Healing with Purpose: Gloria Correa on Mental Health Leadership, Community Care, and Creating Change

Are you passionate about mental health equity but wondering how to create real, lasting change in underserved communities? In this inspiring episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Gloria Correa, Chief Executive Officer of Creating Change Counseling Center in New Jersey, who specializes in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, community-rooted mental health services. Gloria shares her powerful journey from Licensed Clinical Social Worker to nonprofit executive leader — offering meaningful insights on healing-centered leadership, dismantling systemic barriers, and building trust in marginalized communities. About the Guest Gloria Correa is the Chief Executive Officer of Creating Change Counseling Center and a seasoned social work professional with over 20 years of experience in the field. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University and began her career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker before stepping into executive leadership. Through her work, she helps underserved families and individuals access quality mental health care while addressing the structural inequities that limit access. Raised in Paterson, New Jersey, Gloria’s lived experience fuels her lifelong commitment to social justice, advocacy, and systemic transformation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why mental health inequities persist in underserved communities and how to navigate them Gloria’s strategies for building trauma-informed, culturally responsive organizations How to lead with purpose while driving systemic change Practical steps to expand access and reduce stigma in community-based care The importance of community trust in transforming mental health systems Episode Outline Introduction to Gloria's Journey (00:54) Migration Story and Early Struggles (1:47) Starting in Social Work and Founding Center (2:46) Health Crises and Career Shift (3:48) Gaps in Mental Health Access (4:15) Treating Mental Health Like Physical Health (5:34) School Interventions for Awareness (6:16) Challenges in Starting a Practice (7:29) Overcoming Self-Doubt (8:41) Advice for Mental Health Struggles (10:28) Trauma-Informed Care (11:46) Community Partnerships (13:24) Balancing Life and Leadership (14:49) Addressing Community Barriers (16:45) Cultural Nuances in Mental Health (18:18) Fighting Stigma (20:05) Encouraging Help-Seeking (21:55) Compassionate Leadership (23:01) Evolving American Dream (24:22) Connecting with Gloria (25:27) Gloria’s Legacy and Empowerment (26:13) Connect with Gloria Correa Want to learn more about Gloria’s work or connect with her directly? 🌐 Website → https://www.creatingchangellc.org/ 📧 Email → [email protected] 💼 LinkedIn → www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-correa-800331150 Closing Inspiration “Creating change isn’t just about offering services — it’s about building trust, shifting systems, and meeting people where they are.” If you’ve been feeling called to make a difference but unsure where to start, this episode will encourage you to lead with purpose and transform your community from the inside out. ✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings) 🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/ 📅 Book a Free Strategy Call → https://cal.com/anishajennings 📧 Email → [email protected] 📸 Follow me on Instagram → @jenningstechcorner ⭐ Loved this episode? Your reviews help this podcast grow and reach more amazing listeners! If today’s conversation inspired you, please leave a quick rating & review — it truly means the world. 💛