From White Hall to White House: Alumna Gains National Recognition for Promoting Mental Health Among Asian American Communities
When Stacey Diane Arañez Litam, Ph.D. ’18, came to Kent State to earn a doctorate in counselor education and supervision, she delved into research in White Hall and ignited a passion that would last well after graduation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stacey, who identifies as a Chinese and Filipina American woman, was an early researcher on the impact of anti-Asian discrimination on Asian Americans, with 17 of her publications now archived in the World Health Organization’s Global Database on COVID-19 literature. Last fall, she spoke at the 2024 White House Filipino American History Month Celebration, and she recently published her first book, “Patterns that Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants,” which she describes as a “love letter” to those striving to heal diasporic wounds and resolve insecure attachments in their relationships. Stacey is an associate professor of counselor education at Cleveland State University and was named in Crain’s Cleveland 40 Under 40 in 2023. She has dedicated her career to decolonizing mental health, assisting survivors of sex trafficking and promoting Asian American mental health. Get to know Stacey in her own words.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
SL: My idea of perfect happiness is peace; peace with oneself, acceptance of what one can control and gratitude for the people in our community.
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
SL: My favorite traits in others are compassion and dependability.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
SL: I am passionate about making a positive impact in this world and sometimes forget to slow down and celebrate my accomplishments.
KSU: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
SL: My parents’ sacrifice and commitment to ensuring my brothers and I had every opportunity to succeed has been invaluable.
KSU: What is your favorite Kent State memory?
SL: Connecting with other doctoral students between classes and traveling to conferences together.
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
SL: My life has been one continuously eventful journey, and I am deeply grateful for each adventure that unfolds. I don't think I can pick a favorite!
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
SL: Dim sum. Lots and lots of dim sum.
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
SL: Witnessing how my book, "Patterns that Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants" has resonated with thousands of readers across the world. It is exciting to hear how this project has created the foundation for readers to heal diasporic wounds, strengthen relationships and break intergenerational trauma patterns.
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
SL: Nicolas Cage. Because, why not?
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
SL: The relationships I built and the importance of learning to navigate difficult dialogues.
If you enjoyed this article, you can view an extended cut of the interview for even more from Stacey.