At this year’s Multicultural Conference for Belonging and Inclusion, the conference committee announced the recipient of the inaugural Community Impact Award for Equity & Inclusion. The Community Impact Award for Equity & Inclusion aims to recognize the outstanding contributions, actions, and/or commitment of an 海角乱伦 community member related to their efforts to increase equity and inclusion. This work may come in the form of advancing awareness of diverse groups or promoting issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion through work, research, daily interactions, and/or volunteering. Nominations were open to students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
The 2026 Community Impact Award for Equity & Inclusion was presented to PsyD student Dennis Brown (MA with ABA 鈥�23), who stood out in his commitment, advocacy, contributions, and impact related to equity and inclusion.
Dennis has demonstrated a clear and sustained commitment to advancing equity and inclusion through his clinical work, research, leadership, and community engagement. His efforts consistently center marginalized and underrepresented populations, particularly Black communities and youth in underserved areas. For example, during his internship with the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan, he provided psychological services to youth ages 5-17 in an underserved Detroit community, utilizing trauma-informed and community-centered approaches. His outreach work at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Counseling Center further reflects this commitment. There he engaged in campus programming and built relationships with diverse student organizations to increase awareness and access to mental health services.
Dennis’ research agenda is also deeply rooted in equity. His dissertation examines intergenerational trauma and Black identity during emerging adulthood, amplifying the lived experiences of a population often underrepresented in psychological research. Additionally, his conference presentations and publications address culturally adapted therapies, internalized oppression, and racial trauma, demonstrating his ongoing efforts to bridge research and practice in ways that are culturally responsive and socially impactful. Dennis’ work reflects a long-standing and evolving commitment to equity and inclusion rather than short-term involvement.
When asked about receiving the award, Dennis said, 鈥淗ere I am, days later, still in shock to receive this award for equity and inclusion. I鈥檒l continue holding safe spaces and advocating for equitable change in our community, because it starts with one person to create change for many. Thank you.鈥�