<p>Dr. Leticia Villarreal Sosa is Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and Professor in the School of Social Work at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Her current research focus on utilizing Photovoice with the Muslim/Arab American and Latine communities as a tool for advocacy, a Spencer funded immigrant student equity project, and a project focused on health equity and access in the Rio Grande Valley, TX. Her most recent book, Chicago Latina Trailblazers, focuses on the testimonios of Latinas in who made significant contributions in the areas of health, education, policy, and social services. Dr. Villarreal Sosa was also awarded a three-year grant from New York Life Foundation to develop a culturally informed response to grief and loss certificate for school-based professionals. She has received several honors including the book of the year award for her book, School Social Work: National Perspectives on Practice in the Schools, the best conceptual article published in 2021 in the International Journal of Social Work Education for her de-colonizing and human rights approach to study abroad, the Davlin Diversity Leadership Award in 2022, and the Gary Lee Shaffer award in 2023 for faculty who have made significant contributions to the field of school social work. </p>