As he visited Milwaukee to meet with local representatives, Dr. Quinton Cotton shares: "As a social work scholar, I believe that science must move beyond a peer-reviewed publication and into the lives of the people it’s meant to serve. That’s why it’s important for me to be engaged in policy work.
Policy is where ideas meet action. It shapes the systems that determine whether communities thrive or struggle. I visited my hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and at the Harley Davidson Museum, I joined Representative Hakeem Jeffries as he launches a national listening tour to develop a people-directed policy platform. My work focuses on health equity, cultural healing, and addressing the deep impact of racism, ageism, and ableism. These are not just research topics—they are policy priorities. If we want a future that reflects justice, care, and accountability, we must help design it. That means being in the room. That means being at the table." Read more about Dr. Cotton's work on his webpage.