Eugene Z. Bertrand

πŸ•ŠοΈπŸ’™Π€Π’Ξ£πŸ€πŸ€˜πŸΎ | Bestselling Author | Columbia MSW 26’ | Helping Men Heal From Trauma

New York City Metropolitan Area

About

Equity | Justice | Education Conscientious Member of Society

Experience

  • Member at Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
    May 2026 - Present Β· 2 mos

    Proud member of the Delta Pi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

  • Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at Centerpiece Behavioral Health
    May 2024 - Present Β· 2 yrs 2 mos

    As the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at Centerpiece Behavioral Health Services, I drive community engagement and promote mental health awareness through targeted marketing initiatives. I create content for social media platforms to showcase our services and mission. I coordinate impactful outreach events and collaborate with community partners to expand our reach.

  • Mitigation at Federal Public Defender, District of Connecticut
    May 2025 - May 2026 Β· 1 yr 1 mo

    At the Federal Public Defender’s Office, I play a key role in humanizing clients through in-depth mitigation work that informs case strategy, plea negotiations, and sentencing. I conduct comprehensive investigations into clients’ life histories, including trauma, mental health, socioeconomic factors, and systemic barriers, to develop compelling narratives that advocate for alternatives to incarceration. My work involves reviewing records, conducting interviews, and collaborating with attorneys, mitigation specialists, and community partners to ensure our clients’ stories are fully understood and represented.

  • Columbia University (Hybrid)
    • Research Assistant at the Action Lab for Social Justice
      Sep 2024 - May 2026 Β· 1 yr 9 mos

      Passionate and dedicated Research Assistant at the Action Lab for Social Justice, where I drive initiatives aimed at advocating for and advancing social justice. With a focus on anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices, I collaborate with a dynamic team of researchers and partners to develop and execute impactful programs. My work involves strategic planning, fostering partnerships, and ensuring that all initiatives align with liberatory social justice values. Committed to continuous learning and creating safe, inclusive environments, I bring a critical social justice lens to all aspects of my role.

    • MSW Candidate
      Aug 2024 - May 2026 Β· 1 yr 10 mos

  • Environmental Fellow at Yale University
    May 2025 - Aug 2025 Β· 4 mos

    Through the Yale University Environmental Fellowship Program, I am collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of foresters, attorneys, and environmental advocates at the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation. My work focuses on advancing land justice by helping families secure clear title to heirs’ property, promoting sustainable forestry as a tool for wealth-building, and strengthening climate resilience in historically marginalized communities. I engage in legal research, land management planning, and community outreach, contributing to efforts that bridge environmental stewardship with economic empowerment and social equity.