Vera Mehta

MS, Boston University (1966)

PhD, Technische Universität Berlin (1986)

Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and currently

Human Rights and Social Justice

A dual career as full time social work educator, now as an Adjunct, and with the United Nations in various capacities. As Secretary of Association for Asian and Pacific Social Work Education and Schools of Social Work globally, with outreach to 130 countries, provided programmatic leadership for new and relevant social work curricular innovations to respond to emerging issues. Specialized and generalist practice in multi-service centers, in counseling, administrative and policy making positions. Utilization of public-private, civil society and media partnerships, creative communications and resource mobilization to develop individual services and macro approaches.

Assistance to governments and non-profit agencies of emerging and transition countries to shape policy directives, plan and implement effective service delivery with relevant staff training, evaluation and monitoring. Preparation of UN training materials on development strategies, poverty eradication, health, peace education, conflict prevention and resolution, human rights, and empowerment of women, children, youth, refugees, and AIDS for political and social activism. Extensive writings on political, economic, social, human rights, sustainable development and arms control issues.

Direct work for ten years on the front lines of the Balkan war, witnessing destruction and torture, was a life changing experience, culminating in strong commitment to reverence for life, human dignity and human rights. Currently, close liaison with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, ACLU and other groups for the marginalized, homeless, politically disenfranchised, immigrants, ethnic minorities, victims of torture, sexual violence and human trafficking, LGBT and indigenous groups. These cumulative experiences provide a unique background for transformative teaching to which I am deeply committed.