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    Meet Dr. Carmen

Dr. Carmen McNeil-Clinkscales, affectionately known as Dr. Carmen, is a tenured professor, empowerment coach, wife, mother, and workshop facilitator with a Ph.D. in Psychology and over 25 years of experience in teaching, training, and transforming lives

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She is the founder of Dr. Carmen Empowers, a movement dedicated to breaking the silence around our most human experiences—like stress, the menstrual cycle, and identity - so people can feel seen, celebrated, and confident in their truth.

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A graduate of the California Black Women’s Health Project Advocacy Training Program, Dr. Carmen blends cultural responsiveness with deep compassion to lead transformative workshops, coaching programs, and lectures.

She’s a speaker for corporate conferences, community organizations, and educational institutions - bringing both professional expertise and lived experience as a wife and mother to every conversation.

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“When we change the conversation, we change lives—and communities.”

Education & Experience:

  • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology - Boston College

  • Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology - Saybrook University

  • Coach for Life Graduate

  • California Black Women’s Health Project Advocacy Training Program Graduate

  • Diablo Valley College 2024 Faculty Lecturer - "Destigmatizing Menstruation as   an Act of Social Justice"

  • Contra Costa Community College District - Workshop Facilitator -  "Harmonizing Perspectives: Music, Diversity and Social Change”

  • College of Marin, Equity in Mental Health Symposium - Workshop Facilitator - "Destigmatizing Menstruation as   an Act of Social Justice"

  • Hercules, CA Library, Martin Luther King Celebration - Workshop Facilitator -  "Harmonizing Perspectives: Music, Diversity and Social Change”

  • Salesian College Prep High School - Life Skills Program - "Harmonizing Perspectives: Music, Diversity and Social Change”

  • Black Women’s Media and Wellness Project - Workshop Facilitator - “Rock with Your Menstrual Rhythm”

  • Berkeley Youth Alternatives - Family Counselor/Case Manager

  • Community College Counselor and Psychology Professor

  • Milestones Human Services - Coordinator of Women’s Services/Case Manager

  • Sunny Side High School, Fresno, CA Young Women’s Conference Workshop Presenter - “Taking Care of #1 - YOU” 

  • Co-facilitator Teen Life Challenge Staff Retreat

  • Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Women in Health Luncheon Series - Keynote speaker - “Stress Management for the Woman On-the-go”

  • Contra Costa College’s Community Dialog on the Covenant with Black America - Panelist

  • Western Regional Council on Black American Affairs Workshop Presenter -  “Leadership with Ease and Grace”

  • California Child Care Resource & Referral Network’s Annual Conference Workshop Presenter - “Choose to Stress Less”

  • San Bernardino County KidsNCare Staff Development Training 

  • Women’s Spiritual Koinonia Annual Retreat, Youth Workshop Facilitator - “Developing Your Path to a Prosperous Future”

  • American Business Women’s Association Cities by the Bay Chapter - Facilitator

  • The Sacramento and Berkeley Bay Area Alumni chapters of Delta Sigma Theta’s Youth Initiative Programs - “Power to the Period”

  • African American Health Summit - Workshop Facilitator - “Creating a Powerful Legacy through Your Child’s Nutrition”

  • Diablo Valley College Professional Development Workshop Presenter - “Secrets to Ease on Down Your Yellow Brick Road"

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