Kimberly Ann Bender

Professor Kimberly Ann Bender is a distinguished faculty member at the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. Her work is deeply rooted in a commitment to social justice and community engagement, focusing on empowering young people, especially those facing homelessness. With a robust research portfolio, Professor Bender's expertise spans critical areas such as substance use, mental health, civic engagement, and housing insecurity. Throughout her career, Professor Bender has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to academia and society. She has been honored with prestigious awards, including the university-wide Distinguished Scholar Award and the Public Good Faculty of the Year. These accolades highlight her dedication to advancing knowledge, mentoring students, and fostering a more equitable society. Professor Bender is known for her collaborative spirit, actively working with diverse community partners to address complex social issues. She has co-led multi-site research projects that focus on youth experiencing homelessness, aiming to develop effective interventions that can transform their lives. Her innovative research efforts are geared towards creating a more just and hopeful world for young people. In addition to her research, Professor Bender is a passionate educator who inspires her students to engage critically with social issues and become advocates for change. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and community involvement, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to the field of social work. Through her work, Professor Bender continues to be a driving force in the field of social work, advocating for policies and practices that promote social justice and equity. Her commitment to improving the lives of marginalized populations is evident in her ongoing efforts to address housing insecurity and mental health challenges among vulnerable youth. Professor Bender's contributions extend beyond academia, as she actively participates in community initiatives and policy discussions aimed at creating systemic change. Her dedication to social justice and her unwavering commitment to empowering young people make her a respected leader in the field of social work.