NYU SSSW Career Design & Social Work Readiness Event: Transforming Careers in Mental Health for BIPOC Roundtable

TERRENCE COFFIE
Moderator

Terrence Coffie is a 2017 graduate of New York University’s Silver School of Social-Work, where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the field of social-work, with a focus in criminal justice reform. As an advocate, activist and educator, Terrence has committed himself to creating social and political change within the criminal justice system. Terrence is employed as an Adjunct Professor at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work, where he teaches Forensic Justice in Problem Solving Courts and Diversity, Race Oppression and Privilege. He is the Founder and CEO of the Social Justice Network, a grassroots organization that raises awareness surrounding criminal and juvenile justice reform. He hosts his weekly talk show It’s Coffee Time on Spotify.

DR. DORIS CHANG
Panelist

Doris Chang is an Associate Professor at NYU Silver and a licensed clinical psychologist. Her research seeks to improve the well-being of racial and ethnic minorities by a) clarifying the role of race, ethnicity, language and culture in shaping mental health and quality of care; b) identifying strategies for improving interracial processes and outcomes; and c) developing inclusive, culturally-grounded interventions for clinical and educational contexts that integrate mindfulness and other contemplative traditions. She has particular expertise in interracial dynamics and Asian American mental health and is a Co-Investigator at the Center of Excellence for Cultural Competence, New York State Psychiatric Institute. With grant support from the Mind and Life Institute, she recently developed and evaluated a mindfulness-based critical consciousness training program for K-5 teachers in New York City. Much of her work has centered on issues facing Asian American communities, most recently examining Asian Americans’ experiences of discrimination since the Covid-19 pandemic, and the role that critical consciousness, solidarity and allyship with other BIPOC communities may play in promoting more resilient coping. Her research has been profiled on ABC News, CNN, 20/20, NPR, and the New York Times.

DR. LINDA LAUSELL BRYANT
Panelist

Linda Lausell Bryant is Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Clinical Professor, Master Teacher, and the Katherine and Howard Aibel Executive-in-Residence at NYU Silver. Dr. Lausell Bryant’s professional interests focus on research and practice issues related to developing the leadership capacities of social workers and other human services professionals; the intersection of race, ethnicity, and social justice; models for developing parenting skills among teen parents; the use of self in management and leadership roles; and the role of spirituality in mental health and adolescent development.

Dr. Lausell Bryant’s career spans 38 years in youth services in both the private and public sectors. She introduced the Adaptive Leadership framework into the graduate social work curriculum at NYU Silver, including the launch of an Adaptive Leadership Fellowship program and new graduate and doctoral level courses grounded in the framework. For nine years, she served as the Executive Director of Inwood House, a nonprofit youth agency focused on improving outcomes for young mothers in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Her work in government includes serving as associate commissioner for the Office of Youth Development at the New York City Administration for Children’s Services. She was appointed by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to the New York City Panel for Education Policy. At Inwood House, she convened a Citywide Dialogue on Teen Pregnancy, which featured stakeholders from government child welfare, health, education, and poverty agencies, as well as research, philanthropy, policy, and service providing agencies. She has used her extensive knowledge of youth development to launch program initiatives in the violence prevention, reproductive health, child welfare, and after school arenas.

DR. UNIQUE STARKS
Panelist
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela DavisDr. UniQue C. Starks is a visionary leader in social work, holding a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Master of Social Work from New York University. With over a decade of experience in mental health, restorative justice, advocacy, and community organizing, she has received recognition for her transformative contributions, including Citations from Assemblywomen Monique Chandler-Waterman and Stefani Zinerman.As the Director of Community Restorative Justice Initiatives at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, Dr. Starks reimagines public safety through restorative practices, fostering healing and accountability. She is also an Adjunct Professor at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work and a Global Ambassador for the Pan-African Leadership Institute in Ghana, where she supports leadership development and deepens connections to African history.Dr. Starks leads A UniQue Lifee, a social club for Black women in social justice movements, focused on healing, individuality, and community care. Dedicated to creating transformative change, she works tirelessly toward a more just and equitable society.

TANNER WILLIAMS
Panelist

Tanner Kaleb Williams, LMSW is a social worker and psychotherapist who integrates his love for art and creativity into his practice. Grounded in abolitionist principles, he creates brave spaces for individuals to express their authentic selves through a radical acceptance and expansive approach to healing. Committed to community building, Tanner fosters environments that support collective growth and well-being. Tanner is based in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn on occupied Lenape land.

Transforming Careers in Mental Health for BIPOC

Strategies to Promote Healing and Social Change

MEET THE ROUNDTABLE