Octavia Brown, LCSW-C

Octavia Brown, a neurodivergent biracial Black beacon of strength and resilience, navigated a tumultuous journey, enduring the overt racism of her White family and grappling with deep-rooted abandonment issues from her early childhood. Born into a family that failed to accept her uniqueness, her experiences with physical abuse and a series of tumultuous relationships shaped her early perspectives on her identity as a neurodivergent woman of color. She bore witness to the trials and tribulations marginalized communities face, leading to an internalized struggle with her own biracial identity. Yet, it was this very adversity that cultivated a deeply embedded passion for advocacy and empowerment, especially within Black and Brown communities.

From a young age, Octavia was profoundly in tune with her emotions, showcasing an extraordinary gift of persuasion. This talent, initially misused in childhood antics, evolved into a formidable tool for advocacy and empowerment in her adult life. As she matured, her innate care for others' well-being and her commitment to family took on deeper dimensions. This profound empathy was accentuated by her early exposure to ancestral practices through her paternal grandmother and grandfather, fostering a spiritual connection that would later inform her work.

Educationally, Octavia's pursuit of knowledge and understanding led her to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). There, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a major in Social Work and a minor in Africana Studies, striving to grasp the intricate complexities of the Black community's journey. Her dedication was further exemplified at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work, where she was honored with the Title IV-E Education for Public Child Welfare Program Outstanding MSW Student of the Year award.

HERstory.

Upon graduation, Octavia's multifaceted involvement in social work practice demonstrated her unwavering commitment. Her roles spanned activism, political social work, and clinical practice, with every endeavor reinforcing her commitment to healing, decolonization, and liberation. In 2020, she launched her mental health practice, an embodiment of 12 years of meticulous preparation, dedication, and vision. As highlighted in a feature article, Octavia's journey with her practice was not an "overnight success," but a testament to her belief that true success demands time, patience, and unwavering dedication.

Today, Octavia stands as a symbol of hope, strength, and transformation. Her story, academic accomplishments, and professional endeavors are a testament to the indomitable spirit of women in business. Through her mental health practice, she continues her mission to heal, empower, and liberate, ensuring that every individual she touches recognizes the value of their unique journey and the endless potential within them.

Her Legacy.

Karen M. Brown

Amidst the rustic cobblestone streets of Annapolis, Maryland, on January 6, 1943, a fierce spirit was born. Octavia's grandmother, a symbol of resilience and strength, grew up during an era when the shadows of racial segregation and discrimination were prevalent. The vibrant town was paradoxically tainted with the sobering hues of prejudice. But within the walls of her childhood home, another storm brewed — an alcoholic father whose harsh words wounded her mother's spirit.

Every time her father's temper flared, Octavia's grandmother's fiery spirit ignited. With the fierce heart of a lioness, she would step between them, willing to bear the brunt of her father's wrath to shield her mother. From these early confrontations emerged a fierce advocate, a protector not just of her family but for anyone who needed a voice.

Blessed with the innate gifts of compassion, empathy, and intuition, Octavia's grandmother transformed her tumultuous experiences into a wellspring of support for those around her. While she didn't possess formal therapeutic credentials, she became the unofficial therapist of her community. Her porch transformed into a sanctuary where hearts were mended, spirits were uplifted, and souls found solace.

Among the many lives she touched, Octavia was particularly fortunate to be under her tutelage. During their countless hours of deep conversations, she would often remind Octavia, "in the work you do, never forget the Black women. No one helps us." These words, etched into Octavia's heart, would lay the foundation for her calling in mental health.

It was through her eyes, filled with both pain and hope, that Octavia realized the transformative power of therapy. Octavia felt a calling, a deep-seated passion stirred by her grandmother's legacy. Even now, as she treads the path her grandmother once did, advocating for the oppressed and forgotten, Octavia often feels her guiding spirit beside her. Every step Octavia takes, every life she touches, is a continuation of her grandmother's mission. And she pledges, with every breath in her body, to walk in the legacy entrusted to her, championing the cause of Black women and the entire Black community.

Awards and Recognition.

Fannie Lou Hamer Award; Michelle Obama Certificate of Recognition: 100 Women Making a Difference; Title IV-E MSW “Student of the Year” award; Golden Key International Honor Society; Phi Kappa Honor Society; Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society; Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society; Second Generation Scholarship Award; National Child Welfare Workforce Institute Certificate of Achievement.