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Alumni Engagement
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For Naomie Raymond ’14, attending Salem State University was about more than earning a degree. It was about finding a place where she could grow and make an impact.
“What originally drew me to Salem State was its strong sense of community and its commitment to preparing students to serve others,” Raymond says. “I was looking for a place where I could grow academically while also finding my purpose.”
During her early time on campus, Raymond built friendships and met students from many different backgrounds. Those experiences helped shape her sense of belonging and reinforced her desire to pursue work that creates meaningful change.
Finding Her Path in Social Work
Raymond initially began her studies as a nursing major, motivated by a desire to help people. Over time, she realized her interests were rooted in understanding the broader experiences that shape people's lives.
“Social work allowed me to support individuals in a more holistic way emotionally, socially and mentally,” she says.
After transitioning into the social work program, Raymond found strong mentorship and encouragement from faculty.
“The faculty were incredibly supportive and passionate about preparing students for real world impact,” she says. “They encouraged us to think critically about social issues and reminded us that our voices and advocacy mattered.”
Building Never Rated, Inc.
Raymond’s commitment to empowerment and advocacy led her to found Never Rated, Inc. in 2015. The nonprofit focuses on supporting young women and youth through mentorship and leadership development programs.
“Never Rated was born out of a passion to create safe spaces for young women and youth to build confidence, develop leadership skills and prioritize mental health and wellness,” she says.
The organization began with small workshops, mentorship opportunities and conversations focused on identity and self-worth.
“Many young people and women share that they finally feel seen, heard and supported,” she says. “These conversations remind people that they are not alone and that their voices and experiences matter.”
Leading With Purpose
Raymond’s leadership journey continued to grow as she found new ways to elevate the mission of Never Rated, Inc. In 2018, she was crowned Miss Black Massachusetts, which provided a larger platform to advocate empowerment and self-worth.
She later earned her MBA from Cambridge College in 2022, further strengthening her skills.
“Earning my MBA strengthened my leadership expertise and gave me the business knowledge needed to grow and sustain the organization,” she says.
Looking back, Raymond credits her social work education at Salem State for helping prepare her to lead a nonprofit focused on community impact. “The program emphasized empathy, cultural awareness and solutions for real world challenges,” she says.
Today, Raymond remains proud to be part of the Salem State community. “Being part of SSU’s alumni community means being connected to a network of individuals who are committed to making a real difference.”