Leading with Purpose: Mental Health Advocacy with Ericka Ellis Stewart

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Ericka Ellis Stewart, Acting Executive Director of Mental Health America of Central Carolinas. Ericka shares her journey as a mental health advocate and nonprofit leader working to expand access, reduce stigma, and strengthen community based mental health supports across the region.Drawing from her dual perspective as both a practitioner and a graduate student, Ericka discusses her leadership role within a mental health nonprofit, the critical programs and services offered by Mental Health America of Central Carolinas, and how her MSW education is actively shaping her approach to advocacy, administration, and community engaged work. She reflects on the highlights and challenges of nonprofit leadership, the importance of prevention and early intervention, and offers encouragement for social workers and students navigating micro, mezzo, and macro practice.This episode highlights the powerful intersection of education, leadership, and community care, and what it means to lead with purpose in the mental health space.