Global Health Case Competition Keynote
DR. GUERDA NICOLAS
Beyond the Headlines: Unveiling the Social Impact on Women and Girls in Ayiti (Haiti)
Dr. Guerda Nicolas is a renowned Haitian American psychologist, currently a professor in the Educational and Psychological Studies department at the University of Miami, School of Education and Human Development. With a deep passion for enhancing mental health and educational outcomes, Dr. Nicolas has been a pivotal figure in academic and community-based initiatives.
Born in Grand Goave and raised in TiGoave, Haiti, Dr. Nicolas moved to the United States during her teenage years. She pursued her academic career with vigor, earning a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Boston University. She then completed prestigious predoctoral training at Columbia University Medical Center and postdoctoral training at the New York State Psychiatric Institute in the Department of Child Psychiatry.
Dr. Nicolas's multicultural and multilingual background (fluent in Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole) significantly influences her research, which primarily focuses on integrating race, culture, and well-being in ethnically diverse and immigrant communities. Her current projects are diverse, including promoting academic excellence among ethnically diverse youth, identity development in Black youths, and empowering parents in diverse communities to be more effective in their roles.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Nicolas has significantly contributed to the mental health landscape through her co-founding roles at Ayiti Community Trust and Rebati Sante Mantale. She is also a past Secretary General of the Caribbean Alliance of National Psychological Association.
An accomplished author, Dr. Nicolas has published several impactful works, such as "Building Your Mental Burpees," which equips readers with mental strategies for overcoming life's challenges, and "Contemporary Parenting: A Global Perspective," which examines the multifaceted influences on parenting across different cultures. Her other notable publications include "Building Mental Health Capacity in Haiti through
Collaborative Partnerships" and "Social Networks and the Mental Health of Haitian Immigrants."
Dr. Nicolas's contributions to psychology have been recognized internationally, including receiving the 2018 Humanitarian Award from the American Psychological Association. She continues to share her expertise globally through her role as Co-Editor of the Book Series, Pan-African Psychologies with Palgrave Publisher.
Dr. Guerda Nicolas remains a key figure in advancing the conversation on mental health and cultural integration, making significant strides toward a more inclusive and understanding global community.