Atia Thurman

Atia Thurman draws on more than 22 years of professional experience and leadership redesigning systems and activating partnerships to drive positive change. As a lecturer at the Brown School, she facilitates learning experiences that emphasize leadership, community-driven practice, and social policy. In her role with the Office of Practicum Education (OFE) she directs that focus toward the Social Impact Leadership and Children, Youth, and Family concentrations, guiding the next generation of social workers to pursue excellence and foster meaningful change in society.

Atia supports the scholarship and practical application of mindful-based principles through her leadership with WashU’s Mindfulness Science and Practice group, and integrates mindfulness in her facilitation of Dialogue Across Difference courses, which foster critical thinking and civil discourse among students. Atia is also a trained coach and serves as a Faculty Coaching Fellow through the Office of the Provost.

Previously, Atia served as the inaugural associate director of the Clark-Fox Policy Institute, where she provided strategic, operational leadership in establishing and advancing the Institute’s mission of creating lasting, systemic change for children and families. During her tenure, she was instrumental in founding the Graduate Policy Scholars program and championing high quality, equitable early childhood education.

A Brown School alum (MSW ’02), her approach to strategic change is rooted in social work principles, catalyzing the strengths of individuals and institutions to address challenges and improve community wellbeing. Her career is characterized by contributions to various interdisciplinary projects, cultivating impactful partnerships and initiatives in the areas of education, health and human services, and community development. Her lifelong mission is to help create a thriving society where individuals can achieve their full potential, and communities enjoy shared peace and prosperity.