Meet Erika Strauss Chavarria, Columbia’s Community Organizer
For more than five years now, thousands of Howard County residents have been able to access healthy, fresh and delicious culturally-diverse cuisine for free thanks to Columbia Community Care.
Summer Youth Program Prevents Crime and Strengthens Self-Worth
CCC’s PUSH program joined forces with CCC’s longtime partner STAND to create an impactful summer program for Howard County teens.
Meet Board Member Matthew Vaughn Smith
Meeting the basic needs of Howard County residents is one of the tenets that drew Vaughn-Smith to supporting CCC.
Volunteer Spotlight: Meg Feroli, Director of Operations
As an educator, Meg Feroli often found hungry students in her classroom. That is why she was quick to volunteer with CCC when the pandemic hit.
Legislation on the Move
Michigan Builds on Second Chances: Reentry That Works
The Second Chance Act of 2008 has infused more than $1.2 billion into states’ efforts to improve reentry outcomes for people leaving prison. Michigan reports it is currently experiencing its lowest recidivism rate on record at 21%, with the latest report indicating a 79% success rate of those paroled not returning to prison.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
According to the American Cancer Society, men at higher risk of prostate cancer should consider regular screening starting at age 45, or age 40 if a close relative has had prostate cancer. Black men are at higher risk of prostate cancer for unknown reasons, making it even more critical to get screened.
International Day of Democracy
Though “they are never perfect, and they never solve all problems,” democracies are the gold standard in delivering peace and prosperity for humankind. According to the Brookings Institute, America is experiencing a decline in democracy in multiple ways, including election manipulation and executive overreach.
Black Workers and Their Contributions to Labor Day
Black workers have been part of the backbone of building America since before the Civil War, playing a “ dominant role in the caulking trade” and into the era of Reconstruction when there was great interest in organizing trade unions.
More Minority Organ Donors Needed to Save Black Lives
Chances are, Black Americans are either living with—or know someone who has—high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease. These chronic conditions are widespread in the African American community and often lead to organ failure, increasing the need for organ transplants.
As Unemployment Rises, Black-Owned Businesses Provide Jobs--and a Path Forward
Despite persistent structural barriers, Black entrepreneurs remain optimistic. Some are seeing increased support from Black consumers, while others are adopting innovative models like employee ownership, which enables workers to build equity and pursue the generational wealth that has long been out of reach.
Mental Health in Black America
Today, Black Americans face increased mental health challenges due to rising experiences of racism and discrimination. From mistreatment by police and feeling less safe in their homes and neighborhoods, to losing their jobs and being treated unfairly by healthcare providers, many Black Americans are struggling on a daily basis.
Legislation on the Move
The First Time Homeowner Act (CA)
For the past two decades, America has faced a growing housing shortage. The cost to build and maintain a home has outpaced income growth nationwide.
Protecting Democracy: NBCSL Addresses Gun Violence and its Disproportionate Impact on Marginalized Communities
A disturbing rise in both shootings and targeted attacks on state lawmakers across the country has refocused attention on gun violence and its threat to democratic institutions. America’s racist past and present continues to perpetuate inequities and negative stereotypes that fuel gun violence, making Black people the forever target.
Higher Rates of PTSD in Black America
Unfortunately, despite the higher prevalence, PTSD in the Black community is often chronic and severe and goes untreated. On average, less than half of Black people seek professional help for their PTSD.
Celebrating Black Music Month and Its Indelible Legacy on American Culture
For more than 400 years, Black music has been the soundtrack of experience and life in America. Born out of oppression and resistance, but also of hope and cultural pride, Black music reflects rural and urban environments as well as the conflict and social concerns that inhabit them.
Love is Love: Celebrating Black Pride
According to the Williams Institute, there are more than 1.2 million Black adults in the United States who selfidentify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (LGBTQ+), making up about 12% of the nation’s LGBTQ+ adult population. Black LGBTQ+ people face daily physical, emotional and mental challenges just to exist.
May We Always Remember ...
Similar to higher education, military service has provided a path toward upward economic mobility for many Black families. The benefits of patriotic military service extend beyond finances, creating an engine that has helped provide work with potential for growth, good health care, and stable housing while increasing opportunity to marry.
The Overlooked Faces of ALS: Understanding Its Impact on Black Americans
Though most of the population diagnosed with ALS are white, Black Americans are also impacted by the fatal disease. Research shows it takes 24 months for Black people to be diagnosed with ALS compared with 16 months for white people.
Too Many Black Kids in Foster Care, Not Enough Black Foster Parents
Black American families face more daily challenges due to complexities such as systemic racism, poverty, lack of access to resources and support services than other populations. As a result of these stressors, Black children experience more adverse childhood experiences and are disproportionately placed in foster care at higher rates than other groups.
Strengthening Black America's Financial Foundation During Financial Literacy Month
It’s well-documented that racial bias in the financial industry has created a mistrust of the financial system and devastated pathways for Black Americans to achieve generational wealth in America. As a result, Black Americans have a weaker financial foundation and struggle more than other Americans with achieving financial success.
Autism and the Black Community: From Misdiagnosis to Meaningful Reform
Promoting awareness of autism in the Black community can help reduce stigma within the Black community and lead to better quality of life for people with autism and their caregivers.
National Public Health Month: Everyone Has the Right to Good Health
Some people can easily access services and resources while others struggle to get basics such as clean water, safe housing, education and a livable wage. Those without access are at higher risk for disease and are less able to get necessary treatment, resulting in sickness or death from treatable and even preventable diseases.
Bridging the Gap: Assessing Health Inequities in Cardiovascular Care for Black Americans
Advancements in cardiovascular care have improved the quality of care of many Americans, but Black people and other underrepresented populations are less likely to be offered the advanced care even though they’re in higher need of the critical services.
Rebuilding the FAFSA: A Critical Year for College-Bound Families Amid Student Loan Debt Crisis
For many, the American Dream means going to college, earning a degree, getting a job and buying a house. For Black Americans, that dream is often deferred or interrupted due to crippling debt.
Honoring National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: A Call to Legislative Action
As legislators, we have a unique responsibility to champion policies that promote equitable access to healthcare and protect the well-being of our most vulnerable populations.
With Gratitude to Laura Hall, NBCSL's 15th President
The Alabama State Representative's tenure as president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators was a historic time for NBCSL and the country as she sought to amplify a collective voice from state legislators to the nation and beyond in support of Black Americans.
November is National Family Caregivers Month: Giving Care Because You Care
For centuries, it has been a cultural expectation that Black families take care of their own, regardless of how burdensome caregiving situations can be, with many saying they feel like they have no choice but to be a caregiver.
Honoring ALL Who Served This Veterans Day
America prides itself on its service to its veterans as much as its veterans’ service to the country. However, as in civilian life, Black service members and veterans are struggling more than their counterparts.
Black Americans Need to Beat Breast Cancer
Walk, run, bike and swim events occur with the goal to raise awareness and funds to beat the disease that will affect roughly 1 in 8 women born in America. The odds for Black women are even grimmer.
Voting Through the Storm: Resilience in the Southeast as Election Day Nears
While many legislators in other states are campaigning so close to Election Day, Florida and North Carolina state legislators are instead focused on disaster recovery and prioritizing the well-being of their constituents.
Domestic Violence Tears at the Black Community
Centuries of systemic racism feed into this modern public health crisis, blocking economic, healthcare and education opportunities as well as access to other government supports.
Bullying Does Not Have to Be a Rite of Passage
Despite being only 15% of the K-12 student population, Black youth make up the largest portion (37%) of the bullied population and are more likely to be bullied at school and online (21%) because of their race or ethnicity.
Every Vote Matters: Empowering Black Americans to Vote
Pew Research Center is projecting the number of Black voters will rise to 34.4 million (up 7% from 2020) by the November 2024 election, putting Black Americans in a powerful position comprising 14% of eligible voters who can help elect the next president of the United States.
2024 Olympics: Oasis or Opportunity?
The IOC says it welcomes peaceful protest and freedom of speech, but thinks the Olympics should serve as an oasis from larger social and political issues. As some question whether politics and sports should mix, there is no bigger megaphone than the Olympics.
Correcting Course on Cannabis Policy
The War on Drugs was officially declared in 1969, and mass media amplified the governmentled campaign so that it reached its height in the late 1990s. Throughout this time, millions of people of color were incarcerated for possession, distribution and use of cannabis and other substances.
Black-Owned Businesses Are in the Black
Black business growth was already trending upward prior to the pandemic, then the protests stemming from George Floyd’s murder put a spotlight on Black-owned businesses.
Prioritize Black Organ Donation Now During National Minority Organ Donor Awareness Month
Black Americans are disproportionately affected by health conditions that can lead to organ failure such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, sickle cell disease, high blood pressure and heart disease.
60th Anniversary of Civil Rights Act (1964)
Sixty years later, the hard-fought Civil Rights Act that granted equal access to employment, voting rights, federal programs and public accommodations is under attack.
Black Farmers Receive $2.2 Billion in Relief Payments
Black farmers and other farmers of color experienced discrimination from the U.S. Department of Agriculture farm lending programs, including being denied government loans, emergency or disaster assistance, and other aid, which caused many Black farmers to lose their farms and their homes.
Legislation in Progress
U.S. college students are experiencing historic levels of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, frequent emotional stress, moderate to severe psychological distress and loneliness according to several reports released in 2023.
What's Your Number?
(Cholesterol number, that is)
September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a crucial time for Black Americans to understand the importance of knowing their cholesterol numbers—the measure of cholesterol circulating in the blood.
Early Detection of Prostate Cancer Saves Lives
Black men have among the highest documented prostate cancer rate in the world, and their cancer deaths are one of the greatest mortality disparities in oncology.
Mock Interviews Help Rookies Prepare for the Real Deal
As the Great Resignation continues to take hold of the U.S. as a result of the pandemic, the search for talented workers has never been fiercer. What does that mean for students who want or need a summer job?
In the Flesh: Career Tours Return
Instead of virtually connecting with local professionals, students have been able to learn about education requirements and what occurs during a typical workday while also touring offices and seeing workers in their professional environment.
Early Admission
Increasingly more students apply for early admission to college. Receiving acceptance letters sooner than later can help bring much-anticipated relief to many students and their families who must make important financial decisions about the future.
A Social Worker's Charge
PhD in Social Work student Adrian Green shares her insight on struggles and opportunities within child protective services.
A Cultivator of Curiosity
Kara Ball, an MSEd graduate, is a 2018 National Teacher of the Year finalist who challenges her students to explore all possibilities.
Streamlining the U.S. Military Procurement Process
How one DBA graduate’s dissertation drove his mission to make a difference.
Improving the Quality of Life for Cancer Patients
Dr. John Buhmeyer, a PhD in Health Services graduate and 2018 recipient of the Harold L. Hodgkinson Award, shares how marijuana could be a viable alternative pain management treatment.
A Passion for the Special-Needs Community
MSW student Kailee Bauman hopes to advocate for and raise awareness of special-needs kids.
Meet a Graduate: Dr. Vaughn Bradley
PhD in Education graduate Dr. Vaughn Bradley shares how his Walden doctoral program helped him use technology to help parents support children in mathematics.
HR for the Holidays
Dr. Wanda Gravett, academic program coordinator for the MS in Human Resource Management program, discusses the evolving nature of company holiday parties and shares advice for hosting inclusive celebrations and non-holiday-affiliated events.
Walden Walks With Pride
Walden University staff celebrate and support LGBTQ individuals through a month-long observance.
Fighting Ebola on the Front Lines
When PhD in Public Health student Avi Stein learned of the Ebola outbreak in Africa, he felt compelled to help and volunteered to deploy to Sierra Leone in West Africa.
Protecting and Serving Law Enforcement
Angela Martilik, a PhD in Forensic Psychology student and 2017 Scholar of Change, aims to destigmatize mental health one police department at a time,
Meet a Graduate: Dr. Gloria Farris
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduate aims to fight opioid abuse by arming physicians with assessment tool.
Creating Health Awareness in the Muslim Community
After a 60-pound weight loss, PhD in Psychology student Amina Khan aims to educate this underserved population on health and fitness practices.
Meet a Graduate: Caleb Lorensen
MSEd graduate and Scholar of Change Caleb Lorensen shares how he is supporting Thailand’s education system.
Meet a Graduate: Jason E. Merzlak
BS in Business Administration graduate honors his brother by dedicating his life’s work to providing outstanding patient care.
A Natural Leader
MSN graduate Ashley Nicole Williams shares the benefits of taking control of her professional growth.
Mentor Spotlight: Erin Fitzpatrick
Girls’ Empowerment Mission (GEM) had only been around for a year when Erin Fitzpatrick began mentoring a GEM girl.
Taking Care of the Caregiver
Tips for nurses to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance
The Brass Tacks of Earning a Doctorate
DBA graduate Dr. Daniel Rodarte shares how personal sacrifices can help achieve excellence.
A Nurse's Calling
Leesa Souza, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) student, recounts her experience as a member of a disaster medical team after Hurricane Irma made landfall.
Improving End-of-Life Care Education
PhD in Nursing student Kristina McCall believes more time needs to be dedicated to learning about palliative care in nursing programs.
Building a Sense of Community
Walden’s Student Affairs team discusses the benefits of getting involved in student organizations.
Gaining Perspective on the Quality of Life
Dr. Eva Hvingelby, faculty member in the School of Nursing and palliative care nurse practitioner, explains the differences between palliative care and hospice care.
Pursuing a Doctorate with Passion
How DrPH candidate and inaugural Social Change Fellow Chinonso Nnorom aims to improve the lives of women in Africa.
Engaging in Courageous Conversation
Dr. Savitri Dixon-Saxon, dean of the School of Counseling and the Barbara Solomon School of Social Work and Human Services, explains how to have productive conversations about some of today’s challenging issues in a respectful way.
Exploring the Effectiveness of HIV-Positive Community Health Workers
Dr. Richard Jiménez, School of Health Sciences faculty member and Social Change Fellow, discusses possible implications of a new study supported by Walden University.
Coming Ino Focus
Kylie Yearwood, a Master of Science in Nursing graduate and PhD in Nursing student, reflects on how her once-in-a-lifetime journey changed her for the better.
A Change in Perspective
How a 3-week journey via Roadtrip Nation impacted PhD in Public Policy and Administration student Crystal Francis.
Meet a Graduate: Helping Small-Town America
Dr. Trey Jensen, a PhD in Clinical Psychology graduate attending summer commencement in National Harbor, Maryland, explains how he plans to effect positive social change in rural Minnesota.
Connecting the Dots Between Service and Learning
A conversation with Dr. Bill Schulz, interim director of the new Center for Social Change, about Walden’s vision for the future.
A Changed Man: Meet Graduate Dr. Melvin Murphy
Dr. Melvin Murphy, a 2017 Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduate attending summer commencement in National Harbor, Maryland, gets real about the challenges of earning his doctoral degree.
Social Justice in Counselor Education
Dr. Jennifer Gess, faculty member in the School of Counseling, shares best practices for conversations with members of the LGBTQ community.
Allowing Dogs to Become Innovative Teaching Tools
Dr. Michelle Roberts-Schneider introduced rescue dogs to her early learning childcare program and saw positive improvements in children’s development.
A Military State of Mind
Dr. Kimberly A. Kick, MSW program coordinator, stresses the demand for more counselors and social workers prepared to work with military personnel and their families.
Windows of Opportunity
PhD in Public Policy and Administration student Crystal Francis aims to improve the lives of nonviolent offenders.
Celebrating Different Approaches to Teaching
This Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate teachers’ different approaches to effective education.
Must Love Science
Kylie Yearwood, a Master of Science in Nursing graduate and PhD in Nursing student, transforms her love of science into her life purpose.
Women at the Heart of Culture
Dr. Sandra Weinstein Bever, faculty member in the School of Health Sciences, reflects on women who inspired her to lift up others.
A Parade of Pups in Portland
Dr. Lynde Paule, faculty member in the PhD in Psychology program, dreamed up an event that helps save dogs and create positive social change.
When Passion Fuels a Physician's Educational Journey
Dr. Stella Onuoha-Obilor, a 2015 MPH graduate and current Doctor of Public Health student, shares her passion for the healthcare field and provides tips for students working toward their educational goals.
Climb Every Mountain
DBA student Kimber Russell-Simmons is empowering community members to volunteer through her new role on the Idaho Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism.
Resolving to Succeed
I-O psychologist and faculty member Dr. Lori LaCivita shares how to approach goal-setting to ensure successful results.
Pursuing Your Passions Through Research
Dr. Nina Nabors shares tips to help doctoral students lead successful dissertations.
Channeling His Passion for Public Health
Dr. Raymond Chimezie has returned to Nigeria as a Fulbright Scholar with plans to improve the country’s healthcare system by educating healthcare practitioners and the public.
A New Way of Learning
Walden business administration graduate Jazmin Chi combined her passions to create an international education company.