Dr. Zayda Sorrell-Medina
Ph.D.
California State University Northridge
Dr. Zayda Sorrell-Medina
Dr. Zayda Sorrell-Medina (she/hers) is an Assistant Professor at California State University Northridge in the Department of Social Work, where she teaches policy and research classes. She has a PhD in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy from the University of California, Irvine and a Master's degree in Social Work with an emphasis in community organizing. Her social work background is in nonprofit management, youth education, and community organizing. Dr. Zayda research interests includes immigration, organizations, urban context, public policy, and inclusion, and exclusion, with a focus on understanding how (non)governmental entities contribute to the inclusion and exclusion of marginalized groups in society. Dr. Zayda also has a podcast that centers on urban and social work topics, called the Voice.
SESSION OVERVIEW
Marigold: Uncovering the Complexity of at Promise Youth
Individuals with experiences of foster care, adoption, and youth homelessness are an oppressed group in society. Yet the scientific literature and individuals who interact with these populations may not holistically frame or understand their experiences through an anti-oppression lens. Instead, much of the focus is trauma-informed practice, understanding the needs of these so called “at-risk” populations, or unearthing their detrimental outcomes. While such understandings are critical, my research emphasizes the need to also understand the unquestionable norms, beliefs, values, and practices contributing to their oppression. In doing so, we can holistically understand their needs, experiences, and outcomes.
Drawing from my own personal story, I advance an auto-ethnography to explore and interrogate themes related to the foster care, adoption, and youth homelessness experience. Integrating an anti-oppressive lens, I provide recommendations for social workers, educators, and parents who are working with individuals from this population. This presentation is based on my book and includes story telling, an interactive activity, and evidence based recommendations, followed by Q&A.