Stories Are Data With A Soul and Will Transform Systems with Dr. Jessica Pryce

In this episode, Valerie talks with Dr. Jessica Pryce. Jessica is a Research Faculty member at Florida State University and the author of the book Broken: Transforming Child Protective Services. In addition to being a researcher and author, Jessica is a nationally recognized thought leader on child welfare workforce development. The framework in her book documents stories and lessons for moving from being an agent of the system to becoming an advocate and activist.  

Jessica’s book is a reflection and a call to action written from the perspective of a Black woman working in child welfare. She introduces us to a powerful framework she describes as the agent–advocate–activist journey. For the purposes of OUR show, the perspective I wanted to bring to this conversation is how Jessica sees the experience of people impacted by the system as data that can transform us and the system.

Ultimately, this episode is about power, discomfort, and the courage it takes to evolve.