Women Who Carry: Meet Dr. Anderson

Dr. Shakiya Anderson is a seasoned Human Service Professional specializing in data quality management and nonprofit organizations. Dr. Anderson expertise extends to facilitating impactful programs & strengthening families.

Dr. Anderson is deeply committed to her community and has dedicated her career to enhancing the efficacy of human service programs.

One of her sayings is "human services is more than just a career for me…it’s truly my passion.

What inspired you to enter the field of human services or case management?

• I have a deep passion for serving others and witnessing people from all walks of life overcome challenges. It inspires me to see individuals transform their resilience into a bridge that helps others rise as well. This passion led me to pursue a career in human services, where I can advocate for those often overlooked, the underdogs who face overwhelming odds, yet continue to persevere, succeed, and survive through it all.

What is something about your work that people outside the profession may not fully understand?

• Many people don’t fully understand the concept of choosing compassion over compensation. In the field of human services, we work tirelessly long days and nights, navigating conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and more and often, our pay doesn’t reflect the depth of our commitment. Still, I explain that my fulfillment comes in other ways. Seeing people overcome their challenges and rise above their circumstances is truly priceless.

What are some of the emotional challenges that come with supporting families in crisis?

• Supporting people in crisis can be deeply meaningful, but it also comes with real emotional challenges that can build over time if they’re not acknowledged. One of the biggest is emotional burnout being consistently present for others in intense situations can drain your energy and leave you feeling depleted. There’s also the weight of secondary trauma, where hearing about others’ pain, abuse, or loss begins to affect your own emotional well-being. Over time, this can shift how you see the world or make it harder to “turn off” after work.

• Another challenge is compassion fatigue. When you’re constantly giving empathy and support, you may find it harder to feel the same level of compassion you once did, which can lead to guilt or self-doubt. You might also struggle with a sense of responsibility and pressure, especially when outcomes are uncertain. Wanting to “fix” things or ensure someone’s safety can feel overwhelming, particularly when progress is slow or setbacks happen.

• There’s also boundary strain it can be difficult to separate your work from your personal life, especially when you genuinely care about the people you’re helping. This can lead to carrying emotional weight home with you.

• Finally, there can be feelings of frustration, especially when systemic barriers, limited resources, or repeated crises make it hard for people to move forward despite your efforts. Despite all of this, many people in this field like me, find purpose in the work. The key is making space for your own support, reflection, and recovery so you can continue showing up without losing yourself in the process.

Can you share a moment when you saw the true impact of your work?

• Supporting a family through a period of deep discouragement and watching them grow into a more empowered and connected unit has been one of the most impactful experiences in my work. By helping them set small, achievable goals and develop clear objectives, I was able to guide them toward meaningful progress. I also worked with the family to establish healthy boundaries and improve communication, which strengthened their relationships and overall functioning. Seeing them learn to advocate for themselves, rebuild their confidence, and create a more loving and productive environment was incredibly rewarding. Moments like these remind me why this work is so meaningful; empowering families to recognize their strengths and build lasting change is truly priceless.

How do you maintain compassion while protecting your own emotional wellbeing?

• One way I do this is by focusing on empowerment, helping clients build skills, set goals, and advocate for themselves rather than feeling responsible for fixing every situation. This allows me to stay present and compassionate while also recognizing that their journey is ultimately theirs.

• I also prioritize regular reflection, whether through supervision, peer support, or personal check-ins, so I can process difficult experiences and stay emotionally grounded. Outside of work, I make sure to disconnect and engage in activities that help me recharge, which allows me to return to my role with clarity and energy.

• Overall, I’ve found that maintaining clear boundaries and practicing consistent self-awareness not only protects my emotional wellbeing, but also helps me show up as a more effective and compassionate professional for the people I serve.

What changes would you love to see in how society supports human service providers and caregivers?

• I would like to see providers and community officials place greater value on the work of human service professionals. Human service workers play a foundational role across all fields by helping individuals develop the skills, stability, and mindset needed to lead healthy and productive lives. However, this work is often overlooked and under compensated, which can lead to high levels of stress and early burnout among professionals in the field. Increasing recognition and support for human service providers would not only improve working conditions, but also lead to stronger outcomes for individuals, families, and communities as a whole.

What are you still learning about yourself in this season?

• In this season, I’m learning that human services is more than just a career for me…it’s truly my passion. This is heart work, and I find purpose in supporting others as they overcome obstacles and grow into their full potential. I’m energized by seeing people push through challenges and tap into the resilience that we all carry within us.

  I’ve also realized that I naturally root for the underdog and feel driven to encourage others to become their best selves. That perspective comes from my own experiences and the belief that it’s not where you start, but where you finish that truly matters.

What does the phrase Women Who Carry mean to you?

• To me, “Women Who Carry” represents women like me; women who have faced challenges, carried heavy burdens, and still found the strength to keep going. It speaks to the resilience it takes to push through difficult circumstances, even when the path isn’t easy or clearly laid out. I connect to it on a personal level because I understand what it means to carry struggles while still striving to grow, succeed, and become better. It’s about not letting where you started define where you’re going. Instead, it’s about using those experiences as motivation to keep pushing forward.

• “Women Who Carry” also means being a source of strength for others…encouraging, uplifting, and showing people that overcoming obstacles is possible. It’s a reminder that even when we carry a lot, we also carry resilience, purpose, and the ability to create change in our own lives and in the lives of others.