WASHINGTON (April 20, 2026) - GW alumnus Dr. Isaiah B. Pickens, BA ’05, will debut his new book, Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive Practices in Schools: Building a Climate of Compassion. In addition, Lionel C. Howard, Interim Dean of the Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD), will join Dr. Pickens to explore how trauma and polarization have reshaped relationships among families, students, educators, and schools. Drawing from stories of immigrant students, school crises, and educator well-being, the conversation will explore pathways to healing, preparedness, and renewed trust through community partnership.
The event will be followed by a reception and book signing in Room 310. For more information, visit the event website here.
WHO:
Dr. Isaiah B. Pickens, BA '05 and former Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholar, is the founder and CEO of iOpening Enterprises, a professional development company that helps schools and educational organizations build trauma-informed and culturally responsive environments to support student success and educator well-being.
This event is co-hosted by GSEHD, the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and the GW Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement.
WHEN:
Wednesday April 22, 2026
Doors open at 6:30pm; event starts at 7:00pm
WHERE:
George Washington University Student Center
3rd Floor Amphitheater
800 21st Street NW, Washington DC 20052
RSVP: Any media interested in attending must RSVP in advance to Nadia Payne at nadia [dot] payne
gwu [dot] edu (nadia[dot]payne[at]gwu[dot]edu). Please indicate whether you will need a camera location.
-GW-