We would like to Congratulate, Traci Gillig, a doctoral student (ABD) in the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, who received the Richard Cone Community Service Award for Graduate Engaged Research from USC Dornsife’s Joint Educational Project.
The award recognized her ongoing partnership with Brave Trails, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization hosting an annual summer leadership camp for LGBTQ youth. Brave Trails and Traci have been working together for three years to evaluate the annual camp experience, examining the effects of the Brave Trails program on campers and their families. The research has found that the camp experience increases campers’ affirmation in their LGBTQ identity, gives them hope, and improves their mental and emotional well-being. Parents have reported seeing positive effects on both their children and family as a whole. This summer, Traci will be leading an expanded evaluation of the program, completing the work as part of her dissertation. She is working under the guidance of her mentors and committee members: Larry Gross (Chair), Sandra Ball-Rokeach, Michael Cody, Lynn Miller, Sheila Murphy and Dr. Baezconde-Garbanati on her dissertation committee and to work with the dedicated leaders of Brave Trails in conducting research aimed at helping improve the lives of LGBTQ youth across the U.S.
Thank you, Traci, for your contributions in correcting health inequalities among LGBTQ youth in Los Angeles and beyond.
