Assistant Professor Yovanska Duarté-Vélez, Ph.D., has received the new LPG DEI Champion Award from the Lifespan Physician Group for her contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion  – particularly, her culturally tailored care for minoritized populations and research on culturally responsive care. 

Duarté-Vélez is the founder and clinical director of the Mi Gente program, an outpatient clinic for Spanish-speaking families. The program specializes in treating Latinx and Hispanic youth with mood disorders and trauma.

Duarté-Vélez’ research focuses on culturally responsive therapy. She is currently studying the effectiveness of socio-cognitive behavioral therapy among Hispanic teens who have attempted suicide. 

The LPG DEI Champion Award is one of six new academic awards created by the Lifespan Physician Group this year to recognize outstanding members among the group’s more than 870 healthcare providers.