THE SOCIAL WORKER
School’s Out!
Embedded Files
Summer 2022
FROM THE OFFICE
OF THE DEAN
REMEMBERING MILESTONES AND WELCOMING A NEW COHORT OF CHANGEMAKERS INTO THE PROFESSION.
Dear GSS Community,
In this profession, it sometimes seems as though we get little time to celebrate.
We enter our social work careers at the peak of our optimism. We’re committed to helping others — to making a positive impact on society and in our communities. With passion and boundless energy, we step up and take on complex challenges before us.
As we mature in our profession we learn that meaningful change is seldom easy, and the path toward equity and progress is rarely a straight line. Historically, the pendulum of social, economic, and political change swings continually between oppression and progression. The result is a pace of change that can be frustratingly slow and incremental.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Social Worker / Summer 2022
| FEATURES
MOMENTS FROM THE GSS 2022 GRADUATION CEREMONY
We are constantly inspired watching our students thrive. Please enjoy these moments from this year's Diploma Ceremony.
IS SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION?
Danielle Reece, GSS '19, Kandra Knowles, GSS '22, as well as the folks at The Urban Assembly and the NYC DOE seem to think so.
| WHAT ELSE?
ALUMNI IN ACTION
A Bronx-native Fordham alum becomes a Bronx board member; a J.D./M.S.W. Dual Degree graduate publishes on mandated reporting; and more notable leaders doing great things in the field.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
They came, they saw, they conquered. Check out some highlights from this year's graduation, along with students making a name for themselves in the profession with publications and presentations.
DOING THE WORK
The AI conversation continues — as do the ones about racism, feminism, and COVID-19.
THE SOCIAL WORKER | SUMMER 2022
Designed, Produced, and Edited by
Connor White
Writers
Connor White
Pat Verel
Have a story you'd like to tell?
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GSS National News
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT RANKS GSS TOP-10% IN THE NATION
Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service is proud to be ranked this year among the top 10% of graduate social work schools in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report.
“This year’s ranking is in recognition of the hard work the School has done to establish itself as a leader in future-focused, competency-based curriculum and innovative academic programming,” said Debra M. McPhee, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School of Social Service. “Most importantly, it recognizes the diversity, talent, and commitment of our faculty, students, administrators, and alumni.”
As an integral part of a Jesuit University located in the heart of New York City, Fordham GSS has a distinguished reputation for excellence in education, research, professional practice and community partnerships.
“I am tremendously proud to be part of such an outstanding community dedicated to transforming our world through the relentless pursuit of human rights, equity, and social justice,” McPhee said. “Thank you to everyone who, everyday, ensures Fordham GSS is an inclusive community defined by excellence.”
GSS Hosts 19th Annual International Network on Leave Policies & Research Seminar
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shift workplace dimensions and workers reprioritize their commitments, many people are opting to put work-life balance and mental health before extra hours in the office. Questions surrounding company culture and flexibility are now critical interview topics. If employers don’t shift company expectations along with the workers’, they may have difficulties retaining and recruiting quality talent.
But what about the responsibility of the government toward its people? Should the government step in on behalf of citizens to guarantee these benefits? And how would that policy affect workers?
One group in particular, the International Network on Leave Policies and Research (INLPR), has been having these discussions for 19 years. And this year, Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Service had the opportunity to host the INLPR’s 19th Annual Seminar and learn what decisions other countries and governments from around the world are making concerning parental leave.
Alumni in Action
JASON ACOSTA, GSS '16, APPOINTED TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT NEW SETTLEMENT
In his new position on the Board of Directors at New Settlement, Jason Acosta, GSS ‘16, wants to be a bridge.
At 30 years-old—the same amount of time New Settlement has been in operations—Acosta will be a bridge to a younger generation. As a person of color, he will be a bridge to a newer perspective, bringing to the table a viewpoint different from the older white men who have traditionally served in BoD positions in the nonprofit sector. And as a Bronx resident and former New Settlement participant, Acosta will be a bridge into the heart of the community, representing and advocating for the things he knows the people of the Bronx need.
It’s Acosta’s experience—in the NYC public school system, in 18 years of foster care, and continually fighting the systemic barriers set before him and many other people of color—that serves as the bedrock of that bridge, the foundation on which he hopes to support both the New Settlement and Bronx communities into a better future.
KATHRYN KRASE, GSS '09, '00; LAW '01, PUBLISHES NEW BOOK ON MANDATED REPORTING
“This book is designed to educate students and professionals in practice across the United States about what it means to be a mandated reporter and help them consider their professional role as a mental or behavioral health professional,” her website reads.
NATHANIEL FIELDS, GSS '96, NAMED TO CRAIN'S NEW YORK NOTABLE BLACK LEADERS LIST
This is the second consecutive year Nathaniel Fields, GSS '96, CEO of the Urban Resource Institute (URI), appears on the list. He spoke to us about meaningful organizational growth, finding your passion, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
GSS BLOCK PARTY 2022: HONORING ANNIVERSARIES, CELEBRATING SERVICE, AND RECONNECTING IN PERSON
This year's GSS Block Party was a night of "firsts." For the first time, GSS honored two distinct class years—the Classes of 1972 and 1997, who were celebrating their 50th and 25th anniversaries. We also gave out the first-ever pair of GSS alumni awards, recognizing the impactful work of two GSS alumni. Not to mention, it was our first in-person Block Party in two years.
Read more and revisit the night by viewing our Block Party 2022 Photo Gallery.
Class Notes
Abigail Shaw, GSS ’22, who, along with finishing her MSW program this May, also completed the RespectAbility National Leadership Apprenticeship Program as a Policy Apprentice.
Hans Menos, Ph.D., GSS ’21, was interviewed on The Cross Connection with Tiffany Cross concerning the recent Executive Order (EO) signed by President Biden on May 25 addressing police reform in the United States.
Nerrissa Jenkins-Sherrills, GSS ’11, organized an annual Self-Esteem Awareness Walk on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
Tiffany Catalano, GSS ’20, completed post-graduate training through PESI, and is a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist, as well as a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor.
Harleny Vasquez, GSS ’18, held a "Careers in Social Work" workshop for GSS students, focusing on branding oneself through LinkedIn, resume writing, and drafting cover letters.
Ada Lin, GSS ’22, published an article for the New Social Worker titled “I Am an Asian American, but Invisible: The Model Minority Myth and How Better Data Will Help To End Anti-Asian Hate."
Linda Levin, GSS ’22 presented her project “4 Cs of Preparedness: A Community Emergency Network’s Approach to Balancing Community Preparedness and Response During a Global Pandemic” at the 13th Annual Social Work Student Night.
Wanda Louis, GSS ’22, was recently featured in an article by The Imprint, which outlined the struggles nonprofit organizations continue to face throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically when it comes to worker retention.
Student Spotlights
GSS STUDENT CONGRESS: BUILDING COMMUNITY AND CREATING CHANGE
Photo by Elijah Mears on Unsplash
As an MSW student, studying for exams, juggling multiple tasks, and navigating your job search pre-graduation can get stressful. Surrounding yourself with the right community can do wonders for your mental health, and your success.
As one of the largest schools of social work in the nation, the Graduate School of Social Service offers many classmates with whom you can share your experience. The GSS Student Congress is making this connection easy, fun, and meaningful.
MARTHE GUIRAND, GSS '22, 'ALL I EVER WANTED TO DO'
Marthe Guirand, GSS '22 | Contributed Photo
When a 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti in January 2010, Marthe Guirand was just 11, living with her aunt in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Ten months later, she and her brother left the shattered city to join her parents in Stamford, Connecticut, and begin a new life in the United States.
She’s never forgotten how a social worker helped her and her family make that transition.
Gabbi Cisneros | Photo courtesy Aina de Lapparent Alvarez for NY City Lens
MSW STUDENT SPEAKS TO NY CITY LENS ON INSULIN LEGISLATION PROBLEMS
“I will not be able to afford to buy the amount of insulin that I need to survive,” Gabbi Cisneros said. “I have my dreams and goals, but those might change because the most important thing is to find a job that gets me insurance because I need it. I won’t be able to afford everything without it.”
MOMENTS FROM THE GSS 2022 DIPLOMA CEREMONY
“BASW, MSW, or Ph.D., a social work degree is a unique accomplishment. It requires a special kind of fortitude and commitment because it’s not just an academic or professional journey, but a profoundly personal one. To be a social worker is to be a champion of justice. Someone who breaks down doors so others don’t have to experience barriers.” — Dean Debra M. McPhee
is social emotional learning the future of education?
Danielle Reece, GSS '19, Kandra Knowles, GSS '22, as well as the folks at The Urban Assembly and the NYC DOE seem to think so.
Doing the Work
Faculty Research
Racism, COVID-19, and Opportunities for Antiracist Social Work
(Clockwise, from upper-left) Rahbel Rahman, Ph.D.; Sameena Azhar, Ph.D.; Abigail M. Ross, Ph.D.; Elizabeth B. Matthews, Ph.D.; and Kimberly Hudson, Ph.D., published research that explores racism as a pandemic, the term syndemic and its relationship to characterizing the COVID-19 pandemic and racism’s interconnectedness, and using that syndemic theory to apply a racial justice lens to social work.
Sameena Azhar Speaks to Fordham News About the Fluid Nature of Gender
Just 26 years ago, President Bill Clinton signed the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act into law. Today, gay marriage is legal in all 50 states, and the idea that gender is more than a simple binary is gaining acceptance around the country. Efforts to lift up and support people who identify as non-binary are very much ongoing though, and so over the last few months, Fordham News spoke to members of the community who have had insights to share on the topic of gender, either because of their work, their personal experience or both.
Therapy on the go: Mildly Depressed or Simply Stressed, People are Tapping apps for Mental Health Care
Associate Professor Lauri Goldkind, Ph.D., wrote for The Conversation about virtual therapy apps—who they benefit, who they don’t, and the privacy issues that come with digital mental health platforms.
Feminist and Empowerment Theory and Practice: A Powerful Alliance
Professor Tina Maschi, Ph.D. (left), and Associate Professor Sandra Turner, Ph.D. (right), collaborated on a book chapter exploring the role of feminist and empowerment theories in empowering professionals.
The chapter, titled “Feminist and Empowerment Theory and Practice: A Powerful Alliance,” appears in Rethinking Feminist Theories for Social Work Practice.
Additional GSS Community co-authors on the chapter are GSS doctoral graduate Dr. Smita Ekka Dewan, GSS ’09; MSW graduate Adriana Kaye; and current doctoral student Annette M. Hintenach.
Graded Response Modeling of the DESSA’s Self- and Social Awareness Subscales in a Special Needs Sample
Associate Professor G. Lawrence Farmer, Ph.D., has published research that provides evidence of the reliability of the self- and social awareness subscale of the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) among students with an ED classification.
Behavioral Science in the Global Arena: Global Mental, Spiritual, and Social Health
Elaine Congress published her most recent full-length book, Behavioral Science in the Global Arena: Global Mental, Spiritual, and Social Health.
This is the second book in Congress's U.N. book series. She co-wrote the book with GSS alumna Shenae Osborn, GSS ‘21, and Harold Takooshian, Professor at Fordham GSAS, with contributing chapters from many GSS community members.
Awards and Honors
Rahbel Rahman Receives Fordham Research Fellow Award
Rahman received the fellowship for the project “Examining Mental Health Stigma Among Pakistan Pregnant women and mothers with children under 5 years.”
Jenn Lilly Named 2022 Fahs-Beck Fellow Grant
The grant, administered by the New York Community Trust, will allow Lilly to explore her project titled “The HOLA Project (Health Opportunities for Latina Adolescents and Young Adults).”
Jordan DeVylder Receives NIMH Grant Funding for Suicide Prevention Study
DeVylder received R34 grant funding from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) for his proposal, “Youth Nominated Support Team for Suicidal Adolescents at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis.”
DeVylder will act as co-PI on the study alongside University of California, Irvine professor Dr. Jason Schiffman, working on developing and testing a novel suicide prevention approach.
Tina Maschi Receives CRISP Social Justice Champion Award
The Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy (CRISP) announced the award at its annual Social Work Day on the Hill.
Former GSS Dean Peter Vaughan Inducted into Fordham University Hall of Honor
Peter Vaughan, Ph.D., a decorated Vietnam War veteran, pioneer in the field of social work, and former dean of Fordham GSS, was inducted into the University’s Hall of Honor this month.
The induction ceremony took place on June 4 as part of the Jubilee weekend festivities. “Peter Vaughan is one of my greatest heroes,” Father McShane said. Vaughan served as dean of GSS from 2000-2013, followed by current dean Debra M. McPhee, Ph.D.
Continuing Education!
Community Advocate Training
Too many New Yorkers suffer at the end of life. Professionals across diverse fields often recognize a need for more advocacy, but feel under-informed and ill-equipped to support the communities they work with. However, the need for advocacy, support, and innovation is greater than ever.
In response, End of Life Choices New York has created the End of Life Care Community Advocate Training. This fully online, self-paced course prepares professionals and students across disciplines to be better prepared to advocate for the communities they serve when planning for, or navigating, serious illness and the end of life.This course provides a comprehensive overview of advance care planning, palliative care, hospice and end of life care, and other related topics.
End of Life Choices New York is offering 20% off the program exclusively for Fordham students, grads, faculty, and staff with code FORDHAM (expires 8/31/22). A limited number of scholarships are also available; to learn more and apply, click here.
For more information about the course, please visit eolcnycourses.org
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