In this inspiring episode of Blaze the Mic, host Jaelon Jackson sits down with Monica Dorsey, a social worker, national advocate, public speaker, and host of Thoughtful Conversations. Monica shares her powerful journey through the social work profession—from her early days as a White House Ambassador advocating for HBCU funding, to mentoring students, leading community initiatives, and using her voice on national stages.

Monica opens up about discovering the versatility of social work, navigating graduate school during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how her background as a college basketball player and coach shaped her leadership style. She reflects on the importance of mental health advocacy in Black and Brown communities, the responsibility of being a voice for the voiceless, and how social work training strengthened her confidence as a public speaker and change-maker.

This episode challenges narrow perceptions of social work and highlights just how far the profession can take you—from policy and government work to media, advocacy, and beyond. Whether you’re a student, professional, or someone searching for purpose-driven work, this conversation is a reminder that your voice matters, your impact is real, and the path forward is bigger than you might imagine.

🎧 Listen now to hear how social work can take you from the classroom to the national stage—and everywhere in between.

Check out the full transcript here: Blaze-the-Mic-S2E7-Monica-Dorsey-Transcript

Episode Hosted by Jaelon Jackson

Music by Adi Ursu - "Out of Fire". Provided by Adobe.

In this engaging episode of Blaze the Mic, host Jaelon Jackson sits down with Elwim Sorto, a passionate MSW student, student senator, and co-founder of the Queer Social Work Association at the University of Texas at Arlington. Elwim opens up about his journey into social work, driven by a desire for representation and visibility for queer communities.

From navigating today’s challenging political climate to finding creative ways to amplify marginalized voices, Elwim shares how innovation and resilience fuel his advocacy. He discusses the importance of culturally competent practice, the fight for gender-diverse restrooms on campus, and how small acts of solidarity—from volunteering with organizations like The Trevor Project to simply wearing an ally pin—can ripple into lasting change.

This episode also explores mental health, policy advocacy, and the power of art and community to inspire hope. Elwin reminds us that progress takes persistence, and that storytelling is key to dismantling misinformation and building bridges across divided communities.

Whether you’re a social work student, professional, or ally, this conversation will inspire you to reimagine advocacy, embrace inclusivity, and continue pushing for a future where everyone belongs.

🎧 Listen now to discover how innovation, representation, and compassion can transform communities.

Check out the full transcript here: https://cdn.web.uta.edu/-/media/Project/Website/Social%20Work/Blaze%20the%20Mic/Blaze-the-Mic-S3E6-Elwin-Sorto-transcript

Episode Hosted by Jaelon Jackson

Music by Adi Ursu - "Out of Fire". Provided by Adobe.

In this powerful episode of Blaze the Mic, host Jaelon Jackson sits down with Shanell Bohannon, a resilient BSW alumna and aspiring MSW student at the University of Texas at Arlington. Shanell shares an unflinchingly honest journey through trauma, healing, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose. From being a high school graduate at 15, to discovering her calling in social work through a dream and a chance encounter, Shanell’s story is a testament to courage, faith, and the transformative power of empathy.

As a social worker, public speaker-in-training, and mother, Shanell opens up about the emotional complexities of resilience—how it can be both a badge of strength and a misunderstood burden. She challenges conventional approaches to trauma-informed care and paints a bold vision for her future: from delivering a TED Talk and inspiring students in schools, to building a facility for youth without support systems.

This episode is a stirring reminder that healing is a journey, growth comes from discomfort, and even the most difficult pasts can give rise to powerful futures. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone searching for hope—this conversation will move you, challenge you, and inspire you.

🎧 Listen now to discover what it truly means to rise, to heal, and to lead with heart.

Check out the full transcript here: https://cdn.web.uta.edu/-/media/Project/Website/Social%20Work/Blaze%20the%20Mic/Blaze-the-Mic-S3E4-E-Shanell-Bohannon-transcript

Episode Hosted by Jaelon Jackson

Music by Adi Ursu - "Out of Fire". Provided by Adobe.