Celine Williams-Tracey
What is your current position now?
I am a Social Worker with an MSW and RSW, working as a School Social Worker with the Toronto District School Board and in my private practice, as owner and founder of Awakening Counselling and Consulting Services Inc.
How has your journey / experiences / learnings at WGSI, inside and/or outside the classroom, guided or influenced your career path / decisions? Can you offer a specific example to ground this for readers?
My journey through the Canadian education system was rocky, filled with uncertainty about my academic future. Fortunately, I had parents who immigrated to Quebec from Barbados in the 1960s. I was born in Quebec and because of their determination and the resilience they had, their belief in me helped me to persevere. My father and other mentors exposed me to the possibilities of higher education, but despite these influences, I was repeatedly told that post-secondary education was not a likely path for me.
That changed when I learned about the Pre-University Program (now the Academic Bridging Program) at the University of Toronto. Determined to prove myself, I enrolled in a Canadian History course—an easy choice given my love for history and genealogy. Passing that course opened the door for me to be accepted into U of T as a part-time student. This was the best decision for me, as it allowed me to pace myself and truly focus on my studies.
When selecting my first-year courses, I chose an Introduction to Women’s Studies class. That course changed my life. It opened my eyes to the complexities of marginalization, discrimination, racism, socio-economic status, politics, women’s health, and domestic violence. I began to understand how identity is shaped and systemically positioned, impacting women as a whole. Inspired by this learning, I decided to pursue my undergraduate degree in Women’s Studies.
Earning my Women’s Studies degree made me feel more self-assured and stronger. It expanded my opportunities, leading me to volunteer work and a deeper desire to continue my education. I truly enjoyed working with people. Around this time, my father was working as a School Social Worker for the Toronto District School Board. Seeing the joy he found in his career, combined with my own academic journey, inspired me to pursue further education in Social Work. Eventually, I enrolled at York University and earned a Bachelor of Social Work with Honours.
During this period, I worked as a shelter worker at the YWCA while also navigating a significant personal journey—I became pregnant. Unfortunately, two months after graduating, I experienced a miscarriage. That loss was devastating, but it also made me realize how my education, combined with my life experiences, was shaping me into a well-rounded Social Worker. My personal challenges and triumphs gave me deeper insight into the human experience, strengthening my professional skills and ability to support others.
Over time, I encountered both traumatic and beautiful life experiences, each deepening my understanding of social work and my own resilience. I went on to complete my Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Windsor, opened a private practice upon graduating, and now work as a School Social Worker.
The opportunities never stop. The growth never stops. The learning never stops. And that is what makes life exciting.
Is there a distinct class or experience at WGSI that has inspired the work you do / your practice / works that you’ve produced?
The course on Colonialism and Post-Colonialism, taught by Dr. Alissa Trotz, was truly transformative in deepening my understanding of how socio-economic systems were designed to legally oppress and discriminate against racialized communities. I often refer back to the insights gained from this course in my work as a Social Worker, particularly when presenting on trauma, life promotion, suicide prevention, and advocating for disadvantaged or racialized youth and families, especially in school support team meetings.
Additionally, my interest in genealogy and DNA studies has become even more engaging, as this knowledge allows me to examine how colonialism and post-colonialism shaped the lives of my ancestors. It provides a lens through which I can explore their survival strategies and the lasting effects of intergenerational trauma on their descendants, including myself.
After you attained your degree at WGSI, what did you do next? Specifically, what steps did you take from getting your degree to where you are now in your career?
After earning my degree at WGSI, I initially worked as an Insurance Broker. However, I always knew that my true passion lay in helping others, which led me to pursue a degree in Social Work. To gain experience, I volunteered with non-profit organizations for a couple of years before applying to York University for my Honours degree in Social Work. My volunteer work and the credits I earned at UofT helped me successfully entered the program. While completing my degree, I also worked as a shelter worker at a women’s and children’s shelter, providing me with invaluable experience. After graduating, I worked for several years before deciding to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at the University of Windsor, specializing in working professionals. Upon completing my MSW, I continued my career in social work and eventually founded Awakening Counseling and Consulting Services Inc. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was hired as a School Social Worker with the Toronto District School Board, where I continue to apply my knowledge and passion for helping others.
How did the skillset and knowledge acquired at WGSI directly or indirectly help you in your career journey?
The skills and knowledge I gained at WGSI directly and indirectly impacted my career journey. They equipped me to approach situations with a critical perspective, considering societal positioning, racialization, colonial history, and post-colonial contexts. Additionally, it helped me approach clients with humility and understanding, meeting them where they are, and allowing me to create effective treatment plans that align with both their counseling and life goals.
Does having a Women & Gender Studies lens positively impact your work and practice? In what ways?
A Women’s and Gender Studies lens positively impacts my practice by fostering humility and understanding. This approach helps me see clients’ societal positions and ensures we approach them with curiosity. By incorporating an understanding of equity, colonialism, and humanity’s growth, we can develop effective plans that shift narratives positively.