Colin Powell School
Katherine Chen and Her Path to the Colin Powell School
Dr. Katherine Chen, Chair of Sociology at the Colin Powell School, is making waves in the field of organizational ethnography. With a keen focus on how organizations can empower individuals through collective decision-making, she draws inspiration from her diverse and motivated students at CCNY. Many of her students come from working-class and immigrant backgrounds, and Dr. Chen is dedicated to helping them connect their unique skills to broader societal issues.
Discovering a Passion for Sociology
Dr. Chen's journey into sociology began during her undergraduate studies at Stanford University. After completing her interdisciplinary Human Biology major, she had a few electives left and a friend recommended a sociology class on Asian-American assimilation. Intrigued, Dr. Chen enrolled, seeking to better understand her own experiences as the American-born daughter of immigrants. The class, taught by Susie Chow, became a turning point in her academic career. With Chow as her mentor, Dr. Chen delved deeper into sociology, eventually completing Stanford’s terminal master’s program before pursuing her PhD at Harvard.
At Harvard, a class on organizational sociology opened her eyes to the different ways organizations function globally. With guidance from esteemed advisors, Dr. Chen honed in on transformative organizations—those that support members in pursuing both collective and personal interests, rather than just cataloging their dysfunctions. Her unique research path led her to study the organization behind the annual Burning Man event, where she explored how enabling organizations navigate the fine line between under-organizing and over-organizing.
Bridging Research and Real-World Applications
Dr. Chen's research has significant implications for understanding how organizations can be structured to foster empowerment. Through her work on Burning Man, she illustrated how organizations can facilitate member involvement while still maintaining necessary structure. This dual approach, she argues, is essential for organizations to be responsive and accountable to their stakeholders in today’s complex society.
Reflecting on her experience at CCNY, Dr. Chen finds the vibrant, diverse student body deeply inspiring. Students often come from backgrounds that instill a strong motivation to learn and make the most of their opportunities. Dr. Chen shared stories of standout students like Amena Begum, who, as the youngest daughter of a single parent from Bangladesh, has made significant strides in her academic journey, and Kristen Vinculado, who recently graduated from Hunter School of Social Work and is now making waves as a researcher.
The Unique Environment at CCNY
What sets CCNY apart, according to Dr. Chen, is the opportunity to work with a dedicated faculty committed to launching talented students into their future careers. The Colin Powell School, in particular, excels in attracting well-trained faculty who are passionate about nurturing a diverse student body. Dr. Chen emphasized the importance of creating supportive environments for both students and faculty, especially as public higher education faces increasing challenges.
As she looks to the future, Dr. Chen has several exciting projects on the horizon, including research on mental health organizations across different countries and an anthology on critical sociology. She also teaches an undergraduate research methods course, where she enjoys the dynamic discussions that arise from her students’ varied backgrounds.
The Call for Support in Higher Education
Dr. Chen passionately advocates for the importance of public higher education, especially for institutions like CCNY. She believes that education should be accessible to all, highlighting the transformative power it can have on students’ lives. As financial pressures mount, Dr. Chen calls on supporters to recognize the vital role that organizations like the Colin Powell School play in shaping future generations.
In an era where higher education is often viewed through a narrow lens of economic return, Dr. Chen urges a broader perspective—one that values the development of collective capacity to address pressing societal challenges. With greater support from both the state and philanthropic efforts, CCNY can continue to empower its students and fulfill its mission of social equity and justice.
In a world that often feels divided, Dr. Chen's work stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the power of community, collaboration, and the potential for positive change. Through her research and teaching, she not only prepares her students for their futures but also inspires them to become active participants in their communities, helping to shape a more inclusive and equitable society.