Miss Dr. Sarah Williams
Lecturer, Social Work & Human Services (ECDF)
Details
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College: School of GUSS
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Department: School of GUSS
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Campus: City Campus Australia
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sarah.williams2@rmit.edu.au
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ORCID: 0000-0002-6440-064X
Open to
- Industry Projects
- Media enquiries
- Masters Research or PhD student supervision
- Join a web conference as a panellist or speaker
About
As an interdisciplinary Pracademic focused on Culturally Responsive Practice (CRP), Dr. Williams ensures that ‘praxis’ (theory-action-reflection feedback loop) is at the forefront of what she does. This is exemplified through her ability to be a youth worker and intercultural community development practitioner for almost two decades, as well as use her research and advocacy skills to articulate better practices and document initiatives through public evaluations, policy submissions, publications and research reports.
Dr. Sarah Williams' journey is a reflection of the collective narratives that shape our world. Her work, grounded in empathy, understanding, and a relentless pursuit of justice, serves as an inspiration for all who dare to dream of a better, more inclusive future.
Sarah’s PhD (2023) research methodology involved Action Research investigating creative sites for social change regarding racial social justice issues. Her interest in arts-based development projects is driven by the question of how “being born to stand out” manifests.
Dr. Sarah Williams' journey is a reflection of the collective narratives that shape our world. Her work, grounded in empathy, understanding, and a relentless pursuit of justice, serves as an inspiration for all who dare to dream of a better, more inclusive future.
Sarah’s PhD (2023) research methodology involved Action Research investigating creative sites for social change regarding racial social justice issues. Her interest in arts-based development projects is driven by the question of how “being born to stand out” manifests.
Media
Research fields
- 390401 Comparative and cross-cultural education
- 390101 Creative arts, media and communication curriculum and pedagogy
- 430312 Histories of race
- 441013 Sociology of migration, ethnicity and multiculturalism
- 480507 Youth justice
- 450523 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social work and social justice
- 440206 Critical approaches to crime
- 390107 Humanities and social sciences curriculum and pedagogy (excl. economics, business and management)
- 440107 Social and cultural anthropology
- 440204 Crime and social justice
- 440213 Race/ethnicity and crime
- 480413 Race, ethnicity and law
- 440712 Social policy
- 441004 Social change
- 441005 Social theory
- 440903 Social program evaluation
- 390307 Teacher education and professional development of educators
- 4404 Development studies
- 330405 Public participation and community engagement
- 450212 Cultural responsiveness and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities education
- 470104 International and development communication
- 4702 Cultural studies
- 440101 Anthropology of development
- 441008 Sociology of culture
UN sustainable development goals
- 10 Reduced Inequalities
- 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
- 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- 3 Good Health and Well Being
- 17 Partnerships for the Goals
- 4 Quality Education
- 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Teaching interests
Dr. Williams is the Course Coordinator for Community Work and for the Youth Work WIL Placement Courses 2, 4, & 5. Dr. Williams pedagogical practice in the Social Work and Human Services team involves:
• 'Femme Pedagogy' - a Liberatory praxis. Includes: relational, trauma-informed, healing-centred approaches that have implications in
1. Curriculum choices moving outside of Eurocentricity and moving away from singularity. An opportunity to continue to decolonise and Indigenise.
2. Pedagogical approaches which include femme, culturally relevant and sustaining tools.
3. Fostering community which includes a focus on restorative justice as opposed to classroom management.
4. Assessment which focusses on shifting away from punitive structures.
5. Modelling messing up and not having all the answers.
6. Eldership vs. Leadership - mentor the next generation of practitioners and scholars and to pursue relevant elders in my own pracademic journey. 7. A focus on 'Storying', creative placemaking and Action research in teaching and research practices - connect, evaluate and share.
• Indigenous Wisdom and Inquiry: Integrating Indigenous perspectives and culturally responsive practice with students/broader university and research sphere, Dr. Williams embarks on a journey of learning and acknowledgement, exploring Indigenous philosophies through a Community of Practice teaching and assessment approach centring on participants ability to foster communal connections, understanding whilst acknowledging societal power imbalances.
• Intercultural Communications: With a heartfelt commitment to exploring self-determination within intercultural communities, Dr. Williams has dedicated her career to working across differences and strengths. Embedded in her Pedagogical approach, Dr. Williams explores a critical analysis of the challenges and possibilities of practitioners/pracademics working towards a decolonising journey which has implications for the ethics of youth and community work practice globally.
• Advocacy for Human Rights and a Journey Through Social Justice: Confronting challenges in advocating for and amplifying minoritised communities, Dr. Williams focuses on policy and systemic change. Inspired by figures such as Nelson Mandela and informed by Afrocentric principles like Ubuntu, Dr. Williams has woven social justice deeply into her life's work which is demonstrated through demonstration of praxis examples (theory, action, reflection) in her teaching approach .
• Championing Antiracism: Through her academic, advocacy work and scholarship of learning and teaching (SoLT) research, Dr. Williams actively engages in Antiracism initiatives, focusing on policy change and fostering relationships toward dignified outcomes. Her efforts aim to address systemic racism, advocating for a more equitable and just society.
• Embracing the Power of Art through Youth Engagement: Dr. Williams recognises the transformative power of art, particularly Hip Hop, spoken word poetry, dance and multimedia as a medium for individuals and communities, especially for young people to express their unique voices. At the heart of Dr. Williams' teaching practices is a profound belief in the potential of young people and young adults (the predominant student cohort in the Youth Work/Youth Studies degree). By meeting them where they are at through a Community of Practice model, she taps into their passions by giving examples of the possibility of co-design of youth participation projects to ignite their sense of belonging, importance and self-determination.
• 'Femme Pedagogy' - a Liberatory praxis. Includes: relational, trauma-informed, healing-centred approaches that have implications in
1. Curriculum choices moving outside of Eurocentricity and moving away from singularity. An opportunity to continue to decolonise and Indigenise.
2. Pedagogical approaches which include femme, culturally relevant and sustaining tools.
3. Fostering community which includes a focus on restorative justice as opposed to classroom management.
4. Assessment which focusses on shifting away from punitive structures.
5. Modelling messing up and not having all the answers.
6. Eldership vs. Leadership - mentor the next generation of practitioners and scholars and to pursue relevant elders in my own pracademic journey. 7. A focus on 'Storying', creative placemaking and Action research in teaching and research practices - connect, evaluate and share.
• Indigenous Wisdom and Inquiry: Integrating Indigenous perspectives and culturally responsive practice with students/broader university and research sphere, Dr. Williams embarks on a journey of learning and acknowledgement, exploring Indigenous philosophies through a Community of Practice teaching and assessment approach centring on participants ability to foster communal connections, understanding whilst acknowledging societal power imbalances.
• Intercultural Communications: With a heartfelt commitment to exploring self-determination within intercultural communities, Dr. Williams has dedicated her career to working across differences and strengths. Embedded in her Pedagogical approach, Dr. Williams explores a critical analysis of the challenges and possibilities of practitioners/pracademics working towards a decolonising journey which has implications for the ethics of youth and community work practice globally.
• Advocacy for Human Rights and a Journey Through Social Justice: Confronting challenges in advocating for and amplifying minoritised communities, Dr. Williams focuses on policy and systemic change. Inspired by figures such as Nelson Mandela and informed by Afrocentric principles like Ubuntu, Dr. Williams has woven social justice deeply into her life's work which is demonstrated through demonstration of praxis examples (theory, action, reflection) in her teaching approach .
• Championing Antiracism: Through her academic, advocacy work and scholarship of learning and teaching (SoLT) research, Dr. Williams actively engages in Antiracism initiatives, focusing on policy change and fostering relationships toward dignified outcomes. Her efforts aim to address systemic racism, advocating for a more equitable and just society.
• Embracing the Power of Art through Youth Engagement: Dr. Williams recognises the transformative power of art, particularly Hip Hop, spoken word poetry, dance and multimedia as a medium for individuals and communities, especially for young people to express their unique voices. At the heart of Dr. Williams' teaching practices is a profound belief in the potential of young people and young adults (the predominant student cohort in the Youth Work/Youth Studies degree). By meeting them where they are at through a Community of Practice model, she taps into their passions by giving examples of the possibility of co-design of youth participation projects to ignite their sense of belonging, importance and self-determination.
Research interests
Dr. Sarah Williams has worked as an Intercultural Community Development and Youth Work Practitioner for almost two decades. Sarah co-founded Footprint Enterprises Inc. an organisation which focuses on creating spaces to bring about social change through the creative arts. She has previously served on a number of boards and peak multicultural committees.
Sarah's passion is to see people's eyes light up and acknowledge the space between hybrid identities and intercultural communities. One of her biggest privileges is to experience this journey with young people and communities from culturally diverse backgrounds through Action Research and youth-led initiatives. Sarah has extensive experience in youth work and engagement, community development and the pursuit of team/organisational leadership and strategic development. Her focus is creating and facilitating dynamic, social movement for societal and systemic change.
Dr. Williams is extremely committed to Indigenous inquiry, human rights and transformative standpoint projects where she has a significant history of working with diverse communities and stakeholders towards positive change. This includes demonstrating a power analysis of her own ‘white’ and ‘intercultural identity’ and a focus on Antiracism initiatives/approaches.
Sarah previously specialised in multicultural youth and advocacy work across Naarm (Melbourne) project managing a number of bespoke initiatives. As a member of the Social Equity Research Centre, Dr. Williams transitioned to research, training and advocacy work ensuring her work transpires to systemic social change. Sarah demonstrates a particular interest in the nurturing/flourishing of communities in a community and international setting.
Sarah's passion is to see people's eyes light up and acknowledge the space between hybrid identities and intercultural communities. One of her biggest privileges is to experience this journey with young people and communities from culturally diverse backgrounds through Action Research and youth-led initiatives. Sarah has extensive experience in youth work and engagement, community development and the pursuit of team/organisational leadership and strategic development. Her focus is creating and facilitating dynamic, social movement for societal and systemic change.
Dr. Williams is extremely committed to Indigenous inquiry, human rights and transformative standpoint projects where she has a significant history of working with diverse communities and stakeholders towards positive change. This includes demonstrating a power analysis of her own ‘white’ and ‘intercultural identity’ and a focus on Antiracism initiatives/approaches.
Sarah previously specialised in multicultural youth and advocacy work across Naarm (Melbourne) project managing a number of bespoke initiatives. As a member of the Social Equity Research Centre, Dr. Williams transitioned to research, training and advocacy work ensuring her work transpires to systemic social change. Sarah demonstrates a particular interest in the nurturing/flourishing of communities in a community and international setting.
