Dr. Lori Sousa-Meixell

Lori Sousa-Meixell is a Professor of Social Work and the Director of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program, distinguished for her expertise in macro social work and administrative leadership.

Lori is a social work educator and practitioner whose work centers on macro practice, social welfare and faith -based engagement.  She brings a distinct passion for cultural diversity, social justice, and human rights to her teaching, drawing from her expertise in program planning, international social work, and social policy.

Her academic and professional interests are particularly shaped by how political, cultural, and spiritual contexts intersect with social policy.  Her research agenda is nationally recognized for challenging systemic policy gaps, particularly through her pioneering work defining structural antisemitism as a form of persistent oppression that demands professional accountability, and by using theoretical frameworks like epistemic injustice to analyze the marginalization of specific identities.

Lori engages in leadership and advocacy at the local and national level.  Whether mentoring first-time marathoners, photographing community life,or encouraging students to take political action, Lori inspires other to seek justice and live with purpose.

Applying her concentration in nonprofit leadership, she actively serves the community as the Board Vice Chairperson for HOPE Initiative CDC and has contributed significantly to the governance of social work education through her involvement with CSWE.