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.