Dr. Lenette Azzi Lessing

Biography

Lenette Azzi-Lessing is a Clinical Professor and Chair of the Macro Social Work Department at Boston University School of Social Work. As Specialization Coordinator for Children, Youth, and Families, she specializes in topics such as poverty policy, promoting equity and inclusion in human service organizations, and reforming the child welfare system. Her focus is on improving the well-being and life chances of vulnerable young children and families, particularly those living in poverty or involved with the child protective system. Azzi-Lessing is a senior fellow at the Child Welfare League of America and is known for her advocacy in promoting the well-being of vulnerable children through child welfare reform. She is the author of “Behind Start: America’s War on the Poor, Harming Vulnerable Children,” and has multiple publications in her field. Before joining BU, she was a Professor at Wheelock College and the founding director of its Graduate Certificate Program in Early Childhood Mental Health. Azzi-Lessing also served as a faculty leader in partnerships for early childhood development in South Africa. In 2017, she was named a Fulbright Specialist by the U.S. State Department. With over 25 years of experience as a social worker, agency leader, and policy advocate, she has developed and taught a wide range of courses and provided training and consultation across the U.S. and in South Africa.

Research Interests