Meet Our Chair: Dr. Tsitsi Mpofu-Mketwa
The Centre for Studies on Poverty and Social Citizenship (CSPSC) is pleased to feature Dr. Tsitsi Mpofu-Mketwa, Chair of the Centre and Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Carleton University. Dr. Mpofu-Mketwa’s teaching and research are grounded in social justice, decolonization, and participatory approaches to social work practice. With experience in both academic and community settings, she is committed to addressing systemic inequalities and advancing the rights, dignity, and inclusion of structurally vulnerable communities.
In this brief profile, Dr. Mpofu-Mketwa shares her vision for the Centre and her hopes for deepening collaboration across research, teaching, and community engagement.
1. What inspired you to take on the role of Chair at the Centre for Studies on Poverty and Social Citizenship?
I was drawn to this role because of the Centre’s strong commitment to addressing poverty and social citizenship through research, advocacy, and collaboration. The CSPSC provides a unique space where academic inquiry meets social action and anti-oppressive social work, and I wanted to contribute to strengthening that bridge. It is an honour to help guide this important work and support the communities we serve.
2. How do you see the CSPSC contributing to research and action on poverty and social inclusion in the coming years?
The Centre is positioned to play a vital role in connecting academic research with community-based solutions. This year, we are hosting an Affordable Housing Symposium in March 2024, which will bring together scholars, community leaders, and policymakers to discuss housing accessibility and equity. We are also proud to provide research funding to faculty members undertaking projects related to poverty and social citizenship, as well as support for Carleton Social Work students who have been accepted to present their research at academic conferences. Through these initiatives, the CSPSC continues to foster innovation, amplify diverse voices, and ensure that our collective work leads to meaningful, real-world impact.
3. What message would you like to share with students, researchers, and community partners connected to the CSPSC?
The CSPSC is a collective effort, built on shared values of collaboration, inclusion, and critical engagement. I invite students, researchers, and community organizations to continue to partner with us through research, events, and dialogue as we work together toward a more just and equitable society.