In honor of Social Work Month, JCSU will spotlight a student from the Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work programs each week in March. Today's spotlight features Demetis Chatman, a Georgetown, S.C., native and member of the 2025 cohort of the JCSU Master of Social Work program.
In honor of Social Work Month, JCSU will spotlight a student from the Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs each week in March. Today’s spotlight features Demetis Chatman, a Georgetown, S.C. native and a member of the 2025 cohort of the JCSU Master of Social Work program.
My name is Demetis Chatman, and I hail from the small coastal town of Georgetown, SC. I am the mother of one daughter, Soraya, a sophomore at North Carolina Central University. I pride myself on being passionate about family, community, and personal growth. I find fulfillment in volunteering, giving back, and working with individuals and organizations dedicated to creating positive change. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, crafting, and gardening.
When I decided to pursue my MSW degree, I knew that my journey would be personal. I sought a university that shared my values, with a strong sense of community and an emphasis on Black excellence. I chose JCSU because of its deep cultural ties to Black history, its commitment to academic achievement, and its strong community focus.
I strive to reflect excellence in everything I do. My work and personal life are fueled by my passion for making a difference. Last year, a professor introduced me to The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, which I have since incorporated into my daily life. These principles—being impeccable with my word, avoiding assumptions, not taking things personally, and always doing my best—guide both my personal and professional decisions, helping me to strive toward positive outcomes in every area of my life.
After graduation, I aim to pursue a PhD in Social Work. My work as an advocate for the unhoused has illuminated the systemic issues that marginalized individuals face. Through my studies, I’ve developed an interest in research and its critical role in creating meaningful change. I aspire to combine my professional experience with academic research to break down systemic barriers. Additionally, I hope to become a financial social worker, leveraging my background as a licensed Realtor to help Black and Brown individuals gain financial wealth through homeownership. This is my passion—empowering others to make informed, positive decisions about their financial futures.
You can help students like Demetis achieve their dreams by donating to our Social Work Day of Giving on March 31, 2025. Give online or text Height21 to 704.452.4107.