Kelley Reed, LCSW
Ms. Black USA 2023

Kelley embodies the qualities of a servant leader, drawing inspiration from her Christian faith to utilize her talents for the betterment of others. Her personal motto is "Service is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."

For a year, Kelley dedicated herself as a full-time volunteer at a medical respite center for homeless men in Washington, D.C. During this period, she contributed over 2,000 hours of service, aiding numerous clients in acquiring health insurance, government benefits, and housing. Through this hands-on involvement, Kelley gained a firsthand understanding of the challenges of homelessness and addiction.

Subsequently, Kelley pursued a Master of Social Work degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. Among an incoming MSW class of over 200 students, she was chosen as one of six graduate research assistants. Her contributions to research explored the link between adverse childhood experiences and later-in-life substance use disorders. Following her graduation, Kelley dedicated multiple years to working as a therapist, supporting children and families in navigating life's trials.

In 2021, Kelley received the position of director in a housing program aimed at helping formerly homeless men in substance use recovery. Notably, she is the second woman and the first African American to hold this role in the program's three-decade history. As director, she collaborates with program staff to foster a nurturing environment that prioritizes residents' medical needs, individual paths to recovery, and interpersonal connections.

Kelley's achievement of passing the Clinical Social Work exam on her first attempt is highly commendable, particularly when considering the context of historically low first-time pass rates for minority groups. Her accomplishment not only challenges stereotypes but also serves as an inspiration to others to overcome obstacles and achieve success, even in the face of odds that might seem daunting.

Kelley's platform, "Over with Overdose," resonates at the crossroads of her profession, her community, and her city. Presently residing in Washington, D.C., a region burdened with some of the nation's highest overdose mortality rates, Kelley's platform focuses on dismantling the stigma around seeking substance use treatment and expanding accessibility to crucial overdose interventions.