The College of Human Development, Culture and Media (CHDCM) at Seton Hall University hosted alumnus Enmanuel Mercedes, Ph.D., for a presentation as part of its One College, One Exhibition (OCOE) initiative on October 15. The event brought together students, faculty, and community organization members to discuss mental health advocacy with a focus on underserved populations.
Mercedes shared insights from his upbringing in the Dominican Republic and subsequent move to Newark, New Jersey. He spoke about how immigration experiences can be linked to trauma and mental health challenges for individuals and families. Mercedes also discussed his clinical work and community-based projects aimed at supporting emotional well-being.
“Everyone is interconnected and no one does it alone,” said Mercedes during his talk. He encouraged attendees to actively participate in promoting well-being within their communities both on campus and beyond.
Bryan Crable, Ph.D., Founding Dean of CHDCM, commented on the impact of Mercedes’ address: “[Mercedes’] family’s story is one that resonates with that of many others in New Jersey and the nation, and his address demonstrated the power of truth-telling about a pressing social issue. Not only is [Mercedes] skilled at addressing the contemporary mental health crisis, but by sharing his own family’s journey, he was able to talk specifically to our community about the traumas associated with migration.”
The event also included participation from La Casa de Don Pedro, Inc., recognized as the largest Latinx-led community-based organization in New Jersey. The organization has provided comprehensive services focused on self-sufficiency, empowerment, and neighborhood revitalization in greater Newark for over four decades.
Mercedes holds three degrees from Seton Hall University: a B.A. in Psychology (2002), an M.A. in Psychological Studies (2005), and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology (2013). He founded Your Wellness Space, which offers mental health services targeting personal and workplace well-being issues.
