Riquelmy Lamour: A Beacon of Hope in Washington Heights
Riquelmy Lamour has always had a passion for helping others, a passion that has driven her to make a difference in her community of Washington Heights. Born and raised in a neighborhood plagued by poverty and lack of resources, mostly populated by Dominican immigrants, Riquelmy knew early on that she wanted to bring hope where there was none.
After studying forensic psychology at John Jay College, Riquelmy realized that a bachelor’s degree was not enough to truly address the issues faced by her community. Determined to make a difference, she decided to pursue a master’s degree in social work, despite the challenges she faced as a wife and mother. Her relentless spirit and dedication to her community have led her to her current role as the director of behavioral health and social work at Somos Community Care.
Despite her many accomplishments, Riquelmy remains unsatisfied with the status quo. She dreams of opening her own clinic that focuses on both physical and mental health, bridging the gap that exists in the Latin community. She believes that addressing mental health issues is crucial in a community where the stigma surrounding mental illness still persists.
In addition to her work at Somos Community Care, Riquelmy also serves as a professor of sociology at the University of Mount Saint Vincent and as an advisor to social work companies. Her determination to keep pushing boundaries and her desire to continue learning and growing show no signs of slowing down.
For Riquelmy Lamour, the sky is the limit, and she is determined to keep reaching for new heights in her quest to make a difference in the lives of those around her.