Director of Social Work Career Development and Enrollment Management, Touro College
New York, New York

I work for Touro College Graduate School of Social Work in New York City. I am the director of Social Work Career Development and Enrollment Management as well as the faculty lead for the Military Social Work fellowship.

I have spent the last few years working with mentors on my next steps in my professional career and education. It was a difficult decision between investing in a PhD program or a DSW program. The DSW program provides a wide space to think differently, think outside the box and, most importantly, lose the pounds of restrictions that we often place on ourselves as professionals.

First and foremost, I have always wanted to be a Trojan! Second, I have worked with the MSW@USC program in the past. I would not have considered online education because I love the personal connection; however, my experience with the MSW@USC as a field instructor provided me with the confidence that I could excel and enjoy being an online student.

Lastly, the DSW@USC was the very best choice for me. Even though I work in NYC and live a short commute from some of the best social work schools in the nation, I did not have the ability to reduce my work hours to be in class one to two days per week. The DSW@USC allows me to fit it all in.

The Grand Challenge that was my initial focus was eradicating social isolation. However, as I began the class assignments, I began to work on the Grand Challenge “Achieve Equal Opportunity and Social Justice.” I am a woman, a mother and a compassionate global citizen. Gender equality and ending violence against women and girls is the foundation for a successful society. I feel starting with this Grand Challenge, I can reach to the devastating effects of social isolation when inequalities occur.

In the beginning, there are a ton of emotions like excitement, fear, anxiety, creativity flowing like a waterfall, and you can get lost in having to decide your path in the DSW program quickly. I was encouraged and share the same encouragement to all joining the DSW adventure: Sit back, work hard, and enjoy the two years of being a student and exploring all possibilities.