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A Passion and Vision to Lead

By Valdes J. Snipes-Bennett, PhD, MPA, MDiv.

Passion is a key element for a leader. Most successful people and The best gift is to be able to do what you love, and love what you

those who achieve great things have passion. Passion comes do." Christina has worked with various populations to include

when leaders find their purpose and strength in areas that matter seniors, children, at-risk teens, mental health, battered women,

to them. Passion produces drive, a drive that brings energy and individuals with development and intellectual challenges, and the

excitement into what they do. Passion drives vision. It is the pas- list goes on. She has provided over 16 years of experience serving

sion that fuels the drive that produces vision. Passion ignites oth- people directly.

ers. It is the passion that is portrayed from a leader that often

energizes and motives others to accomplish tasks. Group Sup- Malika Watkins (Right), BSW, Program Manager, Group Supports,

ports have managers with that passion, so I would like to intro- knew she had a passion for helping people at the age of seven. At

duce you to my team. the age of eight, she learned that she could help people as a ca-

reer. Malika says, “I instantly knew when I grew up I would be

Christina Wilson (Left), BSW, Program Manager, Group Supports, somewhere in the world helping the less fortunate. Here I am,

has been serving people her whole life. Christina says, “I had a several years later living my dream.” Malika received her Bache-

passion for helping others since childhood.” She attended Ben- lor of Social Work (BSW) degree from Johnson C. Smith University

nett College in Greensboro N.C. where she received a bachelor’s in Charlotte, North Carolina. She started her career in the Intel-

degree in social work. She then attended Bowie State University lectually Disabled field but spent a great deal of time over the

and began working on her master's degree in mental health coun- past nine years working with the homeless and mentally ill popu-

seling. When asked why she chose social work as a profession, lation, which gave her a greater perspective on the world. “I ap-

Christina says, “It was because I have a genuine passion to help preciate the small things in life so much more these days,” said

people.” Christina’s passion drives her vision for her team. Chris- Malika. “My work has had a major impact on my life, on my ca-

tina says, “My goal is to help lead, educate, motivate, and encour- reer, on the people I serve, and on the people I love. Everyone is

age my team at EPIC to help people gain independence so they different and requires different things, don't make someone fit

may become self-sufficient, promote optimum growth potential, into the bubble that's comfortable to you. Also, never allow your-

and enhance their quality of life.” self to be placed in a bubble, always be a bubble popper. Ha, it's

more fun.”

When asked about her philosophy, Christina says, “If you have

found your true purpose in life, and are fortunate enough to do it I hope you agree that our team is driven by their passion to serve

every day, then you are fulfilling your dreams. people.

Valdes J. Snipes-Bennett, PhD, PhD, MPA, MDiv., Director of Group Support Services, began her work at EPIC in
December 2017. Valdes has earned a bachelor's degree in Gerontology, Master degrees in Public Administration
and Divinity (MPA, MDiv) and a PhD in Organizational Management specializing in Leadership.

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