Maiya Caraway

My decision to pursue an employment opportunity with HHS through the Pathways to Public Service program was driven by two key factors. The mission and scope of the Department of Health and Human Services resonated deeply with my career aspirations. I am passionate about mental health advocacy and promoting well-being within communities, especially underserved populations. HHS's commitment to public health, healthcare access, and social services aligns perfectly with my goals to make a positive impact in people's lives through counseling and support services.
Also, the Pathways program offered a structured pathway into federal service that appealed to me as a young professional starting in my career. It provided clear opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and career advancement within a supportive environment. These factors collectively motivated me to embark on this fulfilling journey within HHS.
 

I am most excited to learn more about OMDE and other ACF offices. Working with ODME has multiple roles that need to be fulfilled and I have enjoyed my time learning more about the various roles within this office. I am excited to see the growth in this role and how I manage to execute the combination of prior work experience along with my educational background in psychology/mental health counseling. Also, I look forward to connecting with other people within HHS. 

As a mental health counseling graduate student, I have experience conducting and interpreting qualitative research. I’ve been able to apply this knowledge with our team’s data analysis, Craig. It’s been cool to see and experience the diversity within qualitative data. Within my program, I work directly with clients providing mental health services for three semesters. When working directly with clients, it is imperative to provide the best-suited therapeutic services. This is a similar perspective I’ve learned while working with ODME in providing the best resources for employees’ needs. Advocacy has been an important theme I’ve noticed within ODME and that is an important skill to have.

The Pathways program has been an invaluable part of my journey into my federal career with HHS. This program played a pivotal role in my early career development with HHS. It has provided me with the necessary foundation, support, and opportunities to navigate the complexities of federal service. Through Pathways, I have been able to build a solid professional network, gain diverse experiences, and access valuable career development resources, all of which have been instrumental in shaping my federal career trajectory.

The Office of Diversity Management and Equal Employment Opportunity has been incredibly enriching, as it has broadened my understanding of the various roles and functions within the department and has helped me to identify where my skills and passions align most effectively.