Anna Protano-Biggs, 39
Director, city of Chattanooga/Hamilton County Mental Health Court; 2017 Public Official of the Year, National Association of Social Workers TN Chapter
Who’s your favorite “Game of Thrones” character?
I must be one of the very few individuals around the world who has never seen a GOT episode. Luckily, my husband is an avid fan and was able to give me the 101. A character I believe would be my favorite is Sansa Stark. I love complex characters who overcome trauma and multiple adversities to thrive as survivors. I believe in a community where everyone can flourish and thrive, and I believe in intentional systems-planning to ensure equity with a trauma informed lens. Sansa ultimately not only thrives, but becomes a strong leader who is even-handed and protective of her people.
Which GOT character do you think you would be?
Samwell Tarly. I understand from others that he has a strong internal moral value system and stands up to injustice. He comes up with creative and effective ways to help others persevere and succeed. He is a problem solver, self-starter and a team player. He is also resilient, forgiving and honorable. He loves exploring new knowledge, and his research saved the realm from two major threats. He vanquished a White Walker and lived to tell the tale. Having not watched GOT I don’t know what that means, but it sounds pretty impressive! He is fiercely loyal and is a knowledgeable, quiet leader who you should underestimate at your own peril. I believe we all have the potential to serve and lead, each with our own voice, with integrity and in different ways that collectively impact our community for the better so that we all can live our best lives.
Who would you have put on the Iron Throne?
Nobody. I don’t need to have seen GOT to answer this question. I believe everyone should have a voice in our community and be able to exercise that voice at the polls.
Last book you read and/or show you binge-watched?
Brene Brown, “Braving the Wilderness,” and I’ve been binge-watching repeats of “Chuck” for some pure escapism.
If you ruled the world (or Chattanooga), what would you change?
There are so many systems-oriented answers I could provide here, but when it comes down to it, I believe we all need more compassion and kindness toward others. We need to practice empathy toward others and celebrate our differences. We need more leaders ready to listen and who inspire kindness in everyday moments. All people have basic rights to food, water, shelter, health, peace and justice. We can’t realize these rights for all without first recognizing the right to respect and human dignity for all – and that can’t be realized only in law; it needs a cultural shift. We have clients every day in Mental Health Court who have never had anyone sit down and listen to them, never had anyone support and believe in them. We change that. Our clients know our entire team believes in them, and that inspires them to keep going and realize their dreams.
Who would be on your advisory council?
I would want an advisory council that was representative of all voices in our community and embraced the power of collaboration and collective impact to deliver real change. When we work in isolation, we lose sight of the big picture. When we instead put together a team with different cultural perspectives and life experiences, we can accomplish a lot more.
Is ruler a position you’d even want?
No. You have to work together to achieve something; no one person can do it alone. Strong leaders aren’t necessarily powerful individuals, but they do understand how to build a team and empower others. That’s a natural part of what I do. I work best when I have great minds around me contributing to a shared vision of change.
What drives you professionally and/or personally?
I am inspired to continually strive to create and see change in our community to ensure those around me have access to their basic rights and are empowered to lead their best lives, however they choose to define that. I’ve learned I am a change-maker. That can lead me in many different directions. I remain open to all kinds of possibilities and make sure to seize every opportunity for personal and professional growth. The sky is the limit!
What’s one thing you’d really like to accomplish?
Has that goal changed over the years? In Mental Health Court, we strive to transform the lives of justice-involved individuals with mental health needs while ensuring public safety and reducing recidivism. A major problem we still have in our community is the stigma surrounding both mental health issues and justice involvement. I would like to see a greater awareness across all areas of our society about the barriers clients face and the significant and complex trauma our clients have experienced, often from a very early age. We seek to empower our clients and instill hope and resilience. I would like to see our community be more trauma-informed and responsive to building resiliency.