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

THE SOCIAL WORKER | SUMMER 2022

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT RANKS GSS TOP-10% IN THE NATION

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.

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.

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.

GSS STUDENT CONGRESS: BUILDING COMMUNITY AND CREATING CHANGE

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'

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.

“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