Laura J. Wernick is an Associate Professor at Fordham University School of Social Service and a life-long organizer/activist. Using predominantly participatory action research, their scholarship uses a disability justice lens to explore how transformative organizing models address intersectional issues of power, oppression, healing and change within their movement organizing. Laura’s work has focused on organizing LGBTQ+ youth, low-income youth of color, young adult activists with wealth, and employers of domestic workers. Their current research is examining ableism & white supremacy culture in the social work academy.  Research projects have included:

• Ableism & White Supremacy Culture within the SW Academy
• Domestic Worker & Employer Movement for Dignified Care & Justice
• Transformative LGBTQI Youth Leadership and Organizing
• Finding Relief in Action: Intersections between Community Organizing, Mental Health and Wellness among Youth of Color
• Leveraging Privilege: Organizing Young People with Wealth to Support Social Justice
• Using District-wide Youth Participatory Evaluation to Address Disproportionate Suspensions and Disciplinary Infractions against Students of Color