THE HOLISTIC ACADEMIC
Student. Educator. Doula. Health Advocate.
Healing and striving for balance. Passionate about love, learning, critical thinking, and the expression of my intellect. If you have questions or would like to discuss an opportunity to work together, don't hesitate to get in touch. Let's learn together!!
Peace <3
-Bree Riddick, M.A
ABOUT ME
A beach-going, yoga-doing, Cardi B-blasting, Queen Afua-reading, mad question-asking, connection-making kinda girl.
A Passion for Learning
I am a second-year Ph.D. student, Graduate Teaching Assistant and Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Communication at George Mason University. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies with a focus on Public Relations & Nonprofit Studies. I received a Master of Arts degree in Communication and Advocacy with a focus on Health & Strategic Communication.
A Passion for Birthwork
I am a doula who provides birthing people with direct labor support, educational resources, and strategies for safely creating their ideal birthing space. I focus on the connection between the mind, body and spirit as I work with the birthing village to prepare and welcome baby.
A Passion for Advocacy and Connection
I plan to use what I know to continue to be an advocate in my community and to challenge systems of oppression from an intersectional approach. My life's calling is to empower Black youth, women and families.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
STRATEGIC HEALTH COMMUNICATION
I'm an advocate for person centered care from a holistic perspective. Health equity, especially for Black birthing people, is quite literally a matter of life and death. I am interested in furthering health justice by understanding communication between health practitioners and people seeking healthcare, in addition to health agency and choice-making, to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Radical listening and true justice empowerment are necessary to achieving this goal.
CRITICAL COMMUNICATION
I am interested in challenging systems and structures of oppression by understanding human experiences at the intersection of race, gender, and class. My work is mostly informed by the theory and activism of bell hooks, Patricia Hill Collins, Kimberle Crenshaw, Angela Davis and Audre Lorde.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION
Our youth matter so much. I am heavily committed to youth development and education, particularly for Black families and Black girls. I was raised by my older sister and through my personal experiences and my work with organizations like Girls Inc., Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club of America, the Valley Scholars Program, and TriO Upward Bound, I have witnessed firsthand the impacts of youth education and mentorship. I am interested in further exploring the role of communication in youth advocacy. They are truly our tomorrow.
"When we love we can let our hearts speak."