Lina Barbenes Santiago, LSMW

Lina Barbenès Santiago, LMSW (she/her) is a trauma therapist and organizer. She graduated from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College in 2019 with a specialization in Global Social Work and Practice with Immigrants and Refugees. She had previously earned a Master Degree in Public and Political Communications from the University of Paris XII. Daughter of a Puerto Rican immigrant in Paris, France, and an immigrant herself, Lina is a passionate advocate for immigrants’ rights and, in particular, the mental health of LGBTQIA Latinx and African sanctuary seekers. Lina believes that therapy is political, and her trauma work is grounded systemic, anti-imperialistic and anti-capitalistic practices. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, she has had the opportunity to live and work in five different countries.