Dr. Arlene Garcia is a licensed clinical social worker and possesses a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Hartford. She is the Interim Director of the Master of Social Work Program at the University of the Virgin Islands. Prior to this academic appointment, she served as a clinical social worker, program manager, and clinical program manager during her 15-year employment with the Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services. Dr. Garcia has a long history of advocating in her community for equity and social justice on behalf of at-risk populations. This includes educating practitioners on subjects related to race, ethnicity, oppression, organizational cultural competency, and diversity in conferences across the country. Dr. Garcia has two adult children and two precious granddaughters Riley and Jade!