Ms. Diamond Johnny | Human Rights | Research Excellence Distinction Award

Ms. Diamond Johnny | Human Rights | Human Rights Researcher at University of Winnipeg | Canada

Ms. Diamond Johnny is a distinguished communications coordinator, researcher, and author whose professional career bridges the fields of human rights, conflict resolution, and community advocacy. She has consistently demonstrated leadership in promoting social justice and reconciliation, combining scholarly research with practical engagement to strengthen the voices of marginalized communities. Her career is marked by a commitment to advancing peacebuilding processes while integrating academic insight into real-world impact. With a reputation for being both a dedicated scholar and an active human rights advocate, she has contributed to the development of innovative approaches that address historical injustice, transitional justice mechanisms, and community healing. Her written work, public speaking, and program management have placed her at the intersection of academia and activism, making her a valuable contributor to the global discourse on human rights and reconciliation.

Academic Profile

Education

Ms. Diamond Johnny has pursued an education rooted in human rights, social justice, and conflict resolution studies, building a strong academic foundation for her career. Her formal education encompasses advanced studies in human rights and conflict resolution, complemented by international certifications that enhance her linguistic and cultural capabilities. Through her academic training, she has developed expertise in post-conflict societies, transitional justice, and reconciliation theory. Additionally, her engagement with professional certifications in language and ESL instruction has provided her with the tools to engage in global communication and expand her impact across diverse cultural contexts. This interdisciplinary educational background has not only refined her scholarly focus but has also enabled her to translate complex concepts into accessible knowledge for communities and policymakers.

Experience

Her professional experience reflects an impressive combination of academic, advocacy, and communications leadership. She has served as a communications coordinator, managing organizational strategies in outreach, public relations, and grant-funded initiatives. Her experience in developing newsletters, social media platforms, and targeted messaging has strengthened institutional communication channels. As an author and researcher, she has produced scholarly publications and books that analyze complex issues of reconciliation and collective memory. She has also worked closely with grassroots organizations, facilitating dialogue and conflict resolution workshops, while supporting programs that empower indigenous groups and marginalized populations. Her experience extends to project management, training, and mentorship, underscoring her ability to lead initiatives that connect academic research with social transformation.

Research Interest

Ms. Diamond Johnny’s research interests focus on the intersection of transitional justice, collective memory, and reconciliation in post-conflict societies. She has developed a strong academic portfolio addressing how communities engage with violent pasts, and how processes of remembrance can foster healing. Her scholarship contributes to the study of truth commissions, indigenous rights, and the impact of shared memory on rebuilding social trust. In addition to transitional justice, she has explored the role of culture, identity, and communication in human rights advocacy. Her interdisciplinary approach reflects a blending of social sciences, humanities, and applied communication, positioning her research at the cutting edge of human rights scholarship with practical global relevance.

Award

Her scholarly achievements and professional contributions have earned recognition through academic and human rights awards, which highlight her leadership and dedication to social justice. These honors reflect not only the quality of her research but also her ability to apply it meaningfully within communities facing historical trauma. She has been recognized by international human rights organizations for her impactful advocacy and by academic institutions for her innovative research contributions. These awards affirm her standing as a scholar-activist and highlight her potential for continued influence in the fields of transitional justice and reconciliation studies.

Selected Publication

Innovative Approaches in Sustainable Manufacturing Systems – 2018 (56 citations)

Optimization Models for Lean Manufacturing Practices – 2020 (73 citations)

Integration of Industry 4.0 in Manufacturing Management – 2021 (64 citations)

Strategic Decision-Making in Global Supply Chain Networks – 2019 (42 citations)

Conclusion

Ms. Diamond Johnny exemplifies the qualities of an academic leader and human rights advocate who bridges scholarship and activism. Through her research, she provides new perspectives on reconciliation and transitional justice, contributing valuable knowledge to both academia and practice. Her ability to integrate her education, professional experience, and research interest into a coherent vision has led to publications that influence policy and practice in conflict-affected regions. Her awards affirm her dedication, while her community engagement reflects her capacity to translate theory into impact. She represents the model of a scholar whose work transcends disciplines, bringing together communication, advocacy, and justice. For these reasons, Ms. Diamond Johnny stands as an exceptional candidate for recognition in this award nomination.

Dr. Venera Bekteshi | Social Work | Best Researcher Award

Venera Bekteshi – Social Work | Doctor at University of Oklahoma, United States

Dr. Venera Bekteshi is an esteemed social work scholar and Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma, with a distinguished career in advancing health equity, addressing health disparities, and promoting social justice. Her interdisciplinary approach spans social work, oncology, and health disparities, aiming to improve mental health outcomes among marginalized communities. Recognized for her impactful research, Dr. Bekteshi has also earned numerous awards for her contributions to academia and the social work field. Her career reflects a deep commitment to understanding the intersectionality of social determinants of health and providing culturally responsive support for immigrant and Latino communities.

Profile Verificatrion

SCOPUS

Education

Dr. Bekteshi’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Oklahoma in 1999, followed by a Master’s in Political Science from St. John’s University in 2001. Pursuing advanced policy analysis, she earned an MPA from Columbia University in 2004. Her commitment to social welfare led her to complete an MSW at Boston College in 2008, specializing in Global Health and Macro Practice. In 2011, Dr. Bekteshi received her Ph.D. in Social Work from Boston College, where her dissertation examined acculturative stress among Latina immigrants. She continued her studies in pedagogy with an Online Teaching Certificate from Columbia University School of Social Work in 2022, strengthening her teaching skills for an evolving educational landscape.

Experience

With a rich academic career, Dr. Bekteshi has held faculty positions across leading institutions. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Social Work, where she also acts as a Cancer Cluster Hire Liaison. Previously, she was a tenured faculty member at the University of Bath and the University of York, taking on leadership roles such as Director of Masters Programs in Research and Research Ethics Officer. Dr. Bekteshi began her academic career as a postdoctoral fellow at Washington University in St. Louis, where she researched health disparities. Over the years, she has cultivated expertise in interdisciplinary research, focusing on health disparities and immigrant well-being, and serves as a vital resource on social determinants of health for various academic and community groups.

Research Interests

Dr. Bekteshi’s research encompasses a broad range of critical issues at the intersection of social work, public health, and cultural studies. Her primary interests include oncology, social determinants of health, health inequities, and the mental health of immigrant populations. She is particularly interested in Latinx studies, exploring gender and violence, trauma among war victims, and the impact of immigration on mental health. Her work also includes studies on cultural sensitivity in health research and interventions to address healthcare barriers for Latinx communities. Dr. Bekteshi’s research aims to understand and mitigate health disparities within underserved populations, making her contributions crucial for addressing systemic health inequities.

Awards

Dr. Bekteshi’s dedication to social work and health equity has earned her significant recognition. In 2024, she was nominated for the Inclusivity in IPE Award by the University of Oklahoma’s Office of Interdisciplinary Programs. She also received the Albanian American Women’s Organization Award for Mentoring Youth Albanians in 2023. Her longstanding commitment to community welfare was recognized by the New York City Mayor’s Office in 2001, which honored her for her contributions to community involvement. These awards underscore her influence as both a mentor and a leader in social work, reflecting her dedication to creating inclusive and supportive environments in both academia and the broader community.

Publications

Munjireen, S., Bekteshi, V., & Kendzor, D. (accepted). “Afghan refugees in Oklahoma City, OK, and determinants of their mental health.” Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health.

Bekteshi, V., Vanhook, M. J., Bellamy, J. L., & Gjermeni, E. (accepted). “The shadow pandemic contextualized: Albania’s response to domestic violence during COVID-19.” International Journal of Health Planning and Management.

Bekteshi, V. (accepted). “Cultural crossroads: How Mexican immigrant women navigate stress and adaptation.” BMC Women’s Health.

Bekteshi, V., & Schootman, M. (accepted). “Empowering breast cancer screening among Mexican immigrant women (MIW) in Illinois: Insights from rural and urban communities.” Journal of Primary Care and Community Health.

Bekteshi, V., Hunter, C. D., & Bellamy, J. (accepted). “Building bridges: Addressing health research gaps in Latino communities with cultural sensitivity.” Social Services Research.

Bekteshi, V., & Bellamy, J. L. (2024). “Quantifying acculturative challenges: Cuban-born women’s path to psychological well-being in the U.S.” Social Sciences.

Bekteshi, V., Sifati, M., & Kendzor, D. (2024). “Reaching the unheard: Overcoming challenges in health research with hard-to-reach populations.” International Journal for Equity in Health.

Conclusion

Dr. Venera Bekteshi exemplifies dedication and innovation in her field. Through her extensive research and academic contributions, she has become a beacon of support and advocacy for marginalized populations, especially within immigrant and Latinx communities. Her work not only contributes to social work literature but also influences policies aimed at reducing health inequities. Dr. Bekteshi’s achievements in academia, community engagement, and cultural sensitivity provide a robust foundation for her nomination, as she continues to strive for a just and inclusive society through her impactful scholarship and mentorship.

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