From digital case management to telehealth, from AI‑supported assessments to virtual learning environments, the practice of social work is expanding beyond traditional boundaries. And with that expansion comes new questions, new responsibilities, and new emotional terrain. This episode is about more than tools. It’s about the emotional maturity required to integrate technology without losing the heart of the profession. Dr. Jackson brings a grounded, practitioner‑centered perspective on what it means to stay human while embracing innovation. Together, we’ll explore: How technology is transforming the daily realities of social work practiceWhat emotional competencies practitioners need as digital tools enter the roomHow educators can prepare future social workers for tech‑enabled careAnd how leaders can navigate the tension between innovation and humanityOur guest, Dr. Jackson, reminds us that technology doesn’t replace the social worker; it reshapes the context in which social workers show up. And showing up with emotional maturity, clarity, and courage has never mattered more. So settle in. This is a conversation about practice, about people, and about the emotional growth required to serve in a digital age. Let’s grow together. Dr. Sebrena Jackson, PhD, MSW, BSW, Dean of the Whitney M. Young School of Social Work at Clark Atlanta University, is a strategic thinker and servant leader with over 25 years of social work practice and leadership experience. Over the span of her career, she has worked with diverse populations to inspire them to do the healing work that leads to living on purpose and reaching their fullest potential. Dr. Jackson’s diverse career in academia has spanned from Title IV-E Coordinator/Instructor of a BSW program at an HBCU, to Director of Field Education for the first fully online university to receive CSWE accreditation for an MSW program, to a tenured Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Educational Programs and Student Services at a Research I university, The University of Alabama. As a first-generation college student and former CSWE MFP Fellow, Dr. Jackson is passionate about education. This passion has guided her practice, research, and scholarship. Her two lines of education research include: (1) post-secondary education access and success for youth transitioning from foster care and (2) online education. She has published and presented these topics at state, national, and international conferences. The pre-college program she founded, the National Social Work Enrichment Program (NSEP), provides a 4-week college experience for foster youth. NSEP seeks to encourage foster youth to consider social work as a college major, while inspiring youth to graduate high school and enroll in college. As a licensed clinical social worker in both Georgia and Alabama, Dr. Jackson has practiced in a variety of settings, including medical social work, crisis intervention, child welfare, community organizing, and private practice. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work. She was honored as the Social Worker of the Year in two states, NASW-GA in 2009 and NASW-AL in 2017, for her work with transition-age foster youth. She was recently appointed as a co-lead for the Social Work Grand Challenge: Harnessing Technology for Social Good. She obtained her BSW from Tuskegee University and her MSW and PhD from Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Jackson is a trailblazer in the profession, and through her leadership, practice, and research, a college education has become a viable option for hundreds of youths transitioning from foster care. Dr. Melanie Magruder [DrMelanieEmpowers] is an accomplished, certified Leadership and Professional Development Coach recognized for guiding emerging leaders, seasoned professionals, and cross‑functional teams through transformative growth. With a reputation for clear insight, engaging presence, and practical, evidence‑based coaching, she distills complexity into clarity, strengthens alignment, and equips clients to lead with purpose in fast‑moving, high‑stakes environments. A strategist at heart, Dr. Magruder brings deep expertise in business strategy and organizational leadership, having led and supported multimillion‑dollar initiatives across corporate, nonprofit, and community sectors. Her ability to bridge vision and execution enables her to operate seamlessly at both strategic and operational levels, delivering measurable impact through disciplined planning, stakeholder engagement, and organizational excellence. As the creator and host of Growing Up: The Age of Your Emotions Podcast, Dr. Magruder advances a powerful mission: helping individuals develop emotional maturity as a cornerstone of effective leadership and meaningful living. Her work fosters self‑awareness, challenges limiting patterns, and expands leaders’ capacity to act with intention, empathy, and resilience. Dr. Magruder holds a Doctorate in Management of Organizational Leadership, an MBA, and multiple certifications in coaching, adult learning, and leadership development. She is also a published author, experienced facilitator, and respected community advocate dedicated to elevating leaders and strengthening the communities they serve. ** Leadership Strategies Course - Free! https://drmelanieempowers.kit.com/9a1f83884e Questions? Email - contact@drmelanieempowers.com Share Your Thoughts or Topic Recommendations! Contact Info: https://linktr.ee/drmelanieempowers
