Full Circle: Investing in Future Leaders in Mental Health
Some of the most meaningful professional relationships begin with a simple opportunity and grow over time through consistency, mentorship, and shared purpose.
In 2022, our partner organization, Legacy Consulting & Research Group, began partnering with the Bloomington-Normal NAACP and MAPS (Mentoring and Providing Scholarships) to support local students pursuing higher education. Since then, we have proudly contributed to an annual scholarship awarded to a Black student in our community.
Denaiya Pendleton was the very first recipient of that scholarship.
As a high school senior, Denaiya was selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship. At the time, we recognized her potential, but none of us could have fully anticipated the journey that would follow or the impact she would ultimately have on the field of mental health.
Over the years, we stayed connected as Denaiya continued her educational journey at the University of Illinois. As she grew professionally, she later joined Williams Psychological Services as an intern, where she contributed blogs focused on mental health, performance, and wellness. Through those experiences, it became increasingly clear that her passion for psychology and service was not temporary. It was part of a deeper calling.We also had the opportunity to support and encourage her through the doctoral application process as she pursued programs in clinical psychology. Watching her navigate that process with persistence, humility, and purpose has been incredibly rewarding. Her hard work and commitment were reflected in being accepted into six doctoral programs before ultimately choosing to continue her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at Rutgers University this fall.
What makes this milestone especially meaningful is Denaiya’s commitment to contributing back into the local community and advocating for Black mental health. Representation, access, and culturally informed care continue to matter deeply within the mental health profession, and emerging professionals like Denaiya play an important role in shaping that future.
Her journey is also a reminder that mentorship and long-term partnership matter. Sometimes the greatest impact comes not from a single interaction, but from years of support and staying connected.
We are incredibly proud of Denaiya and excited to see the difference she will make in the years ahead.
For more information about our psychological testing and psychotherapy services at Williams Psychological Services, you can contact us directly at info@williamspsychological.org.
Denaiya Pendleton, Intern at Williams Psychological Services
Cedric Williams, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist