Building Connections Across Differences

Allison Briscoe-Smith currently serves as Diversity Lead of Student Life at the University of Washington and Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, where she focuses on bridging differences across communities. Her journey began at Harvard University studying social and developmental psychology, followed by a PhD in Clinical Psychology from UC Berkeley and specialized training in trauma and ethnic minority mental health at UCSF/San Francisco General Hospital. Her career path was shaped by early experiences volunteering at a domestic violence shelter, leading to her focus on childhood trauma and resilience. As founder and principal of Soft River Consultation, she provides training to organizations on trauma-informed practices and cultural accountability. Her work spans multiple roles including co-instructor of the GGSC's Bridging Differences course and project lead for the Connecting Californians Through Service initiative. Her recent book "Generation Mixed Goes to School: Radically Listening to Multiracial Kids" reflects her commitment to understanding children's experiences of race and trauma. Beyond her clinical work, she brings personal insight as a Black mother of three multiracial children, integrating this perspective into her teaching and advocacy for racial equity in mental health.