Maritza Vasquez Reyes, MA, LCSW, CCM
Maritza Vasquez Reyes, a Ph.D. candidate in the UConn School of Social Work, grounds her teaching, service, and research in 12 years of social work direct practice experience. The recipient of the 2023-2024 UConn Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy Dissertation Assistantship, Maritza’s research brings a participatory approach to examining how systems support youth engagement in positive social change.
Vasquez Reyes earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and sociology in her country of origin, the Dominican Republic, where she also worked as member of an international action research project on youth prevention of drug abuse. Vasquez Reyes completed a master’s in social work and a master’s in sociology from the NY State university at Albany and NY State University at New Paltz, respectively. A decade of experience as a medical social worker and case manager in medical settings informs Maritza’s perspective as a teacher. Vasquez Reyes has taught a range of behavioral sciences courses at Dutchess Community College and social work courses at UConn School of Social Work.
Vasquez Reyes research is informed by critical race and youth studies and guided by the principles of community participatory action research. Her dissertation work draws on data collected with youth impacted by poverty and structural violence. Guided by close collaboration with those with lived experience, Vasquez Reyes’ work not only addresses gaps in the literature but is intended to impact social change at the local, national, and international levels.
MSW
University at Albany – State University of New York
Research Interests:
Economic and social justice: poverty and inequality issues and policies
Youth and Community participatory action research
Counterspaces for Black and Latinx Youth
Racial and ethnic minorities
International social work
