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Spring '24 MSW Graduate Val Strunk Shares Her Experince on the Hamilton County Commission on Women and Girls

"Hello, my name is Val Strunk, and I am an MSW student about to graduate this spring. I graduated in 2019 with my BSW at NKU, and in 2022, I applied for the Hamilton County Commission on Women and Girls, where I was selected to be part of the commission. Reflecting on my two-year journey with the Hamilton County Commission on Women & Girls, I am filled with a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude. This commission, founded in 2017 by Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus, plays a vital role in addressing gender inequity, amplifying the voices of women and girls in public policy, and promoting women's roles on boards and other areas of influence. Each year, we build on the previous year's recommendations, continuously researching new challenges and seeking opportunities to implement meaningful change.My experience as an MSW student and previous experience as a BSW student profoundly shaped my ability to contribute effectively to this commission. The academic and practical skills I developed during my studies were crucial in this role. Moreover, the support and guidance of esteemed educators like Dr. Taylor and Professor Ian boosted my confidence and enhanced my research skills. During the BSW program, professors like James Taylor and Dr. Mclendon enhanced my passion for advocacy and policy analysis. Since I started my academic journey, all the educators and academic support taught me how to approach complex problems with a critical and empathetic lens, which was invaluable in my work with the commission. It has been an enlightening experience to work alongside incredible women and girls who are just as passionate about fostering sustainable change in our community. We collaborated closely, drawing on each other's strengths and perspectives to drive critical conversations and develop strategies that address the roots of gender inequity.I recommend that anyone interested in making a significant impact in their community consider applying to be part of the Hamilton County Commission on Women & Girls. It is an opportunity to be at the forefront of societal change, contributing to a legacy empowering future generations of women and girls. The commission's expanding network of community partners provides a unique platform for collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place to apply one's skills and passion for public service. Joining the commission has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life, and I am eager to see how new members will contribute to its ongoing success and influence."

Student Spotlight: Salem Holden

• ​Field Placement: NKU’s LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives
• ​Placement Responsibilities: My main projects revolve around allyship training and education. I’ve created a Canvas course for the MSW and BSW students called “Social Working with the LGBTQIA+ Community” to help them learn how to become better allies and accomplices to their LGBTQIA+ clients. I’ve also created a training presentation for the faculty at NKU called “LGBTQIA+ Allyship in Academia,” which helps faculty learn the main tenets of allyship to support and empower their LGBTQIA+ students. I recently delivered this presentation at Miami University’s QT Con. I am also a facilitator for the Northern Kentucky PFLAG meetings on campus and have worked on many events on campus, including Take Back the Night and Family Day.​
• Proudest Moment: I am most proud of the Canvas Course I’ve created for MSW and BSW students. As an MSW student myself who also has a Master’s degree in English and Creative Writing, education and advocacy are very near and dear to my heart. I really wanted to affect change within our program to help students learn how to become better allies for the LGBTQIA+ community, and I’m honored I was able to fulfill this dream for this field placement.​

Student Spotlight: Luna Cherry

• Field Placement: NKU Student Wellness​
• Placement Responsibilities: I did three main projects in this placement. The first and biggest was a mixed-methods research project to understand addiction in the NKU community. The second was a trauma-informed workshop for student workers and instructors. The third was a qualitative gap analysis of NKU's coordinated care model.
• ​Proudest Moment: I think I am most proud of the trauma training. Being the presenter was way outside my comfort zone, and I'm really glad I challenged myself to do this.​

Congratulations to our Social Work Students who were accepted to the Underserved Populations Scholarship Program!

BSW Student Joy Banks named Horizon League Volleyball Player of the Week!

BSW Student Jordan Schowalter was selected as a 2023 commencement speaker by the faculty and staff in the College of Health and Human Services. Congratulations Jordan!

MSW Student Mackenzie Harbin is NASW Ohio Region 6 Student of the Year!

MSW Student Sheri Frey recieves 2023 Steely Research and Celebration Presentation Awards for her research project Gaps in Human Trafficking Curriculum on University Campuses.

Student Spotlight: Hannah Miller​

• Field Placement: The Christ Hospital Oncology & Hematology​
• Placement Responsibilities: Assist patients in overcoming psychosocial barriers to care including providing brief counseling, coordinating transportation, finding and applying for grants and financial assistance, educating and coordinating hospice placements, providing housing resources and referrals, bereavement programming, and more! I also oversee a wonderful metastatic breast cancer support group!​
• Proudest Moment: My department serves a population of international patients involved in clinical trials who have to fly in weekly for treatment—I was able to apply for grants on behalf of one of these patients and obtain over $10,000 in flight vouchers to lessen the financial impact of travelling for treatment.

MSW Student Tala Al Masri revices the 2021 Steely Library Research Award!

Congratulations to MSW Students Josie Milton and Katrina Traylor who recieved the Association for Professionals in Agining 2023 Scholarships!

BSW Student Maggie Perez was highlighted with her sister Melissa for their passionate work at NKU, in and out of the classroom!

Social Work Student Jessica Green was recently elected to serve on the Pendleton County Opioid Abatement Grant Board of Directors and is representing the Pendleton County Judge Executive on the NKY Agency for Substance Abuse Policy Board. In this role she went to Frankfort to advocate for bills that legislators were preparing to vote for. Congratulations Jessica!