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Sa’uda Kariima Dunlap (Pronounced: Sa-OOda KaH-REEMAH)

Both of my parents are Black Americans—my mother hails from Bennettsville, South Carolina, and my father is from Queens. Before I was born, my parents converted to Islam, which is why I have an Arabic name. Sa’uda means "Black," and Kariima means "generous and kind." During most of my childhood, I wore a khimar, a type of Muslim headscarf worn by women and girls, and practiced the Muslim faith. Although I no longer practice Islam, I still honor its teachings. Currently, I identify as spiritual and embrace my roots as a Black American with family ties to South Carolina on both sides. 

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Hunter College, City University of New York, graduating in 2002. In 2008, I completed my Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in Social Work and Law from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service. In 2019, I received a post-master’s certificate in Non-Profit Executive Leadership from New York University’s Silver School of Social Work. In the fall of 2024, I returned to NYU’s School of Social Work to pursue my Doctorate in Social Work. My academic work is dedicated to exploring and advancing the holistic wellness of Black women, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, along with socioeconomic factors that influence overall well-being.

I chose to pursue social work because I want to serve others, which I believe is my life's purpose. The core values that guide me in fulfilling this purpose are accountability, common sense, and justice. Accountability is essential for being effective in any role; it acts as a system of checks and balances between myself and those I serve. Common sense helps me perceive, understand, and make informed decisions. Justice is rooted in morality, equity, and righteousness—an inherent right for everyone. It encompasses economic, gender, education, environmental, racial, and social justice, all of which require fair treatment to achieve equity. Justice aligns closely with the concept of freedom, and without freedom and free will, we can become mentally, emotionally, and sometimes physically confined.

My professional career has been diverse and rooted in a deep commitment to mental health, social services, and community support. I have worked in case management at a preventive agency, where I focused on early intervention and helping individuals and families access resources to promote stability and wellness. I also gained experience working in a psychiatric public hospital, providing treatment and support to children and adolescents facing mental health challenges, often collaborating closely with families and multidisciplinary teams. In addition, I have provided clinical consultation to community-based organizations, helping them develop effective programs and services tailored to the needs of the populations they serve.

My work in educational settings includes implementing school-based mental health programs, aiming to promote emotional resilience and well-being among students. I’ve also taken on administrative roles within non-profit organizations, overseeing operations, program development, and strategic planning to ensure impactful service delivery. Beyond direct service and administration, I have shared my expertise as an adjunct professor in schools of social work, educating and mentoring future social workers to carry forward the values of compassion, professionalism, and social justice.

I love Black folks immensely.  I am deeply rooted and guided in the experiences of Blackness. We are powerful, resilient, practical, creative and joyful.  I am committed to providing healing spaces for Black folks because we deserve to have healing spaces for ourselves and our families.  We deserve to be released from generational trauma.  We deserve to restore our families and communities to create a full life free of mental anguish.  We deserve absolute joy!  Joy is a revolutionary act and it is everywhere we manifest it!

The system of racism is pervasive and all-encompassing. I have always been acutely aware of how racism operates at every level of society. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood in Brooklyn and attending schools there exposed me to the realities of systemic discrimination and bias. During my time working in a psychiatric hospital and at a large public health agency, I often found that my voice was marginalized and rarely considered in the decision-making processes that shaped policies and practices. My experiences as a Black woman in predominantly white spaces were frequently minimized or dismissed.

Early in my career, I hesitated to speak up out of fear of retaliation and repercussions, which often left me feeling isolated. However, over the past few years, I have gained confidence, learned to articulate my righteous anger, and found my voice. I have also developed a strategic and tactful approach to using my power and influence. My focus has become about channeling my energy into uplifting and empowering my community in every space I occupy.

Looking back, I wish I had partnered with others sooner. Building alliances and connecting with like-minded individuals has been truly restorative and affirming, reminding me of the importance of collective strength. Moving forward, I am committed to fostering collaboration and solidarity, knowing that true change comes through unity and mutual support.

My clinical approach is versatile and tailored to each individual's needs. I am trained in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I incorporate these modalities based on what best aligns with the client’s goals and circumstances. I prioritize centering people’s lived experiences and recognize the ways in which systems of oppression—such as racism, sexism, colorism, ableism, patriarchy, homophobia, and transphobia—impact their functioning and well-being.

My approach is affirming and supportive, while also holding clients accountable to be active participants in their healing journey. I encourage clients to confront and explore themselves deeply. While growth often involves discomfort, I strive to create a safe and gentle space for clients to feel grounded as they unpack their experiences and process challenging emotions. I adopt a conversational and reflective style, and I often give homework to help clients strengthen their mental resilience and build sustainable self-care habits.

My life's essence is rooted in being powerful, intentional, and purposeful. My mission is to activate and nurture the inherent leadership in others. I am the daughter of Lucille (whose Muslim name is Hawwah), granddaughter of Annie Mae, great-granddaughter of Lucy, and great-great-granddaughter of Alice. I see myself as a continuation of the legacies and resilience crafted within their wombs.

I am a proud mother to an adult daughter and a teenage son, and I am also the second of 17 children— the oldest girl, with one older brother. My roots run deep as the auntie of 10 nieces and nine nephews. My village is vast and vibrant, cultivated with love and shared strength, and I cherish the connections that sustain and uplift me.

Finally, I change my hair style every 3-4 weeks ‘cause that’s my business. I speak fluent sarcasm and Ebonics. I love shoes and sneakers in all colors. 90’s Hip Hop and R and B is the best music genre and I find levity and laughter in most situations because a good cackle is healing.