Dr. Marina A. Badillo-Diaz, LCSW

Imagine a world where social work and cutting-edge technology join forces to uplift communities and improves the professional lives of social workers. That's the vision Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz is bringing to life every day. From New York City's community mental health clinics and schools to the forefront of AI innovation, Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz leverages her extensive experience in mental health direct practice, school social work, and educational administration to open her own consulting business MABDConsulting in 2021.

“The AI Social Worker" platform was created by Dr. Badillo-Diaz in January 2024 that aims to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into social work practice while providing free resources and training workshops. It focuses on equipping social workers with the tools, knowledge, and community support needed to responsibly and ethically utilize AI in their work. The goal is to advance the field of social work by enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of social work practices, improving outcomes for clients and their communities. Through this initiative, Dr. Badillo-Diaz seeks to bridge the gap between technology and social work, ensuring that professionals in the field are prepared to navigate and leverage the opportunities presented by AI while maintaining the core values and ethics of the profession.

Holding an MSW from Columbia University and a Doctorate from New York University, her credentials also include a New York State clinical social work license and a Post-Graduate Clinical Supervision Certificate from Smith College. As a consultant, Dr. Badillo-Diaz excels in training social workers and educators further enriched by her positions as a board member of the National School Social Work Association of America, an adjunct professor across prestigious universities and her impactful work with the US Department of Education focusing on youth mental health and community-school partnerships. Her areas of interest and expertise span 21st-century skills, social-emotional learning programming, school social work practice, education, youth mental health, clinical supervision for social workers, AI Applications, data management, and career development. Dr. Badillo-Diaz's diverse interests reflect her holistic approach to social work and education, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being, inclusivity, and preparedness for the future.