As the Chief Diversity Officer at The University of Alabama School of Social Work, I cultivate cultural awareness, promote diversity, and strengthen inclusivity.  I am committed to the core ethical principle to pursue social change for the vulnerable by challenging tools of oppression.  The mission of Building Bridges Institute for Racial Reconciliation aligns with my commitment to restore and heal communities impacted by the traumatic effects of systematic racism.  Understanding that the health and well-being of its members are intricately interwoven and true change occurs when we become empathetic to the needs of our neighbors and act in solidarity to value each other’s humanity.  The Building Bridges Institute serves an integral purpose and I am so honored to contribute to initiatives that foster relationships for those who are courageous to engage in critical conversations with an openness about diversity and difference.