Meet Essence Wilson. She has a BA in psychology with honors and an MA in general experimental psychology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Ongoing research includes providing technological interventions (provided CSUN’s first Lightboard Studio) and utilizing Critical Race Theory (CRT) towards reducing educational disparities. She now focuses on using community-engaged practices and digital storytelling (e.g. narrative, animation) to develop mental health interventions for youth of color. She works to reduce health disparities and create creative spaces for diverse storytelling. Teaching-wise, she has taught stand-alone classes including Statistics and Introductory Psychology. She is an ambassador for the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles and a member of the National Congress of Black Women, Los Angeles Chapter.