Anitra Peten Walker

PhD Student

Anitra Peten Walker is a results-driven social worker dedicated to improving health outcomes for marginalized groups. This fall, she is embarking on a PhD program in Social Work at the University of Georgia, where she will focus on reducing racial disparities in mental health. Anitra holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

With extensive experience in individual and couples therapy, as well as consulting services for vulnerable populations, Anitra provides expert guidance through her company, Walker and Walker Dual Enterprises, LLC. Her previous role as Vice President of Operations at Mercy Care in Atlanta, GA, involved overseeing clinical and social services with a $25M annual budget. During her tenure, she drove innovation, increased patient visits by 15% annually, and secured significant grant funding. Her leadership in managing large-scale projects, improving patient access, and enhancing service quality is well-recognized.

An active community member, Anitra serves on the board of First Step, Inc. and is Lifetime member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She is committed to supporting future generations of social workers in their focus on Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Anitra’s skills in leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement are integral to her academic and professional endeavors, as she continues to contribute to the field of social work through her research and practice.

Education
  • B.A. in Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, May 1998
  • MSW, University of Georgia, May 2003
Research Interests
  • Mental Health disparities of marginalized groups
  • Social Determinants of Health and its relationship to community belonging
  • Development of effective interventions that promote equitable healthcare access for marginalized individuals

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