Ebony White, PhD, is a licensed professional counselor, a national certified counselor and the program director of the Master in Addictions Counseling program in the College of Nursing and Health Professions Counseling and Family Therapy Department. Inspired by her mother, who is a certified social worker, White always knew she wanted to be a counselor. In her current work as a counselor educator, she says, “everything focuses on social justice and advocacy for the African American community. I am inspired by my community, which is always on the forefront of my mind. The sacrifices I make are minimal compared to the responsibility to give back to people.” White says that “my counseling practice, having daily interactions with patients, help inform my teaching, so I can help students prepare to practice.” In addition to teaching students as an assistant clinical professor of counseling and family therapy, White also provides multicultural and mental health training for law enforcement, religious leaders, educators and community members.

White’s research interests focus on advocacy and social justice within the African American community. As a change-maker, White says, “I have a strong identity as an activist.” Regarding efforts to solve complex and systemic problems, she says, “trying to implement change without an acknowledgement of wrongdoing is not possible. For the people who are harmed the most. There needs to be this moment.”

White says that one of the most important pieces of advice that she keeps with her in her professional life is the “importance of being authentic. The more authentic I am, the more impact I can have.”