March 29, 2022
Hello from Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith
Hello Student Life! I am so thrilled to have an opportunity to get to know and serve this community. I really appreciate the warm welcome I received and the great introduction. I just wanted to follow up and let you know a little bit more about me, what I hope to do and how to reach me.
So, I’m Allison Briscoe-Smith and use she/her pronouns. I am Black and am part of a multiracial family (my 3 children are mixed-Black, Mexican and White). I am originally from Hawaii- or as I like to say- “I am from and and for Hawaii!” and am deeply indebted to the kānaka maoli on whose land I lived and thrived. Almost ⅓ of my high school graduating class went to UW and it’s been great to connect up with so many high school friends as I moved up here. I’ve spent my entire adult life in Oakland Bay Area becoming and working as a child psychologist.
In particular I have focused on trauma and issues of race. In my clinical service I get to work with kids and families who are coping with unimaginably difficult things. I get to bear witness and at times help folks develop the gumption, resilience and strength to overcome. I’ve spent much of my career as a professor and administrator, or as a leader of clinical services. But all the way through I’ve had the opportunity to teach, train, support and facilitate opportunities for justice.
I am looking forward to expanding my skills and knowledge with the large and vibrant UW community. In the next few weeks I hope to get a chance to meet more of you and listen to your needs as I help support the actualization of your Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) plans. Specifically I will be providing support for various Division DEI Taskforce work; working with the Strategy Map Implementation Teams; implementing recommendations from various work groups in the areas of DEI; creating and infusing a culture of inclusion and support in the Division; and working on the next iteration of our strategic initiatives. I’d also love to hear from you directly if possible. You can reach me at briscoea@uw.edu.
Thanks again for the warm welcome – and I’m ready to get to work!
Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith is working with the Division of Student Life to help lead our ongoing division-wide efforts for staff around issues of equity, social justice, and belonging. Her responsibilities include providing support for various Division Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce work; working with the Strategy Map Implementation Teams; implementing recommendations from various work groups in the areas of DEI; creating and infusing a culture of inclusion and support in the Division; and working on the next iteration of our strategic initiatives.