I’m a formerly practicing attorney who now works with lawyers and legal organizations on topics related to emotional intelligence and the neuroscience of productivity. Over the years, my work has deepened into something I care about profoundly: dismantling White supremacy and helping both legal professionals and the wider community expand their racial literacy and cultural competency. My own racial literacy journey began in 2015, and in 2020 I turned my attention to the study of racialized trauma. There are some phenomenal books about racialized trauma that I’ve relied heavily on in my own research, but none written by a White person as far as I know. Because I have done extensive trauma work (addressing both racialized trauma and trauma from various life experiences), I want to write a book on racialized trauma as it flows through the White body. In order for my book to be grounded in evidence-based science, I plan on taking courses in psychology, neuroscience, and history – disciplines I know that Duke is uniquely positioned to help me explore. I’m so excited to be here and take advantage of all that Duke has to offer! Outside of my professional journey, I find joy in simple, grounding experiences: long walks in nature, meaningful time with loved ones, and afternoons lost in a good book at a cozy coffee shop. At heart, I’m an introvert who thrives in intimate settings and values the depth of small gatherings over the buzz of large crowds.
Preferred Name: Alyssa
Please share the title of a book you’ve recently enjoyed and would recommend to your GLS colleagues. My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem
What movie or television show that you watched recently would you recommend to the rest of us? Casino Royale with Daniel Craig
Coming to the Duke GLS program, I hope to take advantage of all of the incredible opportunities that Duke provides! Learn from outstanding faculty and classmates, make wonderful friends, move forward powerfully on my professional goals.
We’re going to make a GLS 2024 playlist on Spotify. Please recommend a song to include that speaks to how YOU feel as you embark on this new learning journey. It could be something that you’re listening to a lot now or a longtime favorite that captures the moment for you.
