We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiva Harper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiva, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?

The most important factor behind my success is the relationships I’ve built. I have had some amazing opportunities in my career and most of them were because of people I knew. I’m so fortunate to receive pretty regular requests to speak, or provide expert analysis, or to give interviews, and the majority of these opportunities seem to emanate from a colleague, a former student or similar professional relationship. Cultivating professional relationships and connections are extremely important in the social work community. Everyone knows everyone else.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built. I have a strong network of colleagues who I can turn to for consultation or support. There are two professional accomplishments I am most proud of. One was winning the Fernando G. Torgerson Teaching Award. This was so meaningful because it is voted on by students. The other career highlight was winning Social Worker of the year by my local chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

My career trajectory has been a natural progression. I don’t know that I did anything special. I have had a number of challenges but I’ve overcome those with the help of colleagues or I left the environment. The field of social work is so broad that it is not challenging to find work. There is no reason to stay in an environment that is not good for your mental health.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is to maintain a good reputation with others. Word of mouth is very powerful. I would want the world to know that my brand is all about being serving those who are hurting and creating safe spaces to do so.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think one of the first stops would be the Reunion Tower. It provides a beautiful view of the city.. I would take them to a few of the museums, e.g., The African American Museum, The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. We’d also go to the zoo, Old City Park, Dealey Plaza, The Arboretum, the AT&T stadium, Sundance Square, Bishop Arts and the Fort Worth Stockyard. The restaurants we’d have to visit would be South Dallas Cafe, El Fenix, Norma’s Cafe, Sankofa’s Kitchen and Bar, The Breakfast Brothers, Soiree Coffee Bar, True Food Kitchen, La Calle Doce and Madea’s.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I’d like to shout out. Mark Sandal was one of my undergrad professors and he is the reason I am a social worker. Jeannette LaFontaine was my internship supervisor and she helped me see I wanted to be a therapist. Richard Godoy was my favorite graduate school professor and I’ve patterned my entire career after his. I received a great deal of support from my parents. They always supported and encouraged me. Finally, the people who are most involved in my day to day are Pierre Stahrre, Tamala Swift, Lindell Singleton and Kristen Guillory. The all contribute to any success I might have. 

Website: www.kivaharper.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kivatharper/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kivaharper/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KivaLcsw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KivaHarperLCSW/

Youtube: Kiva Harper, LCSW

Image Credits
Ron Nance Guillermo de la Corte

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.