Katherine (Kate) D. Emerson, earned her Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of La Verne (2012), a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University in the City of New York (1997), and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles (1994). As a social work practitioner in the field for over 25 years, she has successfully worked with diverse populations. In addition to her work as a social worker, Kate has over 20 years in higher education teaching social work courses at three California State Universities and most recently at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Work. Passionate about women’s issues, Kate is on the Board of Directors of East Los Angeles Women’s Center, where she serves as Vice Chair.