Wizdom Powell is a renowned clinical psychologist and public health expert dedicated to addressing health disparities, particularly those affecting men of color. She is the Director of the Health Disparities Institute at the University of Connecticut and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UConn Health. Dr. Powell’s work focuses on the intersection of race, gender, and health, with a particular emphasis on understanding how social determinants and systemic racism impact health outcomes.
Dr. Powell earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan and completed her postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco. Her research has been instrumental in highlighting the mental health challenges faced by Black men and the role of masculinity in health behaviors. She has developed and implemented interventions aimed at reducing health disparities and promoting mental health equity.
In addition to her research, Dr. Powell is a passionate advocate for health equity and social justice. She has served on numerous national advisory committees and has been a vocal advocate for policies that address the root causes of health disparities. Her work has been recognized with several awards, including the American Psychological Association’s Distinguished Professional Contributions to Public Service Award.
Dr. Powell’s commitment to health equity extends beyond academia. She actively engages with communities to promote health and well-being, and her work has had a significant impact on public health policies and practices.
Here are three online videos that best describe how Wizdom Powell has addressed health disparities in her career:
“Dr. Wizdom Powell: America’s Mental Health Crisis.” This video features Dr. Powell discussing race, racism, and health disparities in the U.S. healthcare system. (February 2022)
“Power of Possible: Health Disparities Institute.” This video highlights Dr. Powell’s work at the Health Disparities Institute and her efforts to create a health equity report card for boys and men of color. (September 2018)
“Dr. Wizdom Powell correlates health behavior to definitions of masculinities among Black men.” This video features Dr. Powell discussing the impact of masculinity on health behaviors in Black men. (June 2021)
