Houston's Asian American Journeys: Dr. Sujeeta Menon
Produced in partnership with the University of St. Thomas MAX Studios and Yetter Coleman LLP
A Singaporean native, Dr. Sujeeta Menon found herself lovingly embraced by the University of Houston as she pursued her Ph.D. in Social Work. She aims to pay the kindness of her community forward through her social work in Houston's Third Ward and her authorship. Watch her video to grasp the importance of southern hospitality and how Houston comes together to serve its communities without hesitation in times of crisis.
About Dr. Sujeeta Menon
Dr. Sujeeta Menon received both her Master’s of Social Work and her PHD in philosophy from the University of Houston. As a Registered Social Worker she prioritizes social justice, social impact, and justice-involved youth. Furthermore, Dr. Menon focuses on desistance of justice-involved young women, Trauma and evidence-based services/ programs for youth involved in the justice system, the school to prison pipeline, positive youth development and empowerment, social work education, and field education. Her research has been published in the Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, Child and Youth Services Review, Criminal Justice and Behavior, Journal of Social Work Education, and the Journal of Policy Practice and Research.
Alongside disseminating her research across numerous forums, Dr. Menon has authored the children’s book, I’m a Social Worker: Let’s Lean to Advocate and has recently launched a collaborative book titled Where Social Work Can Lead You. Currently, Dr. Menon works as a Program Coordinator with Change Happens CDC and manages a new grant funded program, VOICES, whose objective is to reduce the risk of girls in the juvenile justice system. Dr. Menon also manages a youth C.A.N. (Create A New Beginning), which provides intensive wraparound case management to youth reentering society from residential facilities. For her activism, Dr. Menon was awarded the Community Partnership Action Award by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 2020.
About Houston's Asian American Journeys
In partnership with the University of St. Thomas MAX Studios, Asia Society Texas presents a new video series, Houston's Asian American Journeys. Through short video interviews with local Asian Americans, the series illuminates the voices that make up a vital part of the most diverse city in the U.S.
Featuring Houstonians who reflect the richness and diversity of the local Asian American communities, the series highlights a variety of experiences, cultures, religions, and ethnicities and explores themes of identity, memory, and shared humanity. In sharing these personal journeys, Asia Society Texas and the University of St. Thomas seek to build empathy and connectivity between people, as well as deepen our collective understanding of Asian American experiences in Houston.
About the University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas is a comprehensive university, grounded in the liberal arts. Committed to the unity of all knowledge, we offer programs in the traditional liberal arts, professional, and skill-based disciplines. Graduates of the University of St. Thomas think critically, communicate effectively, succeed professionally and lead ethically.
By pursuing excellence in teaching, scholarship and service, we embody and instill in our students the core values of our founders, the Basilian Fathers: goodness, discipline and knowledge. We foster engagement in a diverse, collaborative community, and our student body reflects the rich diversity of the city itself. We welcome undergraduate and graduate students of all faiths and of no faith.
About UST Max Studios
In his lifetime, St. Maximilian Kolbe founded and ran a radio station and several publications. It is in this tradition that University of St. Thomas – Houston steps into the realm of digital content creation through MAX Studios. Inspired by St. Maximilian’s passion and emboldened by St. John Paul II’s words in his encyclical “Redemptoris Missio,” MAX Studios’ goal is to provide fresh monthly content and conversation. MAX Studios aims to encounter the surrounding culture while highlighting the diversity of the Catholic Faith Tradition.
About Asia Society Texas
Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.
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