We're a team of -
- Researchers
- activist organizers
- policy makers
- mental health professionals
- professors
- journalists
We're a team of -
- Researchers
- activist organizers
- policy makers
- mental health professionals
- professors
- journalists
Using Research Based Evidence, We Offer Training That Is Cutting Edge And Works
More than half of our team members identify as women of color. At minimum, every one has master’s level education in areas of social science and public health. Our goal is to help organizations become culturally responsive and build capacity to address issues related to diversity and inclusion. We will create an inclusive organizational culture with improved interpersonal relationships, high productivity and growth.
The Founder
Alif Ahmed
- Columbia University, New York, NY
Master of Science in Social Work and Policy, Minor in law
- New York University, New York, NY
Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, Minor in American Sign Language
Conduct efficacy testing for performance improvement evaluation. Provided professional development training. Constructed and developed policies to improve organizational relation among staff and executive committee. Monitored and managed grant funded programs. Formulated Corporate Equality Index for performance evaluation and program development. Monitored clinical operation through program evaluation. Analyzed health care (Emergency Medicaid for undocumented mothers) and educational policies (Resident Tuition Eligibility in NY State) to understand its impact on the immigrant community. Consulted on program development to highlight the importance of diversity and race relations in an institution. Developed and executed program to promote diversity and inclusion strategy. Updated and amended research projects to focusing on diversity and inclusion. Policy Evaluation and advised research teams and interviewed with journalist as a practitioner and researcher on current immigrant mental health providers. Researched issues related to immigrant tax activities (ITIN) and contribution to the U.S. economy. Researched and develop policies to address mental health of immigrants with various immigration status. Organized pro-bono services to provide free mental health and legal services for the “Dreamer” community and “DACA” recipients. Consulted with policy advocates to bridge the gap between immigrant communities and mental health services. Engaged in public speaking and research presentation with local, state and federal stake- holders that provided mental health services for immigrants with various statuses.
Journal Articles
Alif, A., Nelson, B. S., Stefancic, A., Ahmed, R., & Okazaki, S. (2019, May 2). Documentation status and psychological distress among New York City community college students. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology. Advance online publication. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/cdp0000290
Blogs and Reports
Ahmed, A. (2020). Building a Therapeutic Alliance with a Dreamer: Trials and Tribulations of an Undocumented Immigrant. Psych Central. Retrieved on July 20, 2020, from – https://psychcentral.com/blog/building-a-therapeutic-alliance-with-a-dreamer-trials-and-tribulations-of-an-undocumented-immigrant/
Johnny Lozada
- Lehman College, Bronx, NY
Master of Science, 9/2019
Major: Organizational Leadership
- New York University, New York, NY
Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
Bachelors of Science, 5/2015
Major: Applied Psychology
As an academic advisor for the Adult Degree Program, Johnny supervised the pre-admission process (information sessions and eligibility screenings) and cohort recruitment for all ADP applicants in order to meet 100% of the target goal.
As an outreach recruitment coordinator for the CUNY Fatherhood Academy at LaGuardia Community College, Johnny recruited young fathers between the ages of 18-28 to pursue their HSE or prepare for college.
He also co-facilitated CFA recruitment activities and conducted information sessions as well as intakes. Johnny built partnerships with organizations like Good+ Foundation to sustain the program and its future cohorts.
Who We Are
Statement from the Founder
It is my lived experience of feeling excluded and oppressed by entities such as academic institutions and government bodies. I believe some of them did not have the proper training or knowledge to prevent such mistreatment. These negative experiences reduced my productivity and pleasure in doing things. I felt bogged down and demoralized, only to feel supported and understood by my colleagues who shared similar sentiments. The microaggressions accumulated over time. I remember one of my supervisor telling me, “you write really well for someone who wasn’t born here.” The comment made me feel inferior, lesser and disadvantaged. There was confusion, shame and guilt. However, when I switched to a position where topics related to microaggression, diversity, culture and race were included, I felt safe, welcomed, and I worked with integrity. All of us have room to grow, sometimes we have to recognize our privilege and take a step back to make space for others who are more disadvantaged. Other times, we need to equip ourselves to communicate the feelings of hurt. My goal is not to make these conversations difficult but rather supportive, encouraging, engaging and interactive. My goal is to assist your organization in becoming more culturally responsive and create a brave space for all. New York is my home and I take pride in our community. I recognize the beauty, vulnerability and strength in our identities. For diversity and inclusion to become an intentional organizational culture, we need to start engaging in conversations about power, privilege and oppression. We need to celebrate it!
Our Approach
We Facilitate Safe Learning Spaces
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— Our Mission
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— Our Vision
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— Our Story
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Partners
