Today we’d like to introduce you to Kameryn Sampson
Kameryn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am originally from LaPlace, Louisiana and a proud graduate of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. It was there that my passion for community service and supporting women and girls came alive. However, I have a long tenure from before joining the organization I currently work at, Girls Empowerment Network, in 2018 of direct service experience with youth. During my undergraduate education, I served in executive leadership for various organizations such as Volunteer LSU, the Minority Women’s Movement, and LSU Service Breaks. I moved to Houston in the fall of 2018 to purse my master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Houston Main Campus and began my time with Girls Empowerment Network as a part-time Program Coordinator, delivering our signature curriculum in schools in the Greater Houston region. Within a year, I fell deeply in love with our mission and culture and made a commitment to deepening my roots with the organization. Within a year (2019), I transitioned into a full-time Program Coordinator role, then a Program Manager in 2021, then Program Director in 2022, and then Interim Deputy Director in January of 2024. As of June of 2024, I am now the permanent Deputy Director for the organization. I am also a licensed master level social worker in the state of Texas and I have a deep commitment to expanding the understanding of “macro social work” to the greater social work community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Though my trajectory into my current role is quicker than most, it absolutely was not a smooth road. I became pregnant with my first child in the fall of 2019 and then gave birth at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. That was not in my cards at all, and played a huge role in my mental health during that time of my life. I had not graduated yet from my graduate program, was working from home with a newborn, and navigating so many big changes in my personal life (I also ended up getting married and buying my first home in 2020). I also had my second child in 2022, and with his birth, dealt with some trauma and the NICU experience. With all of these challenges in my personal life, it made it hard to show up to my fullest potential in my work life. However, by the grace of God and the support of the entire Girls Empowerment Network team, I was able to do it. I am forever grateful for this team and the leadership at the time of me going through these major transitions, because without them, I would not be where I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Deputy Director at the Girls Empowerment Network. We are a nonprofit organization that works with girls in 3rd-12th grade (and the adults that care about them) to help girls identify their own personal power, self efficacy. My role is second in command, and I serve as the support person to our Executive Director and as the liaison between our senior team and staff. I am also a licensed social worker, and I specialized in macro social work. So, not the social work one typically thinks of with case management or therapy. My social work, is one that works with the larger organization and community. I lead from my foundation of social work in focusing on the strengths our team brings in to reach a common solution. I am most proud of the work culture my organization has and my own self development as a nonprofit professional.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am also a certified birth and postpartum Doula! I care so deeply about helping women and girls know and use their own inner power. As a mother of two, I know how much support is needed in the birthing experience, so I am proud to also hold that title and provide that kind of support to my network.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.girlsempowermentnetwork.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsempowermentnetwork/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GirlsEmpowermentNetwork
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GirlsEmpowermentNetwork
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kameryn-sampson-lmsw-3b225bb8/
