Alyssa Ramírez Stege, a clinical assistant professor in the School of Education’s Department of Counseling Psychology, recently won an award for her work as the director of UW–Madison’s Esperanza Bilingual Psychological Services Certificate program.
In September, she received the Extra-Mile Award from The Rainbow Project, which is awarded to community leaders who have demonstrated exceptional advocacy for children and families. The award was presented at the organization’s 19th annual Rhumba 4 Rainbow event.
“I am extremely grateful to The Rainbow Project for the recognition and support of the Esperanza Bilingual Psychological Services Certificate and our partnership with Centro Hispano to train Spanish-speaking counselors, psychologists, social workers and other health professionals-in-training,” says Ramírez Stege.
“Personally, it has been a dream to be part of the academic journey of incredibly talented UW–Madison graduate students who are fiercely committed to a health equity future for communities that are often underestimated and marginalized,” she adds. “I hope Esperanza will continue to grow in tandem with our community-based resources so we can retain these gifted future healthcare professionals.”
The Esperanza Bilingual Psychological Services Certificate, offered by the Department of Counseling Psychology in partnership with Centro Hispano of Dane County, is a training program for graduate students in psychology or clinical-based professions that develops the foundational and practical skills needed to provide direct psychological services to Spanish-speaking and bilingual clients in the community. The program also helps students build skills in advocacy, program development, and systems change.
The Rainbow Project is a Madison organization that “provides restorative healing and hope for young children and their families who have experienced trauma.” The organization offers counseling, prevention, and early intervention for children in Dane County and across the state as a whole.