Martha Njoku, MSW, RSW (she/her) is a PhD student at Carleton University's School of Social Work and a practicing clinical social worker. She currently runs a private practice that offers culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health support to individuals and families. Her research and practice are informed by over a decade of experience in community development, school-based counseling, university mental health services, and mental health and addiction organizations.
Martha's research focuses on the lived experiences and help-seeking behaviors of Black African immigrant and refugee men living with serious mental illness. Guided by critical race theory and intersectionality, her doctoral work examines how systemic inequities impact access to care, belonging, and long-term recovery. This research challenges dominant service frameworks and promotes more equitable and culturally grounded mental health interventions, services, and policies.
Martha has collaborated on projects with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) focused on clinical supervision and mentorship, contributing to knowledge-sharing and capacity-building within the sector. She has also supported trauma-informed programming for refugee populations through her work with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), offering mental health support that addresses both systemic and settlement-related challenges.
Martha has held various leadership roles, including President of the Social Work Student Association at the University of Waterloo and PhD Representative on the Graduate Program Committee at Carleton University's School of Social Work. She also leads the Mental Health and Welfare Committee at a faith-based organization and facilitates community-based mental health awareness and psychoeducational workshops.
As Student Director, Martha collaborates closely with Board leadership to support the needs of social work students across Ontario, with a strong emphasis on equity, mental health, and inclusive leadership. She contributes to discussions that further the mission of the OASW and is dedicated to amplifying the students' diverse voices, realities, and aspirations.