Susan Hess, associate teaching professor of practicum education at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, has been appointed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to the first-ever Women’s Advisory Board. Hess and the other nine members of the Board were sworn in on October 24, 2024 at the Los Angeles Hall of Justice. 

Hess is internationally recognized for her specialization in trauma-informed care and healing-centered engagement. Her commitment to healing and resilience focuses on communities experiencing violence, including those affected by intimate partner violence, incarceration and war. She is the co-founder of Trauma Informed LA, an organization dedicated to fostering resilient communities that promote healing and well-being through collaboration, education and community engagement. Hess also serves as a faculty advisor to Unchained Scholars and the Jewish Student Affinity Group.

The Women’s Advisory Board will focus on fostering open dialogue and building more inclusive, trusted and secure relationships with communities across the county. Members convene regularly to advise on pressing issues, ensuring that gender equity consistently informs the overall strategies of the District Attorney’s Office. This board represents a dedicated step toward policies that reflect the diverse needs of Los Angeles communities, prioritizing resilience, equity and safer futures for everyone.