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Director of Minority Fellowship Program

Dr. Kimberly R. Mayes, LCSW, serves as the Director of the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) at the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In this role, she leads national initiatives focused on strengthening the behavioral health workforce and supporting emerging scholars committed to advancing mental health equity in historically marginalized communities. Her work centers on competent social work leadership development, scholar mentorship, and fostering academic pathways that prepare the next generation of social work professionals and researchers.

Before joining CSWE, Dr. Mayes served at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she contributed to student success efforts, curriculum development, and mentoring initiatives for BSW & MSW students. Her transition into national program leadership reflects her commitment to improving graduate training, expanding support systems for students, and addressing critical workforce needs in behavioral health through education and research.

Dr. Mayes earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Florida, her Master of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University, and her Doctor of Social Work from Simmons University. Her doctoral work examined culturally responsive mental health interventions for BIPOC communities, a scholarly focus that continues to inform her interests in behavioral health equity, workforce development, and culturally grounded practices.

With more than 20 years of experience across higher education, healthcare, and non profit settings, Dr. Mayes has held leadership roles emphasizing student development, mentorship, program design, and equity centered practice. She is licensed clinically in Florida, Georgia, and Texas, bringing a practical foundation to her academic and administrative work.