Erika Franklin is a master’s student in the Addiction Studies Program at the University Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). She graduated in 2020 with a Master of Public Administration and obtained her Bachelor of Science in rehabilitative science from UAPB in 2009. She is a master’s level Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) fellow with the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), with an anticipated graduation date of 2022.
Erika was initially drawn to the MFP because of the program’s reputation along with recommendations from her professors. She shared, “The NBCC foundation’s reputation for making sure counselors are equipped to engage with diverse populations really stood out to me. Another factor was my instructors at the UAPB who motivated and encouraged me to apply and spark interest to make my visibility for expanding on networking opportunities.”
When reflecting on how the MFP will enrich her academic and professional career, Erika shared her excitement for her MFP fellowship journey. She explained, “Being a fellow has given me so many valuable tools and opportunities. It has strengthened my connections within the minority communities, removing, and identifying even personal barriers to my growth as a counselor, and prepared me for diverse client interactions while learning about incorporating advocacy in my own professional styles.”
Participating in the MFP is also helping Erika build and nurture her professional network by allowing her to challenge and achieve the professional goals she has set for herself. She remarked, “I am setting and reaching my objective and impact goals and building my professional network by interacting and facilitating MFP connections that may be utilized later in my career.”
Currently, Erika is conducting a research project within her graduate program, working toward establishing a nonprofit related to her professional impact goals with NBCC, and working to complete certifications in substance abuse and HIV. Erika plans to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from the MFP to her professional practice. She shared, “I plan to utilize the resources, opportunities, and skills learned throughout the program and incorporate them to my work with special populations.”
Erika’s post-MFP career goals include continuing her education, obtaining licensure, and establishing a nonprofit organization. She shared, “I plan to begin a Ph.D. program in the fall of 2022, take my test for licensure, write grants to assist with the development of a nonprofit organization, and serve underserved populations through advocacy, education, and prevention.”
When asked if she had any advice for anyone thinking about applying to the MFP, Erika provided these encouraging words, “Apply! As a fellow, you will join a great circle of opportunities where everything else you need will follow suit. It’s a great opportunity that will benefit you for a lifetime!”
Erika provided final remarks about the MFP and the NBCC, “Before the MFP, it was hard making the connections I needed to reach my goals. The MFP has allowed me to put things in perspective and expand my view beyond what was in front of me. The NBCC is great, and they are always so helpful.”