Have you ever wondered how some people are able to overcome a particularly high dose of adversity? Resilience is a process of coping and adaptation that occurs over time. Protective factors are the internal and external strengths that can be activated to help ignite this coping process. In this presentation, you will learn about the 10 most important strengths identified through research that activate resilience in the people you serve and even in yourself, as you seek to be a change agent.
Cynthia Lietz is Dean of ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions and President’s Professor of Social Work. Dr. Lietz conducts research that informs strengths-based practice in social work. She is specifically interested in understanding how to activate and cultivate the process of resilience for young people and their families. She also created and oversees ASU’s Bridging Success program, a campus-based support program for students who come to college with a history in foster care. Prior to coming to ASU, Cynthia worked for over 10 years as a family therapist working with youth and families involved in the child welfare systems in both Illinois and Arizona.
Breanna Carpenter is an Assistant Director in the ASU Public Enterprise. She is passionate about serving the public and has spent time conducting research around former foster youth and their transition to higher education institutions. Breanna is a first-generation college student and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, a Master’s degree in Social Work, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, all from ASU. Having personal experience in the foster care system in Arizona, Breanna is a passionate advocate for Child Welfare practice and for keeping children, individuals, and families safe and healthy.
