Tykisha Foster is a master’s addiction counseling fellow in the 2024-2025 class of the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) with the National Board of Certified Counselors Foundation (NBCC). She channels the resilience of her military roots and the compassion of a lifelong caregiver into every facet of her work as an addiction counseling leader. After earning her associate of science from Carrington College (2006) and a bachelor of business with an allied-health focus from Centura College–Chesapeake (2022), she is due to complete a master’s in Substance Use and Addiction Counseling at Grand Canyon University (2026) and now pursues a dual master’s in clinical mental health and school counseling at Walden University. Driven by a belief that healing is both art and science, Tykisha weaves crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, solution-focused strategies, and group therapy into culturally attuned, trauma-informed care, always honoring the stories behind each struggle. Her vision is simple yet profound: to stand beside marginalized communities, foster connection, and lead with empathy so that recovery becomes not just possible, but purposeful.

Tykisha was drawn to the Minority Fellowship Program by her deep desire for growth, connection, and impact within the field of addiction counseling. She shares, “My driving force for entering the Minority Fellowship Program was my desire for professional development. I genuinely love the work I do as a substance abuse counselor, and I often find myself wanting to do more, wanting to serve better.” As an African American woman, Tykisha recognizes the unmet needs and overlooked voices within distressed communities, places where community-responsive care is not just beneficial but essential. The fellowship offered her more than just training; it offered a pathway to become the kind of leader who listens deeply, serves compassionately, and collaborates with others committed to change. With each opportunity to sharpen her skills and expand her network, Tykisha moves closer to her vision of leadership, one grounded in purpose, refined by preparation, and driven by her love for the people she serves.

Reflecting on how the MFP has enriched her academic and professional career, Tykisha shared that her experience as a fellow has provided opportunities for dedicated personal and professional development. She stated, “The Minority Fellowship Program has illuminated areas of growth I didn’t realize I needed to address. My knowledge and passion for the work are unquestionable; I absorb information like a sponge and am always eager to learn. However, what this program has truly done is challenge me to manage the weight of everything I carry: being a full-time student, a mother, a wife, an entrepreneur, and a working professional, all while trying to carve out time for self-care and protect my peace. The many opportunities that come with being a part of the MFP are a blessing, but they can also be overwhelming. This experience has pushed me to pause, reassess what truly matters to me, and get honest about my goals. I’ve come to realize that I’m the type of person who will try to do everything, often to the point of being overworked and burned out. Through this fellowship, I’ve learned that as much as we are motivated to serve others, we must also be intentional about serving ourselves first. It’s only when we are whole that we can show up fully for those who depend on us. This lesson alone has enriched my professional journey by helping me set boundaries and prioritize sustainability in my career. Academically, it has sharpened my focus, clarified my direction, and helped me reconnect with my ‘why’.”

Participating in the MFP has allowed Tykisha to build and nurture her professional network. She said, “The MFP has truly pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. It has taught me the importance of putting myself out there and saying 'yes' when opportunities arise, if I have the time and capacity. Each new responsibility I take on stretches me, not just in terms of skill, but also in how I present myself professionally. It has challenged me to begin communicating from a leadership mindset, not just as a participant, but as someone with a voice worth hearing. Before the fellowship, I never imagined joining something like Toastmasters. However, this program helped me realize that having great ideas isn’t enough; it’s the ability to communicate them effectively that truly creates an impact. I’ve always felt more confident writing than speaking, which I think is common for many counselors. We’re trained to listen and reflect, but this fellowship has encouraged me to speak up, be heard, and take my place at the table. Being part of the MFP has nurtured that voice. It has helped me see that professional networking isn’t just about making contacts, it’s about showing up prepared, present, and confident in your purpose. It’s preparing me for the next step in my career, not only by building connections, but by helping me grow into the kind of professional who can lead with both skill and heart.”

Tykisha is leveraging opportunities in the MFP to develop curricula and tools that will benefit her practice as well as others in the field. She explained, “Through the Minority Fellowship Program, I am currently focused on developing interpersonally tailored treatment plans that integrate the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) dimensions and address the unique needs of African American clients. This project allows me to refine my ability to create comprehensive, person-centered care strategies that reflect the lived experiences, interpersonal strengths, and challenges faced by the communities I serve. I am also participating in ongoing training and workshops centered on disparities in mental health and addiction treatment. These opportunities are helping me grow in my understanding of how to apply community-responsive, evidence-based practices that challenge stigma and promote equitable access to care.

“In addition, I’m building my professional presence by contributing to discussions and championing efforts related to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and culturally competent care. I’ve joined Toastmasters to enhance my public speaking skills and increase my confidence in using my voice as a leader and champion in the addiction treatment field. These projects are equipping me with the tools, confidence, and community insight necessary to be a more effective counselor and change agent in addressing care gaps for populations in need.”

Tykisha plans to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the MFP to her current and future professional work and to champion for people in need in her community and beyond. She stated, “I plan to integrate the knowledge and skills gained into every level of my future work, as a counselor and future leader in addiction treatment. The training I’m receiving on community-responsive care and the application of the ASAM criteria is helping me become more intentional in how I assess, plan, and deliver services to distressed populations. Moving forward, I will use these tools to design more comprehensive and community-tailored treatment plans that reflect both clinical best practices and the lived realities of the people I serve. I also plan to utilize my growing confidence and voice, developed through leadership training and public speaking opportunities, to champion policy and practice changes, challenge stigma surrounding substance use disorders and MAT, and push for more access to care for those in need. Ultimately, the skills I’m building will enable me to step into leadership roles where I can help train and mentor future counselors, influence reform, and serve as a trusted voice in both clinical and community settings.”

When looking ahead to her goals beyond the MFP, Tykisha plans to continue her education and serve distressed communities through therapy, while also championing the next generation of counselors and changemakers. She shared, “I am passionate about continuing my work as a counselor. Once I become licensed, I plan to deepen my work and expand my impact. Through this fellowship, I attended a Minority Fellowship Program Coordinating Center (MFPCC) webinar, where the speaker said, ‘If they’re not creating a lane for you, create your own.’ That message resonated deeply with me. It reminded me that leadership and change don’t require permission; sometimes, we must be the ones to build the space that our communities need. Continuing my education is also a top priority. I plan to finish pursuing a dual master’s in clinical mental health and school counseling because I believe mental health and addiction work are deeply connected. The more I grow in knowledge and training, the more equipped I’ll be to serve holistically and open doors for greater employment opportunities and impact. Ultimately, my long-term goals include becoming an educator, establishing my practice, and contributing to policy changes that address the inequities in behavioral health care. I want to help shape the future of addiction counseling and empower others to lead with purpose and compassion.”

When asked if she had advice for anyone considering applying to the MFP, Tykisha replied, “Nike said it best, ‘Just do it!’ If you’re thinking about applying to the MFP, stop overthinking and take the leap. If you want something meaningful out of life, you must be willing to pursue it. No one’s going to hand it to you. The good news is, you’re not alone on the journey. Even if you don’t know exactly how to get there, some people have already walked the path and are reaching back to help others rise. Many of them are part of this very program. The MFP is more than just a fellowship; it’s a community, a launchpad, and a reminder that you belong in the spaces where change happens. So, apply. Bet on yourself. You never know how much you’re capable of until you say ‘yes’ to the opportunity.”

She shared these words about her experience as an NBCC fellow, "When I first joined the MFP, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I came into it with an open mind and a clear vision of what I hoped to gain: connection, networking, professional polish, and access to a deeper wealth of knowledge. What I didn’t expect was how much I would genuinely adore the people who bring it all together. I have immense admiration for the individuals behind this program, the organizers, mentors, educators, and guest speakers, who dedicate their time to invest in us. Their support is intentional and deeply appreciated. These are the people actively investing in individuals like me, those of us who are striving to grow, lead, and deliver real impact in our communities. This program is not just about what you gain; it’s about who you become along the way. And for that, I’m truly grateful. Thank you for the opportunity, and thank you for choosing me to be a part of something so meaningful. I am truly honored to be included in a program that not only supports my professional growth but also recognizes the value I bring to the field.”