Deidra Somerville

Deidra Somerville (she/her) is a mother, activist, scholar, and healer born in Ramaytush Ohlone territory (San Francisco, CA). Her work centers on organizing, co-operative development, healing from trauma, and advancing decolonized principles and practices in organizational settings. Dr. Somerville draws on clinical and liberatory-based healing strategies in her work with clients and communities. She has also conducted qualitative and quantitative research on cooperative finance, alternatives to youth incarceration, fundraising practices, and community organizing. Her academic background includes a BA in Sociology and Political Science from the University of California, Santa Cruz, an MSW in Human Resources Management from Boston University, and a PhD in community psychology from National Louis University. She also served as Alchemy’s Executive Director for two years, ending in October 2023.