September 2025
Hello Mindbridge community,
It’s been a busy month for our team! Our Research and Evaluation Department (RED) continues its commitment to human rights and science accessibility by assisting nonprofits and other organizations with research support, program evaluation, and data analysis. The Healing Racial Trauma Initiative (HRTI) is launching a new series of "Community Circles," providing a safe, no-cost space for Maine's communities of color to discuss and heal from racial trauma. Finally, our Mindbridge Institute (MI) team is bringing practical behavioral science to the public with a new course on understanding populism and extremism, helping us all navigate the complexities of identity and influence in today's world.
This month also brought the launch of the Mindbridge Podcast: Where Science Meets Human Rights! Each episode connects human rights defenders with brain and behavioral scientists, allowing us to learn from each other and apply scientific principles to create greater impact in human rights advocacy and activism.
Our first two episodes center around topics like racial justice and arts-based activism, inviting a variety of social scientists and activist guests - Dr. Keon West, Dustin Ward, Dr. Ester Shapiro Rok, and Yana Buhrer Tavanier!
You can play a role in this vital work. Listen to the Mindbridge Podcast to join the conversation, and see how you can apply these principles in your own life. Your support helps us continue bridging the gap between science and human rights. Every share, listen, and donation helps us make a difference - visit our website to learn more and get involved!
Onward,
The Mindbridge Team
Welcome to the first two episodes of The Mindbridge Podcast: Where Science Meets Human Rights!
Our podcast invites human rights defenders to teach and learn from brain and behavioral scientists about how we can all use science to do human rights work that is more efficient and impactful.
In episode one, “The Science of Racism”, we are joined by Dr. Keon West and Dustin Ward - two experts in the field of racial justice. Our next podcast episode, "Art & Activism," unpacks the world of “artivism” with clinical psychologist Dr. Ester Shapiro Rok and the co-founder and Executive Director of Fine Acts, Yana Buhrer Tavanier.
Check Out Our Psychology Today Blog!
Psychological scientists and racial equity advocates both emphasize that racism isn’t only about what’s in someone’s heart — it’s about systems, outcomes, and patterns we can measure.
One clear example is the U.S. mortgage industry, where a recent Financial Times analysis of nearly 40 million mortgage applications between 2018 and 2023 found that Black applicants are more than twice as likely to be denied a mortgage compared to white applicants with similar financial profiles. Latino and Asian applicants also face elevated rejection rates, revealing persistent, systemic bias—even in the face of anti-discrimination laws.
Understanding Populism & Extremism: Echo Chambers, Algorithms, & Individualism
October 30 | 2:00–3:00 PM EST
This session looks at how personalized content, online echo chambers, and cultural values around individualism shape what we believe and how we see each other.
We’ll also reflect on how our digital identities are shaped, and what that means for connection, responsibility, and social change.
Everyone is welcome, all on a pay-what-you-can scale, because learning belongs to all of us.
I Am A Human Rights Defender
Mindy Spitzer
Human rights defenders seek the promotion and protection of civil and political rights
as well as the promotion, protection and realization of economic, social + cultural rights.
- OHCHR
Mindy Spitzer has been an activist in the women's and lesbian movements since the age of 17 - she is now 71. She first started working on a peer-staffed lesbian switchboard in the Greenwich Village section of New York City by her 18th birthday.
She also volunteered at The NY Women's Center and was a member of The Gay Activist Alliance, and Lesbian Feminist Liberation.
In 1975, after graduating radiologic technology training, she moved to Miami and jumped right into the lesbian and feminist communities. She joined The National Organization for Women (NOW), traveling all over the state educating women on lesbian issues within the feminist community.
She has continued her work throughout the years and expanded to other causes of equal importance. She has worked with Black Lives Matters, various political campaigns, conducted workshops, and continues to attend numerous conferences on WOKE issues.
She attended The Women's March on Washington January 21, 2017 and protested at President 45's inauguration. While a Women's Studies major at FIU, she participated in many of the campus clubs and events related to activism.
“In today’s political climate, I continue my work on equality for all. I believe now more than ever that there is so much work still to be done and plan on always being part of the change.”
Program Recap
Across all our work, we stay committed to learning from neuroscience and psychology to better understand the complexities of human behavior. Nothing highlights this need more than the current events surrounding us on a daily basis. This work feels especially necessary right now.
Our public courses are one way we bring this commitment to life. We take applied behavioral science and make it public and practical. These courses are relevant and ongoing, and we continue to see a real need for it, especially in the U.S., where questions about identity, influence, and polarization are shaping our daily lives.
Our team is unfaltering in its commitment to human rights – including
the right to education and freedom of knowledge. In the midst of our year-long successes in facilitating new research support for ourselves and other nonprofits, the RED has been considering the immeasurable, positive impact of scientific education and knowledge in the U.S. and globally. As times, perspectives, and the number and types of resources may shift, we take the stance of supporting others where we can to further our commitment.
The RED has always utilized the scientific process to expand knowledge at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and social advocacy, and can assist others in doing the same in their work. Specifically, our team can help:
Review new or old programs’ successes and challenges
Communicate and analyze data to drive new findings or insights
Connect with community partners and engage them in your research
Please feel free to reach out at our e-mail for any direct comments, inquiries, or questions or check out our Mindbridge page for information about the types of research we do.
As we end off yet another amazing month at the Mental Health and Resiliency Department, the Healing Racial Trauma Initiative is excited to launch our new programming this fall. We have welcomed an amazing powerhouse of a team to serve on our Advisory Committee. This group is filled with experienced and gifted academic scholars, who are passionate about mental health and pouring wisdom into our initiative. As we welcome our advisors this month at our first meeting, we thank them for their dedication to changing our world today and aiding us in the development and implementation of culturally syntonic programming.
We would also love to share our excitement as we launch our no-cost Community Circles dialogue series, designed for individuals of color who are Maine-based or Maine-raised who are looking to learn more about racial trauma and unpack their experiences in a safe space. These intentional conversation-based circles aim to provide safe, culturally-responsive spaces for individuals and communities impacted by racial trauma in Maine.
These circles will allow participants to explore various topics, including but not limited to their racial, ethnicity and cultural identities, while co-creating a safe space to share their collective ideas, support one another, and foster a sense of collective care. Abdi "Lalee" Awad will facilitate these community circle conversations, guided by the insights of our distinguished Advisory Committee.
If you would like to sign up for the community circles or know anyone who is interested, please click here to sign-up and learn more! Please feel free to reach out at healing@mindbridgecenter.org with any other questions.
“Our values are the blueprint for the world we’d like to live in. Our politics are the roadmap directing us to that world. … science is the best way we have of understanding the world as it is”
Happenings & Events
Upcoming Days of Observance:
9/15: International Day of Democracy
Celebrated on September 15th, the International Day of Democracy reminds us of the critical need to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms. True democracy requires the freely expressed will of the people and meaningful representation in governance. Yet in many parts of the world (including our own backyard) these principles are under threat. It is our shared responsibility to resist undemocratic practices and defend the rights and dignity of all.
9/15: Start of Hispanic Heritage Month
Also celebrated on September 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and enduring contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across the United States. Today, this takes on deeper urgency amid rising threats, discriminatory policies, and acts of violence targeting Hispanic communities. Honoring Hispanic heritage must go hand in hand with defending their human rights.
As Mindbridge’s Founder, Laura Ligouri, says: “From September 15 to October 15, we take this special time to honor not only the artistic, culinary, and cultural achievements but also the tireless efforts of those who have fought for justice, equality, and human rights. Their legacy inspires us to continue the fight for justice and equality for all.”
9/17: National Voter Registration Day
September 17th celebrates National Voter Registration Day! Voting is more than a right - it's a cornerstone of human dignity, equality, and justice. At a time when voter suppression, disinformation, and systemic barriers continue to disproportionately impact communities of color, protecting the right to vote is more urgent than ever. Check your voter registration status here - upholding democracy demands our active and collective commitment!
9/21: International Day of Peace
International Day of Peace is recognized on September 21st, reminding us that peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice, safety, and dignity for all people. From global crises to the everyday violence faced by marginalized communities here in the United States, peace is necessary for human rights to be upheld and for building a future rooted in equity, compassion, and shared humanity.
