In a recent interview, Dr. Veronica Hardy, a distinguished social worker, educator, and author, shared her inspiring journey and the impact she aims to have on individuals and communities. Known for making history as the first African American tenured full professor in the Department of Social Work at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Dr. Hardy now channels her diverse expertise into empowering business professionals, academics, and aspiring authors.

 

Reflecting on her career, Dr. Hardy stated, “I believe in the power of education and advocacy to drive change. My mission is to empower individuals to navigate their aspirations and achieve personal growth.” After transitioning from her tenured role at UNCP, she explained, “That decision allowed me to create more space for authorship and keynote speaking, focusing on social justice initiatives. I’m particularly passionate about addressing issues like racial trauma and child sex trafficking prevention.” 

 

Dr. Hardy’s commitment to social justice is evident in her mentoring efforts for historically excluded groups in academia. “It’s crucial to confront systemic challenges, including the plagiarism of ideas from marginalized communities. We need to amplify these voices and recognize their contributions,” she emphasized.

 

Her innovative spirit has also transformed online education. “I introduced the first asynchronous and hybrid courses in the social work program at Colorado State University - Pueblo, which had significantly enhanced the academic experience for the students,” she shared proudly. Her more recent work in co-developing the online MSW programs at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke,  Saint Joseph's University, and Wingate University is a testament to her dedication.

 

Dr. Hardy’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. She served as vice chair of the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board and has received accolades such as the Volunteer of the Year Award from the United Way of Robeson County. Further, she fulfilled multiple leadership roles in academia including assistant department chair, co-chair in the development of an online MSW program, and team lead in creating and launching a new MSW program and the successful development of Benchmark I accreditation documents. “I am honored to be recognized for my contributions, but my true reward comes from seeing others succeed,” she remarked.

 

Her contributions extend to the editorial realm as well. “As a co-editor of the Intercultural Relations Special Issue and a member of the policy board and board of copy editors for the International Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, I’m committed to advancing social work practices,” she explained.

 

Dr. Hardy has also led workshops on financial wellness and mental health in corporate settings like McDonald’s USA, LLC. “I believe financial empowerment is critical to personal and professional success,” she stated. Her voice is also heard on platforms such as ABC11 Together Perspectives and PBS NC Black Issues Forum, where she discusses pressing community issues. Additionally, Dr. Hardy is the inaugural editor of Social Work Wealth Magazine, which aims to promote financial wellness for both professionals and clients. “This magazine is about equipping people with the tools they need to take control of their financial futures,” she noted.

 

Dr. Veronica Hardy’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of education, advocacy, and innovation. “Whether you’re seeking guidance to navigate your career, support in academic writing, or insights into financial wellness, I’m here to help foster the positive change you seek,” she concluded. Dr. Hardy continues to inspire and ignite change across disciplines, proving that through knowledge and compassion, we can collectively uplift our communities.