Nizel Pradhan
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Arabella Pérez, a licensed clinical social worker and academic, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Social Current.
- Pérez has an impressive background that includes experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed care.
- She will focus on catalyzing major social issues and foster cross-sector collaboration with partners and colleagues.
- Her appointment is highly endorsed by Jody Levison-Johnson, the CEO of Social Current.
About Social Current
Social Current is a remarkable nexus of more than 1,800 organizations and partners committed to elevating the social sector. It specializes in providing a multitude of services, including EDI (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) and Workforce Resilience consulting, Learning Solutions, Policy and Advocacy, and COA (Council on Accreditation) Accreditation.
Meet the Force of Change: Dr. Arabella Pérez
“Dr. Pérez brings a passion for our mission and a demonstrated track record of social sector excellence to her work at Social Current as our inaugural COO,” expressed Jody Levison-Johnson, the CEO of Social Current.
Dr. Arabella Pérez is no stranger to the workings of Social Current, having previously served on its board. A licensed clinical social worker with a 30-year career, she holds degrees of MSW and DSW from Tulane University and is a certified cultural competency educator. She’s had a storied career, featuring roles such as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for the National Association of Social Work and as a Social Work Professor at the University of New England.
A Resume Sparkling with Diversity and Inclusion
Before joining Social Current, Dr. Pérez was an authority in diversity and inclusion. She founded and served as the CEO of THRIVE, a non-profit technical assistance center focusing on trauma- and culturally-informed care. Dr. Pérez also spent a decade leading state-funded projects in Maine through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
She is recognized as a teaching scholar on justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Maine Educational System and has consulted widely on leadership and trauma-informed organizational change in both the private and non-profit sectors.
Aligning Vision and Mission for an Equitable Society
“Her efforts to promote systemic change and experience providing technical assistance in equity, diversity, and inclusion and trauma-informed care align perfectly with our mission and vision,” Jody Levison-Johnson noted.
Social Current has long been committed to fostering an equitable society where everyone can thrive. It is clear that Dr. Pérez’s credentials in promoting systemic changes perfectly dovetail with the organization’s objectives. Her extensive experience with SAMHSA and her private consultation practice make her a natural fit for leading Social Current towards achieving its goals.
Dr. Pérez’s Vision for Social Current
“I am excited to join an organization of people who are committed to making positive and lasting impacts in our communities,” Dr. Pérez remarked. “I look forward to working together with the staff and management team at Social Current to tackle major social issues and to work collaboratively across the social sector with our many partners and colleagues.”
Given her reputation as a change-maker, Dr. Pérez’s leadership is anticipated to usher in an era of significant transformation within Social Current. Her expertise in trauma-informed care and culturally empowering education can help the organization develop specialized service packages that could become industry benchmarks.
Cross-sector Collaboration: The Road Ahead
One of the highlights of Social Current’s strategy has been to involve a vast network of social and human service organizations to work together for the betterment of society. Dr. Pérez’s appointment is seen as a leap toward enhanced collaboration and a unified approach in addressing social challenges. She plans to cultivate stronger alliances and spearhead innovative projects that engage all stakeholders in a meaningful way.
Changing Lives Through Education and Policy Advocacy
With her academic background and scholarly contributions, especially on topics like trauma-informed care, Dr. Pérez will likely play a significant role in Social Current’s educational initiatives. Her expertise could translate into nuanced policy advocacy work, which is one of the vital services offered by Social Current.
A New Era for Social Current and the Social Sector
Dr. Arabella Pérez’s entry into Social Current as the Chief Operating Officer heralds a new chapter in the organization’s efforts to revolutionize the social sector. Her all-encompassing expertise and vision are likely to synergize seamlessly with Social Current’s commitment to innovation, policy, and practice excellence.
In Dr. Pérez, Social Current has not just found an executive; they’ve discovered a partner in their mission to ignite change for a more equitable society. As Social Current stands at the cusp of this exciting new journey, the social sector as a whole can anticipate meaningful transformations that will redefine excellence and inclusivity.
