Enhancing Your Ability to Connect and Collaborate (Spanish)

Trainer: Dr. Marya Wright, DSW, LCSW

Date: December 16, 2025

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Location: Virtual – Zoom

Agency: Lincoln Families

Participants must complete registration via the Lincoln Families website in order to gain full access to the training course.

Training provided by Lincoln Families offers free training to agencies and participants who provide positive outcomes for youth and caregivers in the following counties: Alameda, Solano, Mendocino, Lake, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Tuolumne and Calaveras

A minimum of 12 participants must be registered one week prior to the training session for it to occur. Please share this information with those who meet the agency's requirements for participation.

Description

During this introductory training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, on Communication Skills is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various communication scenarios. Participants will explore the intricacies of active listening, learning how to truly understand others' perspectives and respond appropriately. Additionally, participants will sharpen their verbal communication skills, mastering techniques for articulating ideas with clarity and confidence. 

This training will uncover the often-overlooked realm of nonverbal communication, shedding light on the subtle cues that can significantly influence interactions. Participants will gain insights into body language, facial expressions, and other nonverbal signals, enabling them to better interpret others' messages and convey their own intentions more effectively. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook (handout).

Learning Objectives

• Understand the importance of effective communication in the workplace and its impact on professional success and organizational outcomes.
• Develop active listening skills to better comprehend others' perspectives, enhance empathy, and foster deeper connections in interpersonal interactions.
• Gain insights into the role of nonverbal communication cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures, and learn how to interpret and utilize them to enhance communication effectiveness.

Transfer of Learning Goals

• Participants will apply their newly acquired communication skills to navigate various workplace situations, including resolving conflicts, managing difficult conversations, and fostering collaboration, resulting in improved outcomes and relationships.
• Participants will reflect on their own communication strengths and areas for development, creating a personalized plan for ongoing growth and refinement of their communication skills beyond the training program.

Founder & Lead Trainer Bio

Marya Wright, DSW, LCSW (#128392), is a nationally distinguished Black social worker, consultant, published author, educator, and facilitator with extensive experience in organizational leadership, child welfare services, and curriculum development. As the Founder and CEO of Marya Wright Consulting LLC, Dr. Wright is dedicated to empowering system-involved families through awareness, services, and education. She also provides consultation, training, and facilitation to agencies serving these communities.

Dr. Wright earned her master’s in social work from Cal State East Bay, specializing in child welfare policy and research, and a bachelor’s in social work with a focus on Child Welfare Services and Motivational Interviewing from San Diego State University. She holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, focusing on achieving equal opportunity and justice in the child welfare system.

As a community leader, Dr. Wright prioritizes building relationships, networking, and collaborating with stakeholders to address social and economic issues faced by clients, aiming for justice and peace. She has served as a qualified expert witness and forensic social worker. Additionally, Dr. Wright sits on the Board of Directors for the National Phi Alpha Honor Society and is actively involved with the National Association of Social Workers and California Chapter.

Dr. Wright’s research interests include child sexual exploitation, foster care, and algorithmic decision-making in child welfare. She has published articles and lectured extensively on these topics. Dr. Wright’s teaching experience includes courses in sociology and social work at Cal State East Bay, since January 2020, focusing on sexualities, child welfare policy, family sociology, and sexual violence. Currently, she serves as a professor in the graduate program teaching generalist practice, human behavior and social environment, and advance practice children youth and families.

Spanish-Language Training Specialist Bio

Liz Rivas, MSW, ASW (#131885) is a bilingual mental health professional and educator with extensive experience supporting children, youth, families, and educators in both clinical and community-based settings. 

She holds a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, East Bay, with a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families. Liz has provided therapeutic services as a psychotherapy intern at Instituto Familiar de la Raza and OTTP San Francisco, where she delivered early intervention therapy, facilitated parent support groups, and offered mental health consultation for schools.

Her professional background also includes serving as an Education Coach and Master Teacher at Mission Neighborhood Center, where she developed and facilitated professional development workshops, supported individualized education plans (IEPs), and guided educators in fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. Liz brings expertise in mental health consultation, early childhood education, special education, and family engagement.

A recipient of the Sorensen Mental Health Scholarship/Fellowship, Liz was also active in academic leadership as Treasurer of the Phi Alpha Honors Society Chapter at Cal State East Bay. She is fluent in Spanish, experienced in American Sign Language, and committed to advancing culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices in her work with diverse communities.