We want to make Columbus stronger!
The Ohio State University College of Social Work has been engaged by Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla to gain deeper insights into the needs and desires of our Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee communities.
Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla
Immigrants and refugees are vibrant and vital to the City of Columbus. In 2019, they contributed $353 million dollars to state and local taxes. Immigrants contribute to the economic development of this city and we have long seen an impact in our historic neighborhoods like German Village, Italian Village, and Hungarian Village. As thousands have resettled and continue to resettle here, they often face barriers or are unable to access resources.
By speaking directly with immigrants, refugees, and migrants in Columbus this project plans to delve deep into the issues these communities face, and the ways the City can ensure that all residents can access the city in a comfortable way. The work of this plan will integrate with the Gateways for Growth plan.
As communities of immigrants, refugees, and migrants continue to spur growth in the cultural richness, economic growth, and development of Columbus, this consultant process will ensure that their needs are addressed in an impactful way and that Columbus continues to make space for all residents.
The Team
The College of Social Work (CSW) team at The Ohio State University (OSU) brings diverse experiences and considerable expertise to better understand the sense of belonging and inclusion in the City of Columbus among our immigrant, migrant, and refugee communities.
Dr. Arati Maleku
she/her
Associate Professor
Dr. Maleku's research explores how socio-structural determinants of health influence immigrant and refugee well-being and inclusion outcomes. Dr. Maleku has broad expertise in research with immigrants, refugees, and transnational communities through community-engaged research approaches that span critical theories and methodologies.
Dr. Cecilia Mengo
she/her
Associate Professor
Dr. Mengo’s overall research focuses on strengthening the systems of care that provide services to immigrants and refugee women. She has co-authored a number of manuscripts related to this field in several journals. She has also successfully served as Principal Investigator (PI), Co-Investigator (Co-I), and a consultant on four projects that are related to addressing the needs of immigrants and refugee populations in central Ohio.
Dr. Njeri Kagotho
she/her
Associate Professor & Chief Diversity Officer
Dr Kagotho’s research explores the socio-cultural and legal constraints to household economic security. As a social work practitioner, Dr. Kagotho has worked with refugee and immigrant groups and has facilitated cross-national and cultural sensitivity trainings to groups seeking to provide services to foreign-born populations. Dr. Kagotho has also worked in refugee resettlement efforts, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Sharvari Karandikar
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Associate Professor
Dr. Karandikar is a qualitative methodologist with expertise in utilizing phenomenology, narrative analysis, case study, and grounded theory methods for exploring lived experiences and expressions of resilience and agency among individuals and families living on the fringes of society. Dr. Karandikar utilizes a range of rigorous qualitative data collection methods such as in-depth interviews, focus-group discussions, and art-based and photovoice techniques to collect qualitative data in national and international settings
Hanna Hearn, MSW, MPH
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Doctoral Candidate
Shambika Raut, MA
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Doctoral Student
Jhuma Acharya, MSW
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Doctoral Student
Preston Osborn, MSW
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Doctoral Student
Ritika Kurup, MSW
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Doctoral Student
Yeliani Flores
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Doctoral Student