My name is Gina Sissoko.

Hey! My name is Gina Sissoko, and I am a Ph.D. Candidate in Clinical Psychology. My research focuses on the impact of colorism, gendered racism, and trauma on mental health and system involvement among Black girls across the world. Read more about my pathway into psychology here. 

I consider myself a global citizen. I was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany by immigrant parents from Mali, West Africa. Before moving to New York City by myself at age 19, I lived in multiple places across the world, including London, Mali, and even Morrocco for a tiny bit. I speak German, English, and French fluently–and can hold a conversation in Bambara. In July of this year, I moved to my newest home in Chicago while I complete my final degree requirement - a clinical predoctoral internship at the University of Illinois Chicago’s College of Medicine.

In addition to being a Black Girlhood Scholar who aims to highlight the invisible narratives of Black girls to support the development of community-level solutions against colorism, gendered racism, and gender-based violence, I hold other very important titles: I am someone’s favorite auntie, an avid Beyonce fan, and a renowned party planner!