Welcome to Episode 13 of the In the Name of Service Podcast. Here we broadcast stories of men and women who've answered a call to serve in hopes of inspiring and catalyzing the rest of us to follow suit in our own way. Today's interview is with Dr. Donell Barnett. Donell is a husband, father, Psychologist in the Army Reserves, Mental Health Administrator for the state of Illinois, and the President of the Association of Black Psychologists. I hope you'll listen to Donell's unique service story, how he moved a long way from home to become the first college graduate of his family, and how he stumbled into role after role, never forgetting to continue learning and exploring along the way.I had the fortune of meeting and living life alongside Donell during our doctoral program in psychology at Oklahoma State University. Poor Donell was the only male in our cohort, and he always brought a sense of calm to our stormy days and joy in the midst of chaos. And don't get me started on his amazing singing voice! Donell has grown into a leader in several communities and now battles against the current mental health crisis. His wisdom and perspective brought so much comfort to my soul in this conversation as he talks through how he envisions us all working together for brighter days. I hope you will heed his advice when he says to just jump into action when it comes to using your unique position in this world and that you truly believe that you were born for a purpose, as he says. Thank you for listening!
