Dr. Aisha-Amina Smiley, DSW, LSW
Clinical Associate Professor
Campus Director
BSW & MSW Programs
IU School of Social Work – Fort Wayne
Can you share your journey into the work you do? What experiences, moments, or values led you here?
Fortunately, or unfortunately, what led me to a life of compassionate service and social
work was and continues to be my own experiences and the ability to resonate with and see others in similar situations. I first experienced trauma as a child and through much resilience, and the love of my family; that experience left me with a soft heart to keep falling and getting up, and to see strength in the vulnerability in others.
I take my assignment as a social worker and educator very seriously. It is a privilege for people to let you into their lives. It requires non-judgement, patience, honesty, moral character, and the ability to sit in the depth of dark with and for people, to love those deemed unworthy or helpless; to encourage, coach, and support others to get to a place where we aren’t always in survival mode.
I’ve continued to endure physical, emotional, physiological and racial pain throughout
my life. While I have often wondered “why me?", it is these growing pains that have
contributed to how I continue to learn, evolve, heal, and teach cultural resilience to
others.
Who or what has most influenced your leadership and commitment to this work? This could include mentors, community, lived experience, books, faith, or movements.
I learned a long time ago that my soft heart is a strength that has, at times, in my life
been perceived as fragility. I learned that it requires great strength to lead with heart
and at a beat and pace that is not always the norm.
What has most influenced my understanding of commitment has been watching my parents commit to one another for nearly 50 years until the unexpected death of my father last May. My father’s death and my own physical and mental health over the past few years have challenged my
commitment to God, if I were to be completely honest. I know the Lord is committed to me and has been all of my life. I am regularly reminded of His love and faithfulness.
This keeps me going.
Being a mother is a true test of leadership. Sometimes I teach, hold accountable, love,
discipline, model, give some rope, and redirect. I learn who they are individually, and at times allow my children to lead. I have had a few mentors over time pour into me,
encourage me, and remind me to go for what seems impossible. It is these experiences
coupled with those with all the bad managers (not leaders) who have shown me what
NOT to do that have contributed to my leadership and commitment to the work of
wellbeing and social justice. I am most inspired by the work and efforts of those
individuals, groups, and movements that start from nothing and are propelled by their
purpose, from the work of their heart and hands.
For those who feel called to doing this work, where would you suggest they begin? Is there a book, organization, practice, or resource that helped shape you?
First, determine your why/purpose/calling. There is very little that can deter you from
your true calling. It may evolve over time, but the foundation of your why never
changes. You don’t need an education to be empathetic, culturally aware and
responsible, kind, and loving. A good education is one that challenges your values,
character, ways of thinking, and allows recovery from mistakes. The reality is that
sometimes educational degrees are necessary to obtain the required license to
substantiate or endorse the work that you are doing. To be a social worker you do have
to have a degree and a license. To provide counseling/therapy you do have to have a
master’s degree and a license. I am available to talk with anyone wanting to explore
into their purpose, those interested in pursuing a career in social work or who wants to know what advantages are available with a social work degree.
What wisdom or encouragement would you offer to the next generation of Black women leaders entering this space?
Do the ongoing work of learning and healing YOU. Look at woman in the mirror. Do you know her, do you like/love her? We don’t always recognize the harm within us, that we cause, and have the unintended consequence of projecting onto others. Know yourself and trust yourself. Develop unshakeable faith and character. Your name, your tone, your look, your presence may always make someone uncomfortable; learn to be ok with that and trust that is not your problem. Find who you are authentically and be her. Love and support other Black and Brown women. Don’t be envious, don’t be a hater. Celebrate her publicly and give loving correction privately.
How can people stay connected to and support your work? Please share your website, social media, current campaigns, or other ways to get involved.
I am an open book and do not mind sharing the knowledge and wisdom I have learned
over time. I don’t have a website currently, but you can find me on fb, Instagram,
LinkedIn or likely at a basketball game!