Ipigsam Ti Pusom (Strengthen One’s Heart)

The healing work we do at the spark of the global pandemic and the height of capitalism must include ongoing critical consciousness. This can take an emotional burden and toll, as historical and contemporary trauma plays out in the dysphoria. This gathering invites participants to pause and reflect upon the healing work on multiple level (e.g., micro, messo, and macro) interventions as well as multi-systemically. Through “talk stories,” we will share stories of struggles and successes. By integrating the arts, participants will be invited to write poetry or employ short creative strategies (as suggested by Dr. Alma) that strengthen one’s self and collective care. It is a hope to build and strengthen each other, our hearts and souls, and foster ongoing healing energy that builds upon our ancestral wisdom.

About Alma Marantan Ouanesisouk Trinidad

Alma Marantan Ouanesisouk Trinidad, MSW, PhD (preferred pronouns: she/her/hers) is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Portland State University (PSU) and an adjunct professor at Pacifica Graduate Institute in the PhD Program in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Community, Liberation, Indigenous, and Eco-Psychologies. As a first generation college graduate and professional, born and raised on the island of Molokai, Hawai’i with family roots of Filipino immigration through the sugar and pineapple industries, she describes her voyage of serving the people and community as becoming a Pinay (Filipina) scholar warrior and guardian of kapu aloha (sacred love)/mahalaya (love and freedom). She earned her PhD in social welfare from the University of Washington, Seattle, her MSW from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and her BSW from the University of Hawai’i, Manoa.   She is a macro social worker and scholar activist. She brings an array of healing work in community organizing, health promotion, and education among diverse communities that impact children, youth, and families. Her scholarly work focuses on critical Indigenous pedagogy of place, youth empowerment, social determinants of health and education, youth and family participatory action research, social movements, and leadership and mentorship for social change. Her published work can be found in social work professional journals. Other research and teaching interests include critical humanist design thinking, community practice, and culturally responsible research methods. Dr. Alma has passion for the arts, creative work, nature, spirituality, and spending quality time with her family. She integrates the arts and creative work in her teaching and research.

https://www.pdx.edu/ssw/profile/alma-trinidad 

email: atrinidad@pdx.edu 

IG: @alma_ouantrin 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/alma.trinidad