Kirk Royster
“When I learned of the vacancies in the DEI committee, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to make an impact not only in Wales, but also at other VOA programs. Being a committee member enables me to contribute to a project on a larger scale as an advocate for staff or potential employees who may feel marginalized or underrepresented. As a clinical social worker, I am trained to analyze and provide people insight on multiple perspectives and experiences. I have worked with a range of people from clients in therapy to creating macro-level subway homeless policies and procedures with the MTA, NYPD and the Mayor’s Office. Lastly, I have experience working on a committee created by a professional organization. Since 2021, I have been a member of the Association of Social Work Board’s Examination Committee. The committee meets four times a year to review each exam question before it is included as a pretest item on the licensing exams. The members are selected from among the item writers trained to write questions for the exams. My appointment requires me to give and accept constructive criticism, appreciate diverse perspectives, participate in group discussions and work in a consensus model of decision-making.”
Joined VOA-GNY in 2023