Social Work is Everywhere

University of Maryland School of Social Work

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Education

The Social Work is Everywhere Podcast highlights social work practice, research and expertise in various industries and roles across the globe. Hosted by University of Maryland School of Social Work faculty, this podcast explores and informs how social work shows up everywhere in society.

4d ago

Invested in the Behavioral Health and Wellbeing of Communities: Spotlight on the BHWISE Fellowship Program

Inside the University of Maryland School of Social Work's Behavioral Health Workforce Integration Service and Educational (BHWISE) SUDIF Fellowship: MSW Alumni Share Practicum Experiences, Training, and Career Paths in Substance Use and Behavioral Health. Latavia Little of the University of Maryland School of Social Work introduces BHWISE fellowships and highlights the two-year Substance Use Disorders Interventions Fellowship (SUDIF), which provides MSW students specialized training, financial stipends, and dedicated practicum placements in exchange for a two-year postgraduation service commitment in substance use disorder treatment. Alumni Avon Bryant and Shatera Hillyard (Class of 2024) discuss what inspired them to pursue social work, their interests in substance use work, how they learned about and applied to SUDIF, and the fellowship’s benefits and challenges, including added coursework, seminars, and Maryland work requirements. They share practicum experiences at The Dorm, Whitman Walker Health, and Turk House, key takeaways on meeting clients where they are, levels of care, and integrating substance use and mental health treatment, and explain how SUDIF training supports their current roles and future goals. 00:00 Welcome and Overview 01:22 Meet the Alumni Guests 01:45 Why Social Work 04:22 Interest in Substance Use 07:12 Finding and Choosing SUDIF 09:48 Fellowship Perks and Challenges 13:38 Practicum Sites and Lessons 17:48 Careers After Graduation 21:17 Future Goals and Licensure 23:48 Advice for Prospective Students 26:49 Closing and How to Apply To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw. Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today. Follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
Aug 19

Social Work and Leadership: How Interdisciplinary Training and Experiences Opens Career Pathways

In this episode of the Social Work is Everywhere Podcast, Fulvio Cativo, Associate Dean of External Affairs, chats with Tisha Edwards, MSW’00, JD’01, President and CEO of the Maryland Bankers Association, member of the University of Maryland School of Social Work Board of Advisors, and University System of Maryland Board Regent. Tisha shares how her upbringing and undergraduate experience motivated her to pursue a dual master’s degree in social work and law at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and how her interdisciplinary training helped her navigate multiple careers in a variety of sectors and industries. To learn more about MSW degree options at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, include our dual degree programs, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/admissions/msw-admissions/ To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw. Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today. Follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
Jun 12

UMSSW Alumni Perspectives and Advice for the Class of 2026

In “Alumni Perspectives and Advice for the Class of 2026,” host Connie Sgarlata (UMSSW MSW ’89) welcomes University of Maryland School of Social Work alumni Lori James-Townes (MSW ’91), Kathryn Zimmerman (MSW ’20), and Jamel Freeman (MSW ’25) to share their social work journeys, defining experiences at the School, and their views on the future of the profession. Lori James-Townes, executive director of the National Association for Public Defense, reflects on mentorship and discovering forensic social work; Karhryn Zimmerman discusses her mid-career transition from hospital administration to clinical practice, including school-based work and Red Cross mental health response; Jamel Freeman, founder of Social Innovation 2.3 and the SIF Foundation, emphasizes systems thinking, suicide prevention, and integrating AI ethically in social work. The conversation highlights professional identity, equity, and the need for community, authenticity, and courage. To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw. Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today. Follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
Apr 23

Financial Social Work in Action: CASH Campaign of Maryland

UMSSW alumnae and founders of the CASH Campaign of Maryland, Robin McKinney, MSW ’01 and Sara Johnson, MSW ’02 discuss their career path into financial social work, challenges faced in the social work profession, and their experience founding the Cash Campaign of Maryland. To learn more about financial social work at the University of Maryland School of Social Work visit https://ssw.umaryland.edu/fwsi To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw. Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today. Follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
Feb 26

Social Justice In Action: UMSSW's New Vision

In this episode of the Social Work Is Everywhere podcast, Michelle Reyazuddin, a second-year clinical MSW student and first-gen lead scholar at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work, speaks with Dean Judy Postmus about the School’s newly developed vision statement: “At the University of Maryland School of Social Work, we envision a future where social work research, practice, and policy come together to drive social justice and equity, strengthen communities and improve lives locally, nationally, and globally.” Dean Postmus explains the difference between mission and vision, why a shared school-wide vision was needed, and how it was created through months of discussions, focus groups, surveys, an all-staff brainstorming session, and a community vote. They discuss how students can apply the vision by keeping research, practice, and policy connected in coursework and practicum, and how the School can live the vision through community partnerships and values-based decision-making. To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw. Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today. Follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
12/11/2025

A Chat with the Office of Access, Strategic Initiatives, and Support (OASIS)

In this special episode of the Social Work Is Everywhere Podcast, we bring you highlights from our conversations with the OASIS team at the University of Maryland's School of Social Work. Join us as we discuss strategic planning, collaboration, community and global engagement, and the importance of aligning strategic goals with personal and institutional values. Learn about the evolving landscape of social work, the significance of relational intelligence, and the enduring legacy of Dr. Raju Varghese. Tune in for insights on building resilient, adaptable, and collaborative approaches in social work. 00:00 Introduction to the Social Work Is Everywhere Podcast 00:06 Highlights from University of Maryland Faculty and Staff 00:16 Strategic Planning and Partnerships with OASIS 00:35 Reflections on Resiliency and Adaptability 00:41 Key Takeaways from the Oasis Team 00:48 Community and Policy Developments 01:18 Aligning Goals with Values 02:09 The Importance of Relational Intelligence 03:48 Interdisciplinary and Global Initiatives 04:34 Building Relationships Across Schools 05:12 Redefining Strategy and Resilience 06:19 The Role of Social Work in Everyday Life 06:48 Closing Remarks and Tribute to Dr. Raju Varghese To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw. Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today. Follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
11/13/2025

Moving Well: Bringing Mental Health Support to Truck Drivers in Africa

Join Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos and David Robertson on the Social Work Is Everywhere podcast as they explore the Moving Well Project—a groundbreaking initiative delivering mental health and HIV prevention support to long-distance truck drivers in Zambia and beyond. In this episode, you’ll hear from: Sabeen Ahmed, clinical social worker and curriculum developer for the Moving Well appMunsaka Mubela, coordinator with the Truck Drivers Association of ZambiaGracious Witola, social scientist and public health researcherDiscover how the team: Identified the unique mental health and HIV risks faced by truck driversDeveloped and adapted a mobile app to deliver accessible, culturally relevant supportOvercame challenges in reaching a mobile population through creative solutions like WhatsApp groupsEngaged local communities, government, and private sector partners for sustainable impactLearn about the project’s successes, lessons learned, and hopes for scaling up to reach more drivers across Africa and the world. If you’re inspired by this work, please consider supporting the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Your donation helps fund scholarships, research, and community partnerships: https://ssw.umaryland.edu/give For more information about admissions: https://ssw.umaryland.edu/msw MentalHealth #SocialWork #Africa #TruckDrivers #HIVPrevention #MovingWellProject #PublicHealth #PodcastTo request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw. Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today. Follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
10/09/2025

Building Bridges: Community Partnerships in Zambia with Dr. Simona Simona

In this episode of the 'Social Work Is Everywhere' podcast, hosts Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos and David Robertson interview Dr. Simona Simona, a lecturer at the University of Zambia and Assistant Dean for Research in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Dr. Simona shares insights on the critical role of community partnerships in research, emphasizing ethical, relevant, and community-driven approaches. He reflects on his decade-long collaboration with Dr. Michalopoulos, particularly focusing on their work with vulnerable communities like Fisher Folks and international truck drivers. Dr. Simona discusses the importance of integrating cultural humility over mere competency and offers advice to global social workers on avoiding extractive research practices. The episode also highlights Dr. Simona's contributions to the field through his work on gender-based violence in Sub-Saharan Africa and his development of educational resources, including an upcoming book on using R for quantitative methods. Listeners are encouraged to support the University of Maryland School of Social Work and connect with Dr. Simona via LinkedIn. To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw. Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today. Follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
09/11/2025

Expanding Horizons: The Center for Global Engagement (CGE)

In this episode of the Social Workers Everywhere podcast, hosts Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos and David Robertson interview Virginia and Amy from the University of Maryland's Center for Global Engagement (CGE). The discussion highlights the diverse and significant roles of social workers across various industries and the importance of global engagement in education and research. Virginia and Amy share their personal journeys into the field, provide insights into CGE's impactful programs like the President's Global Impact Fund and the Provost Global Scholar Program, and discuss challenges and strategies for sustainability and collaboration. They emphasize the transformative power of global education and encourage students and faculty to embrace international opportunities for a broader, more nuanced understanding of their professions and the world. The episode concludes with a call to support global initiatives at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw. Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today. Follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
08/14/2025

From Maryland to Kerala: Exploring Social Work's Global Impact

In this episode of the Social Work is Everywhere podcast, we dive into the global impact of social work through the experiences of students Christa Gloster and Claude Thomas from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. They discuss their participation in the India course, a program developed in partnership with Rajagiri College in Kerala, India. The course offers students the opportunity to attend international conferences and engage in cultural site visits. Christa and Claude share how they learned about the program, their initial perceptions, and how these evolved during their trip. They also talk about the personal and professional challenges faced, the cultural differences observed, and the valuable lessons gained. The episode concludes with advice for prospective students considering global social work opportunities. To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw. Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today. Follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
07/31/2025

Charity vs. Solidarity: Lessons from the US-El Salvador Sister Cities

Hosts Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos and David Robertson engage in a compelling conversation with guests Patrice Forrester and Leigh Beck. Dive deep into the far-reaching impact of social work, the history and mission of the US El Salvador Sister Cities organization, and the role of solidarity vs. charity in global social work. Learn about the inspiring legacy of Oscar Romero and how social work practice evolves with a focus on community engagement and advocacy. To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw. Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today. Follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
07/17/2025

Global Social Work, Grief, Climate Change and Community Collaboration

This episode highlights guest, Thomas Northrop, and host, David Robertson’s participation in the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Provost Global Scholar Program with an emphasis on grief and trauma-informed care and innovative practice in climate change. Both guests share insights about international collaborations, the importance of community engagement, and culturally grounded approaches to social work. Listen in to learn about their impactful projects and how they shape the future of social work on a global scale. To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw. Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today. Follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

12 Episodes

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

The Social Work is Everywhere Podcast highlights social work practice, research and expertise in various industries and roles across the globe. Hosted by University of Maryland School of Social Work faculty, this podcast explores and informs how social work shows up everywhere in society.

Creator

University of Maryland School of Social Work
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

12
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Social Work is Everywhere
Show Website

Social Work is Everywhere