Allegheny County DHS has honored MSW Program Director Yodit Betru for Black History Month.
Equity Corner: Honoring Dr. Yodit Betru for Black History Month
This Black History Month, we celebrate the work of Dr. Yodit Betru, DSW, LCSW, a local expert whose dedication to social work and trauma-informed care is driving meaningful change in Pittsburgh. As the Director of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work, Dr. Betru is not only shaping future social workers but also addressing systemic inequities that impact marginalized communities.
A key part of Dr. Betru’s work focuses on racial equity and the impact of trauma on individuals and communities. In her session for the Office of Equity and Engagement’s (OEE) Equity Speakers Series, she unpacks critical concepts that are deeply relevant to racial equity work, including but not limited to:
· Racial Awakening – the process by which individuals, particularly from marginalized racial groups, come to recognize and understand the realities of racism and their own racial identity in society.
· Racial Battle Fatigue – the cumulative emotional, psychological, and physical stress experienced by people of color due to constant exposure to racism, microaggressions, and discrimination.
· Racial Pride – a sense of positive self-identification and empowerment within one’s racial or ethnic group, often developed in response to societal attempts to marginalize or devalue that identity.
· Racialization Process – the way society assigns racial meanings to individuals or groups, often reinforcing hierarchies and social norms based on race.
Dr. Betru’s work extends beyond theory—she is actively developing a trauma-informed curriculum for case managers who serve women and families experiencing homelessness, ensuring they are equipped with the tools to provide healing-centered care. Her research and clinical expertise focus on race-based stress, homelessness, school-based interventions, child welfare, and mental health, all with the goal of dismantling systemic barriers and creating more equitable support systems.
To hear Dr. Betru dive deeper into these topics, we encourage you to watch her Equity Speakers Series session at this link (See the Nov. 6, 2023 entry.)
Lastly, a big shout-out to Nneka Hawthorne for her work in curating the Equity Speakers Series last year, making space for these critical conversations to happen.
This Black History Month, we recognize and uplift Dr. Betru’s invaluable contributions to racial equity and social justice—work that continues to inspire and challenge us all.
The Equity Corner is curated by the Equity Program Manager Team: Jessica Burdick and Nneka Hawthorne.