Ronnie Sidney II

Ronnie Sidney II, LCSW, is a 2014 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Social Work master's program. In 2017, Sidney became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and was recognized as one of 15 Black Male Therapists You Should Know by HuffPost. Sidney spent nearly two decades working in mental health with youth & adults.

Sidney is both a best-selling and award-winning author. He released Amazon bestseller Nelson Beats the Odds in 2015, a semiautobiographical comic book about a young man who struggles with the shame of being placed in special education. Sidney's books created a platform for him to enter the professional speaking realm. Sidney currently travels all across the United States, presenting at conferences, conventions, colleges, schools, and more.

Old Dominion University honored Sidney with the prestigious Darden Award in 2017. The award is given to Darden College of Education alumnus who have made outstanding achievements. In 2020, Virginia Commonwealth University featured Sidney in the Shafer Court Connections magazine. He was one of 200 VCU Alumni featured in The Power Issue, which honored inspiring alumni.

In addition to his professional and academic life, Sidney is a loving husband and father. He enjoys exercising, attending broadways plays, and listening to music. Sidney is a member of several boards, including the advisory board for VCU's Center on Transition Innovations (VCU-CTI). The Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) at Virginia Commonwealth University provides evidence-based resources and information along with emerging practices in the field. Sidney is also an active member of the Essex County Economic Development Authority and Essex Youth Football Association.