SAVIR Member Spotlight: Monte-Angel Richardson, MSW

My research interests are firearm violence prevention within diverse and Latine(a/o/x) communities, countering violent extremism, trauma-informed practices, and transformative justice models. Combining social work and public health approaches at the local, state, national, and international levels, I focus on the prevention of firearm violence and interruption of the processes that permeate trauma within marginalized populations and communities. I was called to pursue a career in this field due to my personal experience with both mass and community firearm violence.

How long have you been a member of SAVIR? What has been your favorite part about being involved with SAVIR?

I have been a member of SAVIR for only a few short months, but already I have experienced benefits from being a member. As an early career researcher, I greatly appreciate the resources provided by SAVIR, including opportunities to work with current injury prevention initiatives and the posting of job opportunities.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?

Whenever I can share the stories of participants who have a wealth of knowledge on how best to address firearm violence, I am happy. It is even more meaningful when those stories are harnessed to develop new policies, interventions, and community-based practices to address firearm violence and trauma. One of the most rewarding moments of my career thus far has been the development of the first trauma-informed training to take place at a university library, which I co-piloted and developed as a master’s student at the University of Michigan.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When I’m not conducting research and working on my dissertation, I enjoy creative writing and aerial arts. In my hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, I enjoy participating in artistic events where I blend my love for aerial arts with my cultural roots in Flamenco dance.