CYPB’s Youth Advisory Board sought to unpack the effects of the current pandemics — COVID-19 and Racism — on New Orleans youth. To address these pressing issues through the lens of healing, hope, community, and youth voice, Youth Advisory Board members are moderating a discussion with panelists Dr. Denese Shervington, Patrick Young, and Dr. Torin Sanders. Learn more about our guest speakers below:
DR. DENESE SHERVINGTON
Founder & CEO, Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies
Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Tulane University School of Medicine
Dr. Denese Shervington has an intersectional career in public health and academic psychiatry. She is the President of The Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies (IWES), a community-based translational public health institute in New Orleans. She is also the Chair of Psychiatry at Charles R. Drew University. Dr. Shervington has held Clinical Professorships in the Departments of Psychiatry at Columbia University and Tulane University. A graduate of New York University School of Medicine, she also received a Masters of Public Health in Population Studies and Family Planning from Tulane University School of Public Health. She completed her residency in Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco and is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. A Fellow of the American Psychiatry Association, in 2018 she received the Award for Excellence in Service and Advocacy; prior to which she received the Jeanne Spurlock Minority award. Dr. Shervington is also a member of the American College of Psychiatrists.
In July 2019, Dr. Shervington testified before the Congress of the United States House of Representatives’ Committee on Oversight and Reform on Childhood Trauma. She also co-chairs the New Orleans City Council (R-18-344) Children Youth Planning Board Taskforce on Childhood Trauma. She has authored several papers in peer-reviewed journals addressing health disparities, the social determinants of health and resilience in underserved communities. She is the proud parent of two amazing children, Kaleb and Iman, and grandchildren Ayelet and Haddassah.
Question for Dr. Shervington: Discuss the impact of racism on New Orleans Youth Well-being and where there is opportunity & hope for healing.
PATRICK YOUNG
Talent & Workforce Development Director of Training, New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA)
Founder & Executive Director, Sharp men
Patrick Young is the Talent & Workforce Development Director of Training at the New Orleans Business Alliance. Under his leadership he has helped to employ over 1,200 individuals in the New Orleans area, 70% of which were formerly incarcerated persons.
He is the Founder & Executive Director of SHARP MEN, a non-profit organization that provides professional attire for men looking to overcome workforce barriers to employment.
Mr. Young is a certified community organizer from Midwest Organizing Academy. Certified Advanced Core Trainer from STRIVE International. Graduate of the New Orleans Business Alliance Economic Development Ambassadors Program, as well as a Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute of Justice Fellow.
Mr. Young was just honored by the 100 Black Men of New Orleans with the award of innovator of the year.
Question for Mr. Young: Discuss the impact racism has on youth employment, career exploration, entrepreneurship and ways to harness youth voice to shape and advance youth futures.
DR. TORIN SANDERS
Pastor at Sixth Baptist Church
Civic Leader on Boards and Commissions in new orleans
Dr. Torin T. Sanders is a licensed clinical social worker, an ordained minister, an experienced family therapist, parent educator, mediator, and a mentor trainer. For over 21 years, Dr. Sanders has served as pastor of The Sixth Baptist Church, organized in 1858.
Prior to becoming a pastor, Dr. Sanders was a family preservation therapist, the supervisor of the parent-child center at Kingsley House, the coordinator of the Louis Armstrong Manhood Development Program at Milne Boys Home, Director of the Loss and Survival Team at Children’s Bureau, and Vice-President of Programs for Volunteers of America-Greater New Orleans. Dr. Sanders has also served as a consultant to two community
health clinics in New Orleans post-Katrina as well as a program to help young adults enter the construction industry.
He is currently the Chair of the New Orleans Children & Youth Planning Board and serves as an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Southern University at New Orleans.
Question for Dr. Sanders: Discuss where we go from here and how community can be a source of hope, help, and resilience.