Whether seldom or often, we may experience difficulty summoning courage, fear of saying the wrong thing, or uncertainty about beginning - when it comes to hard conversations. This valuable 90-minute workshop will offer greater perspective and practice as we learn to hold brave space to take part in all or any of the current conversations. With her background in clinical social work, restorative practices, and mindfulness, Ife Lenard (see bio) will guide us to examine why and how to start and of course, get through courageous conversations in order to build relationships, amplify our voices, and interrupt toxicity.
Ife Lenard, MSW, EdM, has a profound commitment to intentional spaces that encourage self-awareness and critical reflective practices for all participants. Her ability to serve as a catalyst, share stories, unpack inequities that sustain harm, and deepen practices that continue to move many onward in their journey. Experiences with her address and interrupt toxicity and racial and social disparities. Ife beautifully uses the transformational movements of educational leadership, clinical social work, and restorative and contemplative practices to supportively guide holistic development and collective humanity.
Professor to graduate students at Columbia University School of Social Work, Ife Lenard continues to feel honored to teach foundational courses, Human Behavior in Social Environments (HBSE-A), Advocacy in Social Justice, Decolonizing Social Work-Foundations, and Motivational Interviewing. She also serves as Educational Coach & Consultant to educators and clinicians, nationally and internationally. Ife holds a B.S. in Human Ecology and two Masters–Clinical Social Work and Educational Leadership–both from Columbia University. A mother of two young adults, Ife is devoted to them receiving messages and being in places where they know and believe that they both are worthy, beautiful and divine.
