Dr. Wanja Ogongi

Dr. Wanja Ogongi is an Associate Professor at the Millersville University School of Social Work in Pennsylvania, USA.  Born and raised in Kenya, Dr Ogongi graduated from the University of Nairobi with her B.A, earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at West Chester University of Pennsylvania and her PhD in Social Work at Widener University, Pennsylvania. Dr. Ogongi teaches a variety of courses in the BSW and MSW programs; and has served on dissertation committees for several doctoral students. Her areas of teaching include Human Behavior and the Social Environment (HBSE), Introduction to Social Work, Social Work Macro Practice and Social Work Field Education. Dr Ogongi has practiced social work professionally in the areas of International Human Rights (focus on women and children), Child Welfare, Refugees and Unaccompanied Minors, and Medical Social Work. Her areas of interest for research and presentation include Social and Community Development, International Social Work Education, Multicultural Mental Health, and Issues affecting the African Diaspora in the United States.

Selected presentations:

Lowery, C. & Ogongi, W. (2020, June). Combating Burnout and Vicarious Trauma at the Organizational Level: A Qualitative Research Study. Presented virtually at The International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG) Symposium, New York, NY.

Kerubo, E., & Ogongi, W. (2020, April). The Implicit Curriculum and International Students in Graduate Social Work: The Role of Emotional Labor. Presented virtually at the 7^th Annual Global Well-Being and Social Change Conference, Millersville, PA.

Frank, J. M; Granruth, L. B. and Ogongi, W. (2019, November). Joining the Conversation: Using Technology to Enhance Student Engagement in Policy Practice. The Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) 65^th Annual Program Meeting, Denver, Colorado.

Ogongi, W. & Amaha, Y. (2019, June). Exercising Cultural Sensitivity in Child Welfare Practice: Meeting the Needs of Immigrant and Refugee Families. One Child, Many Hands: A Multidisciplinary Conference on Child Welfare, University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.

Beiler, C. & Ogongi, W. (2019, April). Exploring Perceptions of Social Work Values and Ethics among Social Workers in Kenya. The 6th Annual Learning Institute Global Well-Being Conference, Lancaster, PA.

Ogongi, W. & Buckwalter, P. (2019, March). Serving our Newest Residents: Cultural Awareness & Sensitivity in Addressing Mental Wellbeing. The Learning Institute, Millersville University School of Social Work, SMC, Room 114 (Multipurpose Room). Millersville, PA.

Ogongi, W. & Buckwalter, P. (2019, March). Mental Wellness & Treatment Considerations for Immigrant & Refugee Families.T.W. Ponessa & Associates Counseling Services, Inc. Harrisburg, PA.

Ogongi, W. (2018, December). Diversity Training Series: Part III: Women’s Rights are Human Rights- Focus Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women. Professional training seminar and continuing education workshop at Bethany Christian Services, Lancaster, PA.

Ogongi, W. (2018, November). School Social Workers: The Critical Missing Piece in Rural Schools in Kenya. The 2^nd Annual Conference on Education and Poverty, Millersville, PA.

Ogongi, W. & Frank, J. M. (2018, November). Students perceptions of utilizing social media to Enhance Engagement with Macro Practice. The Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) 64^th Annual Program Meeting, Orlando, FL.

Ogongi, W. & Ngarama, Z. (2018, June). Exploring the complexities of mental wellness and treatment considerations for Congolese refugee and immigrant families in Lancaster: A case presentation. The 5^th Annual Learning Institute Global Well-Being Conference, Lancaster, PA.

Frank, J.M. & Ogongi, W. (2018, April). The Twitter Project: Using Social Media to Enhance Engagement with Macro Practice.The 4^th annual Social Work Distance Education (SWDE), Advancing Social and Economic Justice through Innovation, San Antonio, TX.

Ogongi, W. & Foels, L. (2018, March). Uncovering and Owning Unconscious Bias and Prejudice: Now what? The 2018 BPD Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA.