Christa C. Gilliam

Christa C. Gilliam is an Associate Professor at Morgan State University in the School of Social Work in Baltimore, Maryland. A California native, she has had extensive experience working with diverse communities in both the public and private non-profit sectors, serving children and their families. Since 2005, she has been advancing the mission of social work in higher education through innovative teaching, impactful research, and meaningful community service.

Gilliam’s research focuses on social work workforce development, leadership, professional mentoring, and social work policy and practice in urban settings. She is committed to preparing students, scholars, and practitioners to navigate the complexities of the profession while addressing social and economic justice. As a co-author of Mentoring Women for Leadership: Empowering the Next Generation (2021), Gilliam explores pathways to leadership for women, reflecting her commitment to fostering equitable leadership. She earned her PhD in social work from Morgan State University, where her dissertation focused on human service leadership, a master’s degree in social welfare from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from California State University, East Bay.

In addition to her academic contributions, Gilliam enjoys quilting, which she has embraced as a form of self-care and a means of storytelling within her community. Her creative pursuits reflect her holistic approach to leadership and her commitment to integrating personal and professional growth. Gilliam continues to inspire emerging leaders in social work through her passion for education, research, and service.