Riana C. Howard

Riana C. Howard (she/her) is a doctoral candidate at Boston University’s School of Social Work. As a trauma and critical race-based researcher, she uses multiple theories, such as critical race theory (CRT; e.g., Derrick Bell), Black Feminist Thought (e.g., Patricia Hill Collins), and betrayal trauma (Jennifer J. Freyd) theories, including cultural betrayal trauma theory (CBTT; Jennifer M. Gómez) and institutional betrayal (Carly P. Smith & Jennifer J. Freyd), to examine the betrayal, erasure, and silencing of Black women within educational institutions. Her dissertation examines the dialectic between the betrayal, erasure, trauma, and silencing experienced by Black women within higher education and the radical hope, Black joy, and liberation that is a hallmark of Black women’s resistance.

She has contributed to the field of social work, with peer-reviewed publications and has presented her research at numerous conferences, including the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Conference. Riana’s publications and presentations have covered topics related to youth mental health and crisis services, community engagement and health equity, and trauma and betrayal within higher education.

In addition to her research, Riana has extensive teaching experience, having facilitated graduate-level courses in social policy, mental health and social policy, and community organizing at Boston University. Her professional background includes leadership roles focused on advocacy, diversity, and student support at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Her work is driven by a deep commitment to addressing the complexities of racial trauma and fostering liberation and healing for marginalized communities.