Life & Work with Denita Devega

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denita Devega.

Hi Denita, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory. 
The challenge of leadership is to be strong but not rude; to be kind but not weak; to be bold but not a bully; to be thoughtful but not lazy; to be humble but not timid; to be proud but not arrogant; to have humor but without folly.” —Jim Rohn 

My leadership Journey: 

The day my life changed was April 17, 2004. My twins Joshua and Jaquan were born. 

I knew then that I wanted to do something more than just work. 

Besides, there being a need within me to become a leader in the true sense of the word. To lead by example, to inspire, to motivate. And most of all, like any other people out there, I wanted to be recognized, accepted, and appreciated. 

I started out as a social worker, then Program manager, and currently a Department of Social Services Director. 

This was not an easy journey; I started from the bottom and worked my way up. I had to learn to follow others before I could lead. 

When I was passed over for positions, I could not understand why. I had to realize everything is in God’s timing. After becoming a supervisor with 6 months I was promoted to a program manager. I continued to push forward. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I obtained a Masters of Arts in Agency Counseling in 2006. I birthed the twins in 2004. That was a challenging time, but I kept moving forward. As a single mother, it was hard to continue on with my education, but I did not waiver. 

Fast forward my sons are sophomores in college 2023. 

I have been a director since 2019. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Denita Devega, a native of North Carolina, serves as the Director of Vance County Department of Social Services and brings 21 years of experience in public service and advocacy. Devega, who started her career as a DSS Social Worker, understands the stress and rewards associated with the work. She has worked for Wake County Human Services and Cumberland County Department of Social Services as a Program Manager over the Child Welfare Division before leaving to start a distinguished career as a DSS Director. Devega is knowledgeable in various social service programs and policies at the local, state, and national levels. She values strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts that support staff’s ability to achieve organizational outcomes to better serve the community and residents of Vance County. Devega sees the connection that the social determinants of health, program integration, and collective impact models have with serving the “whole” person. 

Devega is member of the North Carolina Board of Social Services Directors. (NCACDSS) Devega serves on the Board of Kerr Area Transportation Authority-KARTS. Devega is a member of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA). 

Devega is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Devega is an alumnus of North Carolina Central University – School of Counseling, where she obtained her Master’s in Agency Counseling and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Trust god and never give up on your goals. 

Never let the opinions of others stop you from pursuing your goals.