“Bridging the Divide: Dr. Jamie Ingram’s Journey from Social Work to the Pentagon”

Behind every accomplished individual is a story of grit, passion, and resilience. Dr. Jamie Ingram, a licensed clinical social worker and addiction specialist, embodies these qualities. Currently stationed in the Integrated Resilience Department for the Air Force at the Pentagon, Dr. Ingram's story is one of dedication, determination, and an unyielding commitment to underrepresented populations.

Dr. Ingram is not just a clinician but also an advocate, a scholar, an adjunct professor, and a subject matter expert. Her dedication to uplifting and amplifying the voices of underrepresented and systemically marginalized persons stands out distinctly in her narrative. She  joined the Department of Air Force as a civilian employee in June. Despite her relatively short tenure, she's already making an indelible mark.

The military and social work are often traditionally viewed as being opposite. However, Dr. Ingram believes that there is a unique opportunity to do some bridge-building.

“I think it's crucial,” she notes, “to understand that social work and the military are more similar than different in many ways. What is fundamentally important for each — integrity, service, excellence — they’re akin in nature to the values emphasized by the NASW Code of Ethics."

As a 2022 graduate from the Tulane School of Social Work DSW Program, Dr. Ingram's academic journey was marked by challenges and resilience. She began her doctoral journey just a few months before the outbreak of COVID-19, navigating the intense program amidst global upheaval and the racial reckoning following George Floyd. Her path was made even more challenging by juggling responsibilities as a full-time employee, a wife, and a mother of two young children. 

Recalling her days at the Tulane School of Social Work, she says, "It was fear in the midst of hope, with glimpses of joy. It was mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually draining." Yet, she forged ahead, backed by a strong support system including peers, professors, and mentors. Their collective influence, she believes, was beautifully orchestrated by a higher power.

One of the most striking aspects of Dr. Ingram's story is her transition from academic life to a role in the United States Air Force. It's a testament to her adaptability and drive. Through her work in the Air Force, she focuses on prevention programs that address self-harm and interpersonal violence. Drawing from her extensive background in social work — from child welfare and in-home therapy to working within law enforcement — she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her current role. 

Dr. Ingram’s accomplishments haven't gone unnoticed. Her presentation at the 2023 Department of Air Force Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Conference was lauded. Through it, she emphasized the importance of feeling seen, heard, and supported, especially for those who serve and protect the nation.

"Feeling heard, feeling seen, feeling supported is a necessity for those who protect this country in all positions held within the armed forces,” says Dr. Ingram. 

Reflecting on her achievements, Dr. Ingram remains humbled, sometimes even in disbelief of her own success. She began her career in typical social work roles and has since transitioned into positions of greater impact and leadership. Today, she's an integral part of the Air Force's efforts to address critical issues facing its personnel.

"Sometimes," Dr. Ingram confessed, "I'm in disbelief of my own success. From traditional social work roles, now I find myself influencing broader initiatives within the Air Force."

Dr. Jamie Ingram's story serves as a beacon of inspiration for many. From the classrooms of TSSW to the corridors of the Pentagon, her journey is not just about merging seemingly distinct worlds. It's a testament to dedication, resilience, and an unyielding spirit to serve — both as a social worker and in the military.

"For me," she adds with a sparkle in her eyes, "it's about understanding and being instrumental in the “how” — which I've been doing with the Department of Air Force Integrated Resiliency Office. It's important work that will have an impact on comprehensive airmen, guardian, and civilian fitness."