Black History Month: Asani Seawell

Legacy in Motion: Asani Seawell, PhD

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and inspire the future.

Aligned with the 2025 national Black History Month theme, "African Americans and Labor," our "Legacy in Motion" campaign explores the profound ways that work – in all its forms – intersects with the collective experiences of the Black community. From skilled and unskilled labor to vocational and voluntary work, Black contributions have shaped organizations, communities, and history.

As part of this campaign, we're honoring the journeys of long-term Black Legacy employees who share stories of perseverance, growth, and impact. Through their journeys, we celebrate Black history in action, recognizing that their work is not just a job but a lasting contribution to our organization.

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Asani Seawell, PhD, spent 16 fulfilling years teaching psychology at the university level. But the psychologist knew she always wanted to pursue a clinical practice. That’s what brought her to Legacy seven years ago when she joined the Weight & Diabetes Institute at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center.

The career change lived up to Asani’s expectations as she’s been able to meld her clinical skills with a desire to provide the best health care possible for the community. She recently spoke with us about her career, what Black History Month means to her and how she advises people thinking about a career in health care.

Can you share your journey at Legacy Health and how your role has evolved over the years?

I’ve always maintained clinical work in the Weight & Diabetes Institute. I’m a psychologist and do a lot of pre- and post-surgical counseling. I got involved with employee resource groups. I belong to BERG and Pride. I’m the outgoing lead social committee chair for those groups. I’m also wrapping up my two-year tenure with the HRSA workforce wellbeing grant as project director. All of this is connected to my interest in the health and wellbeing of the community.

How did you become involved with the BERG and what do you get from it?

I joined BERG first, close to the time that I started working at Legacy. I knew it was a place for support and connection. I think it's easy to feel isolated from community in our various roles. Joining the BERG helped widen my sense of community and connection. I’ve joined PRIDE in the last couple of years and have had a similar experience.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month, to me, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions my community has made to Oregon, the country and the world. For me, Black history is something I recognize and celebrate every month. However, I do appreciate and like to take advantage of programs that are targeted for the month and to have that extra level of recognition. I appreciate that during Black History Month there's always an individual or fact that I did not know. I appreciate adding that to my knowledge.

How do you think the contributions of Black labor, historically and currently, have shaped industries like health care?

Black individuals have always been involved with health care. Throughout time, we’ve been caregivers both within our families and communities and in healthcare organizations. There have been a number of advances in medical science achieved by Black healthcare professionals. Like the work done by the Black scientist, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, that aided in the development of the Covid vaccine. Without Black Americans, health care wouldn’t be what it is today.

How has your identity as a Black professional shaped your experiences in the workplace?

It's so meaningful for me to work with patients, and I get a special thrill in working with patients who are from my community. I think patients find it meaningful to have providers that look like them and have similar experiences. I think this is particularly true when it comes to mental health care, which can be stigmatized. Seeing yourself reflected in your providers can help with communication, perceptions of care, and even health outcomes.

I’ve also been able to find a Black community at Legacy, which has largely been due to my connection with BERG. I now have colleagues across the organization who I consider friends. And since I have been supported by my leadership to participate in BERG, I also feel seen and supported by the broader Legacy community.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in health care or considering joining Legacy?

I’m an educator at heart. I spent 16 years as an academic psychologist at Pacific University and a university in the Midwest. I’ve given lots of advice and the first thing I’d say is the landscape of health care mirrors what’s happening in our broader society. I think that all providers feel this, but especially those of us who are in mental health fields. This makes health care dynamic and exciting, but also tiring at times, particularly in moments when our broader society is struggling. So, balance self-care and working for system level changes become lifetime endeavors for those of us in health care.

I’d also say find out who your allies, mentors and collaborators are going to be. We all need support throughout our careers so we need to think broadly about who those folks will be.

Are there any projects or moments you’re especially proud of during your time here?

I’m definitely proud to have led the HRSA grant as director, and to have had the chance to work with a team of folks who are committed to this work. I’m also proud of my time in the Weight and Diabetes Institute, all the patients I have supported, and all of the student clinicians I have helped train.

I think I am particularly proud of all the relationships I’ve cultivated at Legacy, and all of the people who I call friends, colleagues and community.