Saundra Starks, 78, has spent more than 50 years in the field of social work, serving as a practitioner, educator, consultant, researcher, and mentor. Her career is marked by extensive achievements, including earning her doctorate, teaching in multiple countries, and publishing over 20 books and scholarly works. She was also a founding member and advisor of the Association of Black Social Workers in South Central Kentucky. Starks dedicated 38 years to Western Kentucky University, where she was a professor in the social work department, helped develop the Master of Social Work program, served as its director for three years, and was also the first Black therapist at the WKU Counseling Center. She now holds the title of Professor Emeritus.

Today, Starks continues her work as a psychotherapist in the private practice she opened in 1993. Her passion for helping others remains at the center of everything she does. "I get real joy out of seeing people turn their lives around with the right resources," Starks said. "I do believe with the right resources in place, that people can do almost anything they want to do."

About a year ago, Starks underwent a heart stent procedure. She did not feel ready to slow down, so she made the necessary adjustments to continue doing the work she loves. With decades of experience and knowledge, she now feels a responsibility, especially as a woman of color, to continue guiding and mentoring others.