Trina R. Shanks

Trina R. Shanks is a Professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work and Director of the Center for Equitable Family and Community Well-Being. She leads the ENGAGE team for community engagement and serves as faculty advisor to the New Leaders in African-Centered Social Work Program.

• PhD in Social Work, Washington University (2003)
• MSW in Social Work, Washington University (2000)
• MPhil in Comparative Social Research, University of Oxford (1996) as Rhodes Scholar
• BS in Business Administration, John M. Olin School of Business (1992)

Shanks' research focuses on racial capitalism, asset-building policy, and community development, particularly examining how poverty and wealth affect child well-being. She has pioneered initiatives like the SEED demonstration program and Detroit Summer Youth Employment Program evaluations, while co-leading national efforts to reverse economic inequality.

Her article trends reveal consistent engagement with racial justice, youth labor markets, and economic policy, often intersecting with the legacies of slavery and systemic inequality. Key themes include pandemic impacts on employment, gig economy challenges, and reparations frameworks.

• 2024 SSWR Social Policy Award
• 2023 Distinguished Faculty Award
• Fellow, American Academy of Social Work (2021)
• Rhodes Scholar (1996)
• $1 million grant from Washtenaw County (2023)

Shanks advises on community engagement and macro-level social work, with notable policy contributions to child savings initiatives and urban development programs. She co-leads the Social Work Grand Challenge on economic inequality and maintains affiliations with the Urban Institute and Skillman Foundation projects.