Human Flourishing Symposium

Human Flourishing Symposium - Exploring Pathways to Thriving: Shifting from Deficit to Possibility

View the virtual event program

The Human Flourishing Symposium, led by the Human Flourishing Research Collaborative, invited students, faculty, staff, and community members to deepen their understanding of human flourishing and explore actionable practices that address pressing social issues. The symposium was held on Monday, March 24th at the University of Pittsburgh's Alumni Hall (Connolly Ballroom). Together, we will reimagine how to move beyond deficit lenses and treatment-based assumptions to create possibilities for growth, resilience, and well-being. 

Key Highlights:

  • Inspiring Keynotes by leading experts in human flourishing and systems change.
  • Dynamic Talks & Panels featuring diverse perspectives from academia, practice, and the community.
  • Poster Presentations highlighting cutting-edge research and innovative projects.
  • Networking Opportunities to connect with peers, researchers, and community members committed to advancing human flourishing. 

Learning Objectives:

  • Expand Your Perspective: Discover how embracing a human flourishing framework can empower more effective, holistic approaches to social work and community building.  
  • Build Connections: Network with like-minded individuals and organizations passionate about advancing human potential.  
  • Explore Opportunities: Learn about academic programs, research initiatives, and career pathways within the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work, a leader in social work education and innovation.

Session Recordings

  • Opening 

    • Dr. Deborah Moon, Director, Flourish Research Lab, Lead Convener, Flourishing Research Collaboratives

  • Keynote Session 

    • Dr. Ramesh Raghavan, Professor, NYU Silver School of Social Work

  • Lightening Talks

    • Grant Martsolf, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing "Flourishing Education through Habits and Virtue" | Watch
    • Amanda Cruce, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work Doctoral Student "Lived Experience and Flourishing" | Watch
    • Cassandra Masters, Associate Director, Age Friendly Pittsburgh, "Flourishing as We Age" | Watch
    • Julius Boatwright, Founder and Managing Director of Steel Smiling "When Black Folks Flourish: Amplifying Community- Based Mental Health Assets" | Watch
    • Dr. Ahmed Ghuman, Clinical Psychologist, Executive Director of the University Counseling Center (UCC) at the University of Pittsburgh "Possibilities of Gratitude" | Watch

  • Panel Discussion – “From Theory to Practice: Cultivating Flourishing Across Sectors"  

    • Moderated by
      • Dr. Deborah Moon, Director, Flourish Research Lab, Lead Convener, Flourishing Research Collaboratives
      • Dr. Toya Jones, Director of the Bachelor's of Social Work Program and Host of the Healing Overflow Podcast
    • Watch

  • Plenary Sessions

    • Moderated by Dr. Kyaien Conner, Professor and Donald M. Henderson Endowed Chair, Director of the Center on Race and Social Problems (CRSP) and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work
      • Panelists
        • David Saunders, Director of the Office of Health Equity, PA Department of Health 
        • Dr. Shannah Gilliam, Director of the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging at the Department of Human Services
        • Dr. La Dawn Robinson, Regional Director for the PA Human Relations Commission 
        • Dr. Robert Scherrer, Executive Director, Allegheny Intermediate Unit 
    • Watch

Sponsored by:

The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, FLOURISH Research Lab, the Center on Race and Social Problems, the Center for Research on Innovations in Services & Equity in Mental Health and the Office of Social Innovation in the Frederick Honors College

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