About | Arec

About Dr. Angela Benveniste

Educator • Researcher • Community Leader

Dr. Angela Benveniste is an educator, researcher, and community-engaged leader with a longstanding commitment to advancing inclusive, strengths-based learning and community collaboration. Her work bridges research, education, and real-world practice, with a focus on supporting students, educators, families, and organizations through thoughtful program design and applied research.

Dr. Benveniste holds a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) from the University of Southern California, where her advanced training emphasized leadership, applied research, and community-based practice. With an interdisciplinary background in psychology and social science, she currently serves as a psychology professor, teaching and mentoring students across diverse academic and professional pathways.

Academic & Professional Background

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Benveniste has focused on translating research into accessible, practical applications that support learning, development, and community wellbeing. Her work emphasizes:

Applied and community-based research
Program evaluation and improvement
Inclusive and developmentally appropriate educational practices
Ethical, strengths-based approaches to learning and engagement

As a faculty member, she is deeply committed to student learning, mentorship, and academic growth, supporting students in developing critical thinking, research literacy, and professional confidence.

Community & Organizational Leadership

A central pillar of Dr. Benveniste’s work is her dedication to community engagement and organizational collaboration. She has been actively involved in designing, supporting, and leading community-based initiatives that bring together educators, students, families, and organizations.

Her community and organizational work includes:

Planning and coordinating academic and professional conferences
Supporting community learning initiatives and collaborative events
Advising and partnering with educational and nonprofit organizations
Facilitating dialogue and engagement across diverse stakeholders

Dr. Benveniste is especially committed to initiatives that expand access, elevate diverse voices, and create meaningful opportunities for learning and connection beyond traditional institutional settings.

Research, Evaluation & Applied Practice

Dr. Benveniste’s research and evaluation work focuses on helping organizations understand impact, strengthen programs, and make informed decisions. She brings a collaborative and practical approach to:

Program evaluation and impact assessment
Needs assessments and community listening
Research design for applied educational settings
Grant-supported project development and evaluation

Her approach prioritizes clarity, usefulness, and ethical practice, ensuring that research findings are accessible and actionable for educators, leaders, and community partners.

Commitment to Service & Helping Others

At the core of Dr. Benveniste’s work is a deep commitment to service, mentorship, and helping others thrive. Whether working with students, collaborating with organizations, or supporting community initiatives, she brings empathy, organization, and a strong sense of responsibility to every role she holds.

Her work is guided by the belief that education, research, and community engagement are most powerful when they are inclusive, collaborative, and grounded in respect for diverse experiences and ways of learning.

Role at Applied Research & Education Collaborative

As Managing Member and Director of Research & Educational Programs at Applied Research & Education Collaborative, Dr. Benveniste leads research, evaluation, conference development, and educational initiatives that support schools, universities, nonprofits, and community organizations. Her leadership ensures that all programs are thoughtfully designed, research-informed, and aligned with the organization’s mission to support learning, creativity, and community connection.