Rima Afifi is a Palestinian American who has lived in Beirut, Lebanon for most of her life. Rima is currently a professor in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa.  Her research and practice focus on contexts of uncertainty, displacement and migration; and on mental health, and substance use. Applying a lens of social justice and heath equity, Rima interrogates systems of oppression and othering that occurs at socio-ecological levels. She applies community-engaged research and practice to equalize power, voice, and self-determination of communities experiencing marginalization. Rima’s passion is to work with adolescents and young adults to craft environments conducive to their wellbeing.