Professor Ali Gheith knows firsthand what it means to turn disaster into triumph. Following the disastrous events of Sept. 11, he worked for a crisis-counseling group, Project Liberty, to address the psychological impact of disaster on minorities and union workers. His more than 16 years experience working at Columbia University as a social scientist in mental health prepared him to address the special needs of vulnerable populations and train counselors on methods of providing culturally appropriate disaster mental health services to diverse communities. An expert on international affairs, Gheith conducted the first known research on the mental health needs of Muslims and the role of imams in the day-to-day lives of American Muslims.
Gheith’s current position is director-master of public administration in emergency and disaster management program at Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY), where he works closely with six Haitian students who were recently awarded free full-tuition scholarships to earn a master’s of public administration degree in emergency and disaster management, which will provide them the skills they need to return home and help their country.
“[In] this way we are empowering them to take ownership of their well-being and be able to respond to their needs with available local resources,” Gheith shares. “They are integrating and merging with American students. I am happy to say that they’ve adjusted to the way of life in New York.”
MCNY’s 16-Month master’s of public administration in emergency and disaster management is a highly specialized degree that covers planning, management, logistics, response, relief, recovery and economics associated with managing emergency situations. Examples of classes within this program include the “Economics of Hazards and Disasters,” “Public Health Systems and Preparedness, “Terrorism and Disaster Management” and “Organizational and Municipal Continuity Planning.” The scholarship program also incorporates MCNY’s Constructive Action curriculum that works to develop a “hands-on” comprehensive emergency management experience and plan that can be adapted and implemented in Haiti.
Ultimately, the program will prepare the students to “be better project managers and work with the international community in times of disaster,” says Gheith.
Gheith is the author or co-author of journal articles and is an extremely active figure in a number of professional organizations, and a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable in our communities. He’s the recipient of the NYC Distinguished Service Award for his work with community and faith leaders across New York City. –yvette caslin
