Walter Hood, MA, CA
Walter Hood has over 12 years of experience working with victims and survivors of trauma. Walter is currently the International Victim Advocate for Peace Corps HQ, where he ensures policy implementation, support and resources for volunteers around the world. Walter has worked on special projects for multiple federal agencies. Namely, he has provided expertise to the US Department of State and the United States Army during the Afghan refugee evacuation, as well as served as a subject matter expert for the US Department of Health and Human Services while working with unaccompanied minors at the US southern border. Walter has won numerous awards for his humanitarian work, including the Distinguished Director’s Award from Peace Corps, Outstanding Achievement Award from the US Army, and the Superior Service Award from the Department of State. Outside of his federal duties, Walter provides violence prevention consultation and group facilitation to multiple non-profit organizations in the DMV. Prior to his international advocacy work, Walter served as the Senior Victim/Witness Coordinator at the State’s Attorney’s Office and acted as a liaison between witnesses/victims of crimes and community leaders, law enforcement, judges and local non-profit organizations. During Walter’s time there, he worked with victims of crime that ranged from petty theft to murder. Additionally, Walter’s previous professional history includes work in a private law firm, as well as being an educator in the public school system.
Education:
University of Maryland Baltimore County, BA in Political Science and Legal Policy Hood College, MS in Human Behavior
Certifications:
Certified Victim Advocate with the National Organization for Victim Assistance
Certified Abuse Intervention Facilitator through the State of Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Prevention
Certified Victim Interviewer through Ending Violence Against Women International (EVAWI)
Publications and awards/recognitions:
Distinguished Director’s Award from Peace Corps
Outstanding Achievement Award from the US Army
Superior Service Award from the US Department of State
Victim Advocate of the Year from the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office