Jamal Cunningham, Adler School of Professional Psychology

Jamal Cunningham, a second year Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) at the Adler School of Professional Psychology, is a student leader dedicated to advocating for the LGBTQ community in Chicago, teaching, and creating safe spaces to learn. Prior to coming to the Adler School, Jamal served as a committee member of the Association for LGBTQ Issues in Counseling’s Safe Schools Task Force, promoting awareness and partnerships for educational safe spaces that are free of violence and judgment. In Prince Georges County, Maryland, Jamal worked to bridge the gap between African American churches and young LGBTQ congregants. In 2013, he completed a six-month Community Service Practicum at the Adler School’s LGBTQ Mental Health and Inclusion Center, developing a website directory of Chicago LGBTQ services. Currently, Jamal is fulfilling an assessment practicum at Adler Community Health Services, conducting psychological evaluations on clients in Chicagoland communities that the School serves. Jamal champions diversity issues at the Adler School. In his role as a campus Diversity Assistant, Jamal has recruited scholars from around the country to participate in a Diversity Scholars Program, a three day program designed to help undergraduate students of color to succeed in applying to graduate school. Jamal’s leadership characteristics are rooted in his commitment to social justice and, more importantly, an awareness of the broader systems that effect individual and community well-being.