Silvia M. Adames, MSW

Silvia Adames is a dedicated community health professional whose journey reflects perseverance, service, and transformation through education. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she immigrated to the United States with an accounting degree but faced significant barriers to practicing her profession, including language challenges and differences in professional regulations. While working factory jobs and taking English-language courses, she discovered a passion for caregiving, becoming a certified nursing assistant and later working in home- and community-based care, where she found purpose in supporting vulnerable populations.

Recognizing her commitment and potential, Adames pursued graduate education through a collaborative program that allowed her to continue working full time while advancing her career. She enrolled in a Master of Social Work program designed to remove financial and scheduling obstacles, enabling her to transition from low-wage work into a professional behavioral health career. Now on the path to licensure as a behavioral health counselor, she brings empathy, cultural understanding, and lived experience to the individuals and families she serves.

Despite returning to school later in life and navigating the challenges of academic study in a second language, Adames has excelled in her coursework with strong support from her family and colleagues. Her supervisors and educators recognize her ability to connect deeply with clients and act as a bridge between communities and care systems. Her story is a powerful example of how access to education can elevate careers, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact.

• Rhode Island College

• CNA