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Empowering Social Justice through Trauma-Informed Social Work and Inclusive Leadership: Meet Laura Quiros
Dr. Laura Quiros is a seasoned expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a background in social work and extensive experience in higher education, she empowers organizations to foster inclusive and equitable environments. Her research and teaching focus on racial identity, trauma-informed care, and social justice. Through her consulting, training, and mentorship, Dr. Quiros helps individuals and organizations navigate complex issues and promote positive change.
What is your professional/personal story?
I identify as a Latina and Jewish woman of color. My mother, a white Jewish woman, and my father, a Black Latino man, birthed me into a world of complex racial and cultural identities. Growing up, I navigated the binary of Black and white, a stark contrast to the intricate tapestry of my own heritage. This early experience instilled in me a deep understanding of human complexity and the nuances of identity.
My adolescence was marked by the tumultuous aftermath of my parents' divorce. Alcoholism, infidelity, domestic violence, and mental illness cast a long shadow over our family. The trauma I witnessed and experienced firsthand became the catalyst for my lifelong commitment to healing and social justice.
A Trauma-Informed Lens
The intersection of personal and familial trauma with the societal pressures to conform to rigid racial and cultural categories shaped my worldview. I recognized the power of naming one's identity and the psychological freedom that accompanies it. This understanding led me to approach my work in social work through a trauma-informed lens.
I earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare from The Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York, where my dissertation focused on "The Social Construction of Racial and Ethnic Identity among Women of Color from Mixed Ancestry: Psychological Freedoms and Sociological Constraints." I also hold a master's degree in social work from Hunter College School of Social Work and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Skidmore College.
A Career Dedicated to Healing and Justice
My career began in clinical settings, where I focused on trauma-informed practices and inclusion. Today, I am an Associate Professor of Social Work at Montclair State University and a consultant. My work centers around advancing inclusion, belonging, and accountability within diverse sectors. I strive to connect individuals and teams to the mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging.
My approach to social work is deeply personal and grounded in my lived experiences as a woman of color from a multicultural background. I believe in the power of empathy and the importance of inviting others into the work of healing and social justice. By normalizing trauma and connecting systemic oppression to individual experiences, I hope to humanize my classroom and empower marginalized voices.
As I look to the future, I remain committed to using my trauma-informed social justice lens to build community, heal, and disrupt the status quo. While I may not have specific long-term goals, I am driven by the urgent need for change in the present moment.
How can GlobalMindED help you achieve your goals?
I believe that GlobalMindED can be a powerful catalyst for change in my professional journey by connecting me with a diverse network of mentors, peers, and resources.
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