Episode 22: Identity of self is our superpower

Aria walked into a foundation board room a few years ago and Ruth Turner stopped speaking to the person next to her, pointed at Aria and said, “I have a dress in that same fabric.” And so began their friendship! What started as an enthusiastic conversation over Ghanaian fabrics and clothes designed by a mutual friend, turned into one of Aria’s most important relationships of her adulthood.

Ruth B. Turner graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester receiving a B.S. in Social Work and a MSW from University of Buffalo. She also holds a MS. Ed from SUNY Brockport. She is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who has served the profession for over 24 years. 

Dr. Turner is known as a champion of children and families in Rochester, New York which she calls home. As an educator, she has committed herself to the principles of restorative practices, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Under her administrative leadership with Rochester City School District (RCSD), she worked to support the most vulnerable students and was an advocate for all students and families. In her tenure, she led the revision of the student code of conduct. She also led the district in adopting restorative justice initiatives in terms of student discipline as was a key leader of anti-racism work for the district. 

For over 13 years she served the Rochester City School District as a social worker, Director and Executive Director for student support services. Before her departure, she served as the Chief for Student Support and Social-Emotional Learning. Before joining RCSD she led the foster care and adoption unit for the Urban League of Rochester. She also spent several years as a trainer for the Center for the Development of Human Services where she focused on child welfare services. 

Ruth’s commitment to the intersection of social work, social welfare, and education began very early in life, rooted in her experience immigrating to the US as a political refugee from Eritrea. It was the kindness and diligence of a social worker who aided her successful transition during one of the most challenging periods in her life. Through the support and advocacy of individuals like this social worker, Ruth graduated from the RCSD and attended college as a 1st generation college student. She has never forgotten the power of support in mitigating the effects of adverse events in childhood, that can aid in helping individuals to reach their fullest potential.

Dr. Turner is married to Dr. William R. Turner Jr., Assistant Professor of African and African American Studies at SUNY Brockport. Together they have three children.

Links:

Black Mental Health: https://nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-s-Statement-On-Recent-Racist-Incidents-and-Mental-Health-Resources-for-African-Americans?gclid=CjwKCAjwieuGBhAsEiwA1Ly_ne82WI56amGffdzBDOoCzPzwpg9t5RU0SQ3h7QKCc6fP5u7fYZih_RoC5UQQAvD_BwE

Eritrea War of Independence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eritrean_War_of_Independence

High Expectations:

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2017/10/24/study-finds-high-school-teachers-have-differing-expectations-black-and-white

https://hub.jhu.edu/2016/03/30/racial-bias-teacher-expectations-black-white/

https://www.edweek.org/leadership/teachers-lower-expectations-for-black-students-may-become-self-fulfilling-prophecies-study-finds/2017/10

John Turner: https://theithacan.org/writer/john-turner/page/4/

Keywords: Black, educator, social worker, mental health, social emotional health, children, family, Eritrea, refugee, doctor of Education, high expectations, political refugee, support, idea of self, self-determination, social justice, civil rights