Virtual Ability Symposium Spring 2018 -  Carolyn Weisz
Channel: AvaCon Inc
Date: 24/04/2018

Homeless people are one of the most stigmatized groups in the United States, yet very little research has examined the effects of stigma on the outcomes of people without homes. Many individuals experiencing homelessness have multiple stigmatized identities, such as those linked to mental illness, addiction, criminal history, unemployment, or race. 
In this presentation, Professor Weisz will share findings from her own research on how concerns about social stigma and discrimination, whether anticipated or experienced, may create distress for individuals without homes, affect physical health, and play a role in sustaining homelessness. Topics include the pathways through which stigma effects health, and the complex relationship between systemic racism and homelessness in the United States. 
Professor Weisz is looking forward to conversation with the Second Life Community, and brainstorming together about how to reduce stigma and its negative effects.

Carolyn Weisz is Professor of Psychology at the University of Puget Sound where she teaches courses on social psychology, research methods and statistics, and topics including social perception and prejudice. Carolyn also serves on the advisory committee for the University’s African American Studies Program and on the Leadership Team of the Race & Pedagogy Institute. 
Her research interests include prejudice, racism, stigma, homelessness, health, friendship, and other topics related to social psychology. Most recently, she has worked with interdisciplinary and community-based teams exploring the intersections of racism and homelessness. 
In the community, Weisz is a Senior Fellow of the Tacoma-Pierce County American Leadership Forum, serves on the board for the Fair Housing Center of Washington, and volunteers with the Diversion Program at the Pierce County Juvenile Court. Before moving to the Northwest, Carolyn received her BA from Stanford University and MA and PhD from Princeton University, and was a NIDA postdoctoral fellow at UC San Francisco conducting drug treatment research. 
Carolyn is raising two teenage daughters and has been part of a book group for over 20 years.

The Virtual Ability community hosts this annual Symposium to share information about mental health and mental disabilities with the general population. Within our cross-disability community we have members who deal with a variety of mental health issues. Not only is this an opportunity for our community members to learn more about topics related to mental health from experts they probably would not have a chance to meet otherwise, it allows the general public to attend a professional conference at no cost.