Bio
Genevieve Abena Yirenkyi successfully defended her dissertation in Clinical Psychology in June 2003 at Pacific Graduate School of Psychology in Palo Alto, California. Her dissertation is entitled: “Racial Socialization and Academic Success Among At-Risk Minority High School Students.” She officially received her doctorate in 2004 after completing her hospital internship.
Dr. Yirenkyi has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Maryland at College Park, where she was also recognized as Cum Laude and a McNair Scholar. Born in Ghana, West Africa, she came to the United States at the age of five to join her parents, who were simultaneously pursuing their undergraduate degrees. She has always believed in and strived for spiritual, academic, and interpersonal excellence.
Dr. Yirenkyi’s professional and research interests focus on developing and building upon the emotional and social strengths of young at-risk minority children. Before beginning graduate school, she volunteered at various community and non-profit organizations while working as a behavioral therapist and as a reading mentor through AmeriCorp.
Dr. Yirenkyi also volunteered as a psychological assessment extern at a nationally recognized children’s hospital and at a state-funded residential and day treatment facility for children and adolescents. While she has been involved in many social organizations she hopes to become more of a social activist. Her career plans include providing therapeutic and diagnostic services to minority children in a community health setting.