Tawana Preston

Tawana Preston was born and raised in Meriden, Connecticut. Her parents instilled in her the importance of having a motivated mindset early on. They taught her that she could do and be anything she put her mind to. Through life’s challenges, she held on to their words and persevered. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Hampton University and worked as a Marketing Coordinator in the wireless technology industry for a decade. Times changed and so did her career. She decided to join the family business and became a licensed cosmetologist. As an award-winning hairstylist, she realized it did not matter how beautiful she was able to make her clients on the outside if they had unresolved internal trauma. Coming to this realization and her passion for people’s well-being inspired her to return to graduate school in 2020 at the University of Saint Joseph to pursue her Master’s degree in social work. It was at this moment Tawana understood that she had finally found her true calling. She was recognized as the 2022 National Association of Social Workers Connecticut Chapter Student of the Year and the Executive Board President for her 2023 Master of Social Work Cohort. She has participated in major research on the topics of the role of social media and storying experiences of campus sexual assault and COVID-19 Pandemic’s impact on college students’ well-being. Being a student during the height of the pandemic she was her own best subject in how a motivated mindset fosters resilience and perseverance. Tawana’s current career as a licensed master social worker allows her to meet clients and students where they are and expose them to the endless possibilities they have to offer the world with help and healing. She is passionate about working with adults looking to tap into their resilience through strength-based and client-centered therapeutic approaches. She is also a Care Specialist assisting community college students in creating college/life balance. In her role, she addresses the students' needs for resources in the area of basic needs, mental health, wellness, and scholarships.