Meet Dr. Masica Jordan Alston

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Masica Jordan Alston. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Masica below.

Hi Dr. Masica , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

Growing up, my mother, a BIWOC, became a single parent when I was just four years old. Our family initially lived in a challenging environment where the sound of gunshots was a common occurrence. However, my mother was determined to provide a better life for my brother and me. She, along with the relentless support of my grandmother and aunt, worked tirelessly to ensure we had a safe and stable place to live.

These three remarkable women combined their efforts and managed to move us into an upper-middle-class neighborhood. Despite the significant change in our surroundings, my mother never wavered in her commitment to our well-being and education. While I grew up around friends whose parents were doctors and business owners, my mother was a constant pillar of strength and perseverance. She pursued officer and military training, became a federal police officer working night shifts to be present during the day, served part-time in the Air Force, started her own business, and even completed college.

Watching my mother juggle these responsibilities without missing a beat taught me invaluable lessons. Some lessons are taught, and some are caught. The latter was true for me, as her dedication and work ethic greatly influenced my own. Her journey instilled in me the importance of resilience, hard work, and the belief that one can overcome any challenge with determination and support from loved ones

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am Dr. Masica D. Jordan Alston, and my work centers around promoting economic gain, entrepreneurship, and culturally responsive mental health support in marginalized communities. My journey in this field has been both challenging and rewarding, and I am passionate about the impact we can make together.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is founding Jordan Peer Recovery. This organization is dedicated to providing peer support for individuals dealing with addiction and mental health conditions. Our personalized, culturally responsive approach has made a significant difference in many lives, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see the positive changes we facilitate.

Another venture I am proud of is my role as the CEO of Peerfinity, LLC. Peerfinity leverages technology to deliver culturally responsive, tech-enabled peer support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our tele-support services became vital for many individuals, offering them the help they needed during such a challenging time.

I also lead Apexx Adams Transportation and Clean Energy, focusing on economic and environmental justice. This company aims to create sustainable and equitable solutions for marginalized communities, integrating environmental justice with economic empowerment.

Currently, I am working on expanding our services and reach. We are launching new initiatives within Jordan Peer Recovery and Peerfinity to further support those in need. Our upcoming projects include expanding our grief and loss support services through the Grief and Loss Centers of America, which has already helped over 750 individuals.

Additionally, I am involved in several advisory roles, including serving on the Board for the Adverse Childhood Experiences Initiative Advisory Committee for the State of Maryland Behavioral Health Systems. My work in youth mental health and my advisory role under Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy have been pivotal in reshaping juvenile justice and providing mental health and substance abuse treatment for young offenders.

In terms of new developments, we are excited to announce the expansion of our culturally responsive educational system, which is now being used by numerous agencies across the U.S. This system is designed to enhance cultural competence among behavioral health professionals, ensuring they can provide the best possible care to diverse populations.

My journey has been driven by a commitment to making a meaningful impact, and I am excited about the future and the opportunities it holds for furthering our mission.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities and skills have been particularly impactful: resilience, cultural responsiveness, and strategic vision.

1. Resilience:
Resilience has been crucial in navigating the numerous challenges and setbacks I’ve faced, both personally and professionally. The ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain focus on my goals has been a driving force in my success. For those early in their journey, I recommend cultivating resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, seeking support from mentors, and maintaining a positive mindset even in difficult times.

2. Cultural Responsiveness:
Understanding and respecting cultural differences have been essential in my work, especially in promoting mental health and economic empowerment in marginalized communities. Cultural responsiveness has allowed me to connect with diverse populations, provide effective support, and advocate for meaningful change. To develop this skill, I advise engaging in continuous learning about different cultures, actively listening to the experiences of others, and participating in culturally diverse environments to gain firsthand insights.

3. Strategic Vision:
Having a clear strategic vision has guided my decision-making and helped me set achievable, impactful goals. This quality has been instrumental in founding and leading organizations like Jordan Peer Recovery and Peerfinity, LLC. For those starting their journey, it’s important to take time to define your long-term goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. This involves setting specific, measurable objectives, staying informed about industry trends, and being adaptable to change while keeping your vision in focus.

Advice for Early Career Development:

Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate challenges. Their insights can be invaluable in shaping your career path.
Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay curious and committed to learning new skills and expanding your knowledge. This will keep you adaptable and open to new opportunities.

Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with a supportive community of peers, colleagues, and friends who can offer encouragement, advice, and collaboration opportunities.
Stay Focused and Persistent: Set clear goals and remain dedicated to achieving them. Persistence is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success.

By developing resilience, cultural responsiveness, and a strategic vision, and by following these pieces of advice, you can build a strong foundation for a successful and impactful career.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am always looking for opportunities to partner and collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations. Collaboration is key to expanding the impact of our work and reaching more communities in need.

I am particularly interested in partnering with:

Community Organizations and Nonprofits: Those focused on mental health, peer recovery, economic empowerment, and environmental justice. Collaboration can help us expand our reach and provide comprehensive support to marginalized communities.
Healthcare Providers and Mental Health Professionals: To integrate culturally responsive practices into their services and improve outcomes for diverse populations.
Educational Institutions: To develop and implement programs that promote cultural responsiveness, mental health awareness, and peer support training.
Government Agencies and Policymakers: To advocate for and implement policies that support mental health, addiction recovery, and economic empowerment initiatives.
Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Especially those interested in corporate social responsibility and community development, to create impactful partnerships that promote economic and environmental justice.
Employer Partners: We offer registered apprenticeships, and we are looking for employers who are interested in partnering with us to provide meaningful training and employment opportunities. This partnership can help bridge the gap between education and the workforce, ensuring that individuals are well-prepared and supported in their careers.
If you are reading this and are interested in collaborating, I would love to connect with you. Please reach out to me via email at info@jordanpeerrecovery.com or through my websites at www.jordanpeerrecovery.com OR www.apexxadams.com OR connect via social media @Dr.Masica
Together, we can create meaningful change and support communities in need.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drmasica.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.masica?igsh=aTh4aHNjYzh5bmdv