Alumni
“Nothing changes if nothing changes.”
I remember hearing this during my first year in the School of Social Work’s master’s program. I was complaining to a friend about a process I believed to be biased, unfair, and unjust. My friend encouraged me to embody the essence of a social worker rather than wear the label. His exact words were, “If you are that upset, you should do something about it, but don’t keep complaining about it. If you feel that strongly about it, you should speak up.”
His challenging encouragement was the catalyst that transformed the trajectory of my work as a social worker. Since that conversation, I have stopped settling for a conscious awareness that systems are broken. Instead, I actively pursue opportunities to create what does not exist and remove what is not working. This is the work we are doing within the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work Alumni Advisory Board.
As board chair, I invite you to join me in revising the systems that no longer support our advancement. When we neglect to refine the systems that harm us, we willingly accept the past as our present truth and our children’s future.
Today is a great day to get involved and create change together. Will you join us?
Ke’Amber Ford (MSW ’20)
Board Chair
In the 2022 fall term, I was asked to speak in an undergraduate social work class. Thrilled, I accepted. Walking into the Cathedral of Learning with the winter decorations in full swing, I was overcome with nostalgia (cheesy, I know). Being given the opportunity to talk about my social work journey to those just starting out was exciting and a great reminder of why I went into this field.
Why do I say all of this? Because the energy of being around other social workers is palpable. If you miss that, just like I did, please consider joining us on the Alumni Advisory Board. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back to the school and to continue building connections we made while there—and to make new ones!
Hope to see you soon!
Ariel Goehring (MSW ’17)
Board Vice Chair