Laurellé C. Warner, associate professor of social work and sociology, has successfully defended her dissertation titled “Examining Resilience in the Lives of Black Women” in completion of her doctor of philosophy degree in social policy and social research at Loma Linda University. Warner said, “Using a grounded theory approach rooted in social constructionism, my study explored middle and older adult black women [and their] conceptual understanding of resilience and adaptive functioning, and examined their perspectives on pathways to resilience and processes used to navigate aversive circumstances.

“The study used multi-methods of focus groups and personal interviews with black women residing in the South, East and West Coasts. From their conceptual understanding and perspectives, a unique model of resilience emerged that is Afrocentric, strengths-based, and congruent with a racial justice lens.”

Warner has taught in the WWU School of Social Work and Sociology since 2014. She is the program coordinator for the WWU master of social work program in Missoula, Montana. She is the recipient of the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Social Workers, California Inland Empire, and is involved with a range of committees at WWU. She is also a Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society, NASW member.

Posted July 8, 2019