Travonne Edwards

Dr. Travonne Edwards is an Assistant Professor in the School of Child and Youth Care at Toronto Metropolitan University. He holds a PhD in Social Work from the University of Toronto, alongside advanced qualifications in Child and Youth Care. His research focuses on addressing racial disparities in child welfare systems, anti-Black racism, and improving outcomes for marginalized Black communities. Dr. Edwards has conducted extensive work with the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies' One Vision One Voice initiative to combat systemic overrepresentation of Black families in child welfare.

Educational Background:

• PhD in Social Work, University of Toronto
• MA and BA in Child and Youth Care, Toronto Metropolitan University
• Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Care, Sheridan College

Research Interests:

Dr. Edwards prioritizes understanding how state systems impact Black communities, particularly focusing on:

• Racial disparities in child welfare
• Coping mechanisms of Black homicide survivors
• Cannabis use trends among youth
• Healthcare access for Black men who have sex with men
• Youth wellness and structural inequities

Awards & Grants:

• SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship ($40,000)
• Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship ($12,500)
• SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant ($36,600)
• Sharon and Larry Enkin Community Leadership Award

Advocacy & Partnerships:

Dr. Edwards collaborates with grassroots organizations to address systemic racism in child welfare through projects like #Pullingtogether Collaborative and Mapping Disparities for Black Families. His work emphasizes community-driven solutions to dismantle institutional racism.

Labs & Teams:

He leads research initiatives at the intersection of social work and policy reform, partnering with academic institutions and community groups to advance racial equity in child welfare and healthcare systems.