In this workshop Vivian will offer practical methods for improving diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts by implementing concrete strategies to support your organization. We will explore Child and Family Services’ DEI model, highlighting both the accomplishments and challenges of integrating DEI practices into your organization.

Vivian Smith-Barnes (Queen Viv) was born in Bronx, New York, and raised in Boston, MA. Queen Viv holds a B.A. in Sociology with minors in Religious Studies, Criminal Justice, and Creative Writing. Queen Viv also received her master’s degree in counseling & psychology. She is an author, speaker, and playwright. She has mentored young people in the community for over thirty years, served as a family therapist for ten, and is a Certified Reiki Master/Teacher and a Karma Coach.

Viv’s journey to becoming a servant to the community was inspired by her experience attending school in the mid-seventies during the “busing era” which gave her a broader understanding of systemic racism. She joined several groups to combat the injustices rooted in racism and classism prior to getting involved in the mental health field. Queen Viv eventually realized that a community can only be healed if the people residing in it practiced self-care and mental wellness. She was later compelled to integrate the healing arts with mental health techniques by creating a proprietary coaching model. Viv works at Child and Family Services as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy Director where she is utilizing her life skills.