where she'll work alongside seasoned professionals—something she embraces wholeheartedly.
"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," Smith noted.
Kim Downing, professor of social work and the director of the social work program, says Smith's future is promising, and she spoke about all the qualities that set her apart.
"She is creative and consistently pursues opportunities to enhance her skills and engage in new experiences," Downing added.
According to Downing, Smith's new board position allows ECSU to have a voice and a "seat at the table" of North Carolina's leading social work organization. "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."
As Smith prepares to graduate and begin her professional journey, she continues to demonstrate leadership that will leave a legacy.
"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," Downing said. "It is an honor to have one of our students represented on this board."
To learn more about the educational opportunities for social work at ECSU, visit the Department of Health and Human Studies webpage.