The LPP Blog

Tina Souverain- Weekes

Director, Liberty Partnerships Program
St. John's University
Phone: (718) 990-6763

Tina Souverain-Weekes has a personal mantra: "If I can help only one child, then I have done my job." This sentiment echoes in her mind every day, driving her to create a positive impact on each student's life in her role as Director of the St. John's University Liberty Partnerships Program.

Tina, a former LPP student herself, understands the struggles facing students today. She discovered LPP in high school, when the loss of her mother left her unable to find a way forward. Liberty Partnerships helped her to find a positive path, and she not only graduated, but went on to attend Kingsborough Community College. From there she earned her Bachelor's in Social Work from York College. She then completed her Master's in Social Work from Adelphi University.

After college Tina worked as a social worker in a private practice, but felt compelled to give back to the program that had supported her. Beginning as a volunteer mentor, she worked her way up to her current position, where she continues her mission of empowering students. “Quality over quantity” is something she works to instill in her students, helping them to make choices that will serve them both now and in the future.

Tina is also an adjunct professor, working with social work master's level interns, and teaching them how to navigate their chosen profession while always finding ways to give back to the community around them.