Description

1. Examine the structural and organizational factors that perpetuate racist and gendered leadership demands and evaluate how these dynamics lead to emotional labor and adverse mental health outcomes in Black women leaders.
2. Center and amplify Black women’s lived experiences by critically examining how the Strong Black Woman schema, informed by intersectional and Black feminist perspectives, shapes leadership identity, decision-making, and mental health outcomes.
3.  Apply culturally responsive, equity-centered practices to mitigate the effects of the Strong Black Woman schema and to inform organizations on how to foster psychological safety, leadership development, and improved well-being among Black women leaders.

 

Presenter Bio:

Brandi Hayes, LMSW, MA, is a Doctoral Candidate of Social Work (DSW) at the University of Kentucky with a concentration in Administrative Leadership. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Social Work from The Greater Rochester Collaborative Program (SUNY Brockport and Nazareth University), and a Master of Science in Human Development with a concentration in Family Studies. She has extensive experience in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors.

Currently, she serves as a Manager of Social Work in a large hospital-based system in Rochester, NY. She provides social work support and clinical oversight, and equity-centered practices within the social work department. Additionally, she serves as an Adjunct Lecturer and Field Liaison at SUNY Brockport and the University of Kentucky, across both the undergraduate and graduate social work programs. Her pedagogical approach is grounded in empowerment, reflection, and critical discourse.

Brandi is passionate about centering Black voices and experiences and reframing the perjorative narratives about Black and Brown communities. Research interests include culturally responsive practices, leadership development, and mental health and wellness. Moreover, the Black experience is not monolithic and requires a nuanced, intersectional lens to effectively address the Black community’s needs. Her capstone examines the Strong Black Women Schema and how internalized expectations of strength shape the leadership identities, well-being, and sustainability of Black women leaders.

Brandi has been recognized for her leadership, service, and dedication to equity-focused social work practice, both academically and professionally.

 

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)

Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.

Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.

Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.

Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.