A Conversation with Dr. Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa
Social Worker Dr. Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa immigrated to North America in 1993. She resided in the USA until 1997 to support her husband while he was completing his graduate studies. They then moved to Canada and have been living in Calgary. She was born and raised in Suriname, South America.
When asked by this writer how her journey to a career in Social Work began, Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa replied that she “has always been a Social Worker at heart”. Ever since Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa was a child she has always used her voice to address issues that seem unjust and as a youth recognized oppressions in its many forms. Her goal is to advocate for the voices of communities who historically experienced marginalization.
Upon graduating from high school Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa decided to study Social Work as she wanted to learn more about systemic issues impact and affect individuals and communities. Accordingly, Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa completed a BSW degree in Suriname.
Upon immigrating to Canada, Dr. Kongnetiman continued her studies in Social Work. She completed an MSW degree. This was then followed by a PhD in Social Work. Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa PhD research study was entitled: “Hollow from the Inside: Experiences of Racialized Immigrant Fathers When Their Child Dies.” At the time this topic was not well researched.
Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa has had a very diverse career as a Registered Social Worker in Alberta. She has worked in both front line and leadership/management positions for a number or organizations in health care, government, and educational institutions. Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa and her husband have also founded Yeepi Foundation, a not-for-profit organization. Yeepi Foundation works to ensure that people have the opportunity to flourish in health and education. Recently, Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa manages her private practice supporting couples, families, and individuals.
Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa has amassed a diverse body work experience over the past 32 years of Social Work practice. This has led her to develop a diverse range of Social Work skills. Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa has developed proficiency in understanding human interactions and how systems impact the health and well being of individuals in society. When working with clients Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa always endeavors to understand and respect the lived experiences of everyone.
On a personal note Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa is married to Stanley Kongnetiman. Stanley has a Master’s degree in Economics from a university in Golden, Colorado and an MBA from the University of Calgary. Stanley also has had a diverse career working in both the oil and gas industry and governmental institutions. They immigrated to Canada together. Stanley has a Master’s degree in Economics and an MBA to boot. Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa and Stanley also have a beautiful family. Their son Shah-Kemm is age 26 is a well accomplished musician and teaches voice and piano. Their daughter M’Kayla is 22 and is a university student doing a double major degree in both Economics and Dance. The Kongnetiman’s also adopted. They have an adopted daughter named Julessa, who has three beautiful sons.
Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa considers her biggest personal accomplishment to be that her and her husband raised two Black children born in Canada in an environment where there is oppression but also many opportunities. Her children have blended Canadian ways of living with the values, norms, and ways of living of their parents. Her children identified that their identity is grounded by both of these experiences.
Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa considers her biggest professional accomplishment to be Yeepi Foundation hosting the first in person mental health and mental well being conference in Suriname. This conference lead to a tangible societal change as diverse mental health supports have been created in Suriname as a direct result of this conference.
Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa is excited about how the profession of Social Work is evolving. Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa is optimistic that Social Work education will be grounded on the practical application of social justice and racial justice. Now more than ever it is evident that individuals and communities are impacted by issues they have no control over. These experiences associated with a paucity of resources leave people homeless and helpless. Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa believes that as Social Workers our roles extend having academic credentials and embracing the fact that “we need to influence society, organizations and communities when we lend our voices to identify and dismantle systems of oppression in an actionable manner. In turn we become catalysts for change and a voice for genuine systems changes, systemic justice guided by social justice and racial justice.”
Dr. Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa is an empathic individual, a brilliant scholar, a woman of great faith, and Registered Social Worker! We will be following her journey with anticipation!
Written by Board Member, Cardinal Fomradas BEd, BSW, MSW, RCSW, SHRM-CP
Click here to register for Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa’s September 24, 2024 presentation, "Stronger Together: Social Workers Rising Together".
This event is free to attend and sponsored by BMS Insurance.
