Black Women’s History Month – Black Leaders at Fielding

Black Women’s History Month – Black Leaders at Fielding 

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the phenomenal Black Woman of the Black Student Association during the #ShareHerName campaign. Black Woman, your presence and grace are invaluable. Representation matters, and you all show up and show out!

Despite being well-known and respected, all of you deserve further recognition. Join me in #SharingTheirNames! 

Black Student Association Student/Graduate Leaders

• Dr. Tahlia Bragg, Inaugural President
• Donica Harper, President
• Brianna Downey, Vice President
• Shania Greenwood, Special Events Coordinator
• Sheila Turner, Past Executive Board Member
• Shirreka Mackay, Past Treasurer/Executive Board Member
• Tryphena Jenkins, member

Thank you for creating a safe space for me as a first-year Black male student. Fielding’s Black Student Association has been a saving grace. You embraced my quiet presence and have been some of my biggest supporters throughout this journey. You all have brought light to gloomy days and given voice to the voiceless. When I took the back seat, you ensured I had a moment to speak. Little do you know, but you all have and will continue to play a vital part in my development as a Black man. #BlackWomanExcellence 

I Also Want to Thank Our Black Student Association Faculty and Staff Advisors:

• Allison Davis-White Eyes, Ph.D.
• Konjit Page, Ph.D.
• Julie Jackson, Ph.D.
• April Harris-Britt, Ph.D.
• Wendi Williams, Ph.D.

Thank you for your dedication to advancing Black psychology students. Your kind words and mentorship have contributed to my Fielding journey and development as a future trauma psychologist. Your remarkable accolades and contributions to psychology and similar fields have influenced my clinical and research interests.  #BlackWomanExcellence 

With love and Blackness,
Nathan L. Smith, MA, MSW, LCSW, LADC
Third-Year Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Student

We invite every member of the Fielding community to honor a Black Woman in their life and share her name. We would like to celebrate the names of Black Women that may not always be recognized but play a vital role in our lives. How to participate: prepare a 300-word essay about the Black Woman you want to recognize. Share why she is important to you. Send the essay, accompanied by a photo or image representing her, to media@fielding.edu. #ShareHerName  

About Nathan L. Smith

Nathan L. Smith, MA, MSW, LCSW, LADC

Nathan L. Smith, MA, MSW, LCSW, LADC, is a third-year Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student at Fielding Graduate University and the Sergeant in Arms for the Black Student Association.  Nathan is also a Marie Fielder Center graduate research fellow, a qualitative lab research assistant, and a professional development seminar representative at Fielding. Nathan’s qualitative dissertation will explore the lived experiences of Black Identifying Males Exposed to Community Violence.

Nathan received his Associate’s degree from Gateway Community College and his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Psychology from Albertus Magnus College.  Nathan also graduated with his Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University, obtained a post-graduate certificate in Addiction Counseling from Albertus Magnus College, and a Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Psychology.