Mary has spent years working in the creative field and has had the opportunity to work with amazing collaborators who bring new and exciting ideas to the table. She believes that having a passion for what you do is key to unlocking creativity and finds great joy in collaborating with others. Read on if you want to learn more about Mary's thoughts on the importance of passion and collaboration in creative work.
Read MoreFor Meagan, IWES Program Manager, navigating the challenges of managing a multisystem program in the realm of social work and public health has been a profound lesson in learning to trust both herself and the work she undertakes. Read her full staff spotlight to learn more about how she’s come to understand that trusting oneself involves a continuous process of learning from discomfort and growth and how it has equipped her with the resilience and assurance needed to navigate the dynamic landscape of social work and public health.
Read MoreTrauma-informed care (TIC) is receiving a lot of attention, and for good reason. But what is trauma-informed care and what does it look like in the school setting? From programming to policy, what TIC looks like in schools vary widely and the landscape is changing every year. Read on to understand what TIC is and the landscape in schools both in Louisiana and nationally.
Read MorePorn is pervasive in our digital, and youth often learning about sex through this lens. As a Lead Associate for our Adolescent Health and sexual health educator, I know firsthand the importance of sex education to be able to understand healthy and safe sex and relationships - although many students are not getting this vital information. Learn more about how you can talk to your kids about sex before the internet does.
Read MoreAs working remotely because more of a permanent option for businesses, staying connected with colleagues is more important than ever. Read Christina’s piece to learn how you can maintain cohesion and connection on our team virtually.
Read MoreHumor is often an under-appreciated tool for engaging employees and building resilient cultures. But, as a leader who supports other leaders and staff, I know that laughter can be a powerful tool. Read on to see how I use my superpower.
Read MoreAs the Mental Health Trauma-Informed Division Consultant at the Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies, I support a variety of grant projects, focused on evaluating trauma-informed approaches to improve the mental health and mental well-being of underserved populations. Moving from research within academia to applying my knowledge and skills in the community has been a transition. Read on to hear more about my takeaways, from doing research within the confounds of a classroom to applying my knowledge in the community.
Read MoreAs an adult and as a sex educator, I now have the opportunity to reflect on my own sex ed experiences and bring to it what I wish I had. Learning and teaching the curriculum has taught me how much I missed and what mistakes I could have avoided if I had received guidance. I love informing people of the reality of what we teach here at IWES, especially addressing the misconceptions about STIs and our bodies. Read my blog to hear my reflections on my own sex ed experience as a new teacher.
Read MoreAs the Linkage to Care Coordinator at the Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies, I understand the importance of linking clients to care, always being compassionate and client-centered. However, it wasn’t until 2009, that I embarked on the journey that would bring me fulfillment and joy and lead me to my current work. My blog details the moment when life clicked and connected me to work in the HIV/AIDS field.
Read MoreTo me, teaching is all about knowledge translation and ensuring that students can walk away fully grasping the information in a way that enables them to share the core concepts with someone else. Check out my blog to see how I put that theory into practice as a program coordinator here at IWES.
Read MoreMost people don’t know that I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. But my past has become something that has propelled me forward, rather than kept me down. Read on to hear about my journey with mental health and how it has fueled my passion to help those who struggle with trauma.
Read MoreThis fall is my first foray into teaching sex education to middle schoolers. As I’ve transitioned into my role as a health educator, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what my teaching style will be and how I’ll be able to connect with my students. The best way I could think to prepare, aside from reviewing the curriculum, was to reflect on my own experiences with sex ed. What did I like? What did I dislike? What did I wish I learned growing up? See how I prepared to be a health educator at IWES and my own journey in sex education.
Read MoreI firmly believe that for such a time as this, we are called to champion the cause of marginalized communities, amplify the voices of people of color, and work as agents of change to shift the paradigm of inequities in healthcare to reduce stigma and empower our communities to take charge of their sexual health. My priority as an HIV Testing Coordinator is to ensure that I not only welcome my clients with love, but lead with love, compassion, understanding, and empathy. To understand how I lead with love, make sure to check out my blog.
Read MoreI am a second generation American and the only daughter of immigrants from India. I feel blessed to be born in America, and to be inheriting a deep, rich, and complex culture from my ancestors. However, growing up in rural Southern America was quite the challenge. To learn from my experiences growing up with two cultural influences, and how that impacts my views on sexual health, make sure to read my full feature.
Read MoreDuring my time as a program coordinator at IWES, I have learned a lot of valuable lessons. Some about how to unpack heavy questions students may have, others about how to be comfortable teaching such a “taboo” subject as sex ed, but perhaps the most revealing lesson I’ve learned is that in order to succeed as a health educator you must get out of the public health bubble. Curious what I mean by the “public health bubble?” Then make sure to check out my piece.
Read MoreMichelle* wrote to me in her journal after the first day of class, after I’d told the students that it was their space to ask me questions or just say hi. She told me about her two year-old daughter, who stays with her grandma during the day while Michelle finishes out her senior year of high school. I wrote back how I’d love to see a picture of her, and how good it was to have Michelle in the class. As a teacher of a subject that has many personal implications for many students in the class, whether they share their personal stories with me initially or keep it to themselves I try to make sure that each and every student knows their experiences are real, important and unique, and they don’t have to be defined by them. They may call me “the sex lady,” but it’s so much more than that.
Read MoreI think the first time I stepped into a New Orleans high school classroom my heart was beating so fast that a humming bird would be impressed. It felt like there was life oozing from the walls, an immense loyalty in a population that had seen its share of hardships and a continuation of a cultural narrative existing for over 100 years. There are schools that have grown out of adversity and become institutions whose legacies continue to cater to the people of New Orleans after surviving Katrina. Their names are known as prestigious and elite. I knew this was the start to me becoming a part of something that people in New Orleans cherish; the high school experience.
Read MoreWhen people find out what I do for a living they often ask me what I think the answer is to solving the “addiction problem.” It’s such a complicated issue that I often answer with a disheartened, “I don’t know.” There is no easy answer and the weight of it all can be very overwhelming. However, as bleak a picture as I can paint, there are success stories everywhere and everyday people dedicate themselves to exploring ways to support those with substance use disorders. Check out my blog to see how my personal story is connected to my work now as a social worker in the harm reduction sphere and the lessons I’ve learned.
Read MoreOne of the first lessons of Social Work is that we wear many hats. In any position we may be called upon to be providers, advocates, counselors, case managers, educators, organizers, and the list goes on. To find out how these roles take shape in my life and work, check out my blog here.
Read MoreFrom humble beginnings in a town called Lutcher - which is known as being a part of the cancer alley stretch - I had a first-hand account of rural health disparities caused by location and the lack of resources. I knew since I was a child the medical field was my calling, but I decided early on that a career in treatment would be the path of least resistance. To find out how I went from being in the army to working here at IWES in the public health field, check out my story.
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