Mara Schiff, Ph.D.

Can you tell us a bit about your job responsibilities?

At FAU, my responsibilities include academic teaching, research and service where I specialize in the intersection of restorative justice and racial equity in justice and educational environments. At SDIRC, I serve as an elected school board member and am responsible for representing the public to oversee local school district policy, practice and fiscal decision-making in support of local public education.

How would you describe the impact you’ve had throughout your career?

I have been advocating for youth in justice and education settings for almost 30 years. I have published, spoken, and trained about restorative justice and racial equity in justice and education settings for nearly three decades now and have been a leader in the restorative justice movement both nationally and internationally. 

What else should the Wagner community know about your work?

I am also VP of the National Association for Community and Restorative Justice, and have published dozens of articles, given invited talks, trained local school districts and other organizations in using inclusive restorative strategies to build strong culture and climate building to diminish racial disproportionality in justice and education settings. I also have my own consulting company, PeaceWorks Consulting, Inc. which provides consulting services to justice and education organizations interested in restorative strategies.