Ogechi Kalu: Advocate for Women’s Rights and Trauma-Informed Care

Ogechi Christine Kalu, MSW, a doctoral candidate at the University at Buffalo’s School of Social Work, is making significant strides in her research on domestic violence, trauma-informed interventions, and the impact of adverse experiences on children and women.

A Presidential Fellow and award-winning scholar, Kalu has garnered recognition for her exceptional academic achievements and community contributions, particularly in the areas of social work and trauma care.

With a robust academic background that includes a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work from India and a BA in History and International Studies from Nigeria, Kalu’s research addresses pressing social issues such as intimate partner violence, childhood trauma, and the mental health of perinatal women with a history of PTSD, trauma, and sexual abuse.

Her work focuses on creating effective interventions and support systems for individuals who have experienced these traumatic events, with the goal of reducing long-term psychological harm.

Kalu is also serving as a study coordinator for a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded project under the direction of Dr. Mickey Sperlich, a renowned US perinatal researcher.

The project examines psychoeducation programs designed for trauma survivors, aiming to improve recovery outcomes for individuals facing the compounded challenges of domestic violence and PTSD.

In addition to her academic research, Kalu has an extensive professional background in psychiatric social work, program coordination, and advocacy for women’s and children’s rights, having worked in Nigeria, India, and the United States.

She has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences, covering topics such as gun violence prevention in the US and clergy responses to intimate partner violence in Western New York communities.

Her work has been presented in Canada, the US, Nigeria, and Spain, further solidifying her position as a global leader in social work and community development.

A published scholar and recognized speaker, Kalu is also the recipient of the Viola Hill Memorial Collegiate Scholarship from the Buffalo Association of Black Social Workers, an honor that reflects her dedication to social justice.

She is deeply committed to community service, serving as a co-founder of several initiatives focused on empowerment and advocacy.

These include BBRIDGE Buffalo, an organization that promotes development within Black communities, The Endowed Women, an initiative that raises awareness about gender-based violence, and the Teens Think Africa Initiative, an NGO she founded in 2018 to support young girls and women affected by abuse and trauma.

Additionally, Kalu is the author of Intentionality, a manualized intervention program designed to reduce domestic violence and its ripple effects on children.

Through this initiative, she hopes to help families build stronger, more supportive connections, ultimately fostering safer and more nurturing environments for children and adults alike.

Kalu’s work reflects her unwavering commitment to merging research with practice to address systemic challenges and uplift marginalized populations.

Her dedication to social justice and her passion for improving the lives of trauma survivors are central to her mission as a scholar and community leader.