Indiana University School of Social Work Shines at ResilienceCon 2024

June 3, 2024

ResilienceCon is an international conference that offers a variety of traditional and innovative formats to elicit vibrant discussions and collaborative knowledge-building across multiple disciplines. The focus lies on resilience and strengths-based approaches to understanding, preventing, and responding to violence and other adversities. ResilienceCon unparalleled opportunities for building a diverse and expansive interdisciplinary professional network, both nationally and internationally.

Here are some of the highlights:

Zohra Asad, a doctoral student, received recognition for her achievements and was awarded the Promising Scholar Honorable Mention.
A group of seven IUSSW doctoral students attended the event. Among them, five presented a total of eight papers and one poster.
Miriam Commodore-Mensah, another doctoral student, led a plenary reflection with support from Nina Johnson, who is also a doctoral student.
Zohra Asad: Presented two papers and one poster.
Miriam Commodore-Mensah: Presented three papers, one poster, and led a plenary reflection.
Nina Johnson: Presented two papers.
Alex Lipsey: Participated
Dr. E. Susana Mariscal: Presented four papers, facilitated one workshop, and hosted a session.
Rajanya Nandi: Participated
Kristina Ray – Bennet: Participated
Tayon Swafford: Presented three papers.
Joaquin Mariscal (IU Indianapolis Communication Studies) cofacilitated a workshop.

Additionally, Ernest Agorde (IU Indianapolis Communication Studies) and Jamie Smith (IU Bloomington Public Health), along with Jenna Elliot (an MSW alumna) and Janie Ames (IUSSW staff), were co-authors for presentations but were unable to attend the event.

“ResilienceCon has given me the energy and space to hope and dream innovatively.” – Tayon R. Swafford, PhD Candidate and Adjunct Faculty, Indiana University School of Social Work

Decoration — Left to Right: Tayon Swafford and Nina Johnson

“ResilienceCon holds a special place in my heart as my favorite conference, offering an oasis of support, connection, innovation, and transformation—a vital haven, especially for faculty of color in academia. After this conference, I always feel renewed, inspired, and energized to continue doing my scholarly work. With deliberate intent, ResilienceCon provides a crucial space for innovation, growth, and healing, fostering meaningful connections and collaborations among emerging scholars, practitioners, and leaders in the field. Through inclusive conversations, it promotes dialogue that challenges and inspires. Witnessing our doctoral students and mentees shine, becoming scholars, as they present their research and engage in conference discussions fills me with immense pride. Beyond shaping the trajectories of emerging scholars, ResilienceCon serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fostering connection, collaboration, and creating safe, inclusive spaces within academia, where microaffirmations replace microaggressions and where all voices are valued and uplifted.” – Dr. Susana Mariscal, Associate Professor, Indiana University School of Social Work.

Left to Right: Dr. Susy Mariscal and Miriam Commodore-Mensah

“As a second-year international PhD student in social work, delving into research and presenting at conferences can be overwhelming. But ResilienceCon offered a comforting refuge. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported. Attendees shared a genuine passion for their research and a deep care for the communities they serve. It was a place where everyone’s voice mattered, where knowledge flowed freely, and where senior scholars guided junior scholars with kindness. I’m eager to present at ResilienceCon in 2025, contributing to this supportive community of resilience and understanding. In the heart of research lies the resilience of community stitched together with empathy and insight, where every voice matters, and every story shapes our understanding.” – Rajanya Nandi, PhD Student, Indiana University School of Social Work.

“My attendance at ResilienceCon 2024 exceeded my expectations and left me grateful for the transformative experience. As a third-year international student in social work, I was initially apprehensive about connecting with others, but the IUSSW presenters and fellow attendees made me feel welcomed and heard. The sense of community fostered at ResilienceCon was remarkable, and I engaged in meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and gained valuable insights. Connecting with like-minded individuals and contributing to the discourse on resilience in social work left me feeling empowered. Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in such an incredible event.” – Zohra Asad, PhD Student Indiana University School of Social Work

Indiana University School of Social Work Shines at ResilienceCon 2024

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