Social Work Journeys

Season 4, Episode 8: Esha Dev and Sarah D'Antonio Reflecting on Their Graduate School Journey

Esha Dev & Sarah D'Antonio are two graduating students from Bryn Mawr College's Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. They reflect on their experiences, sharing how personal backgrounds and prior careers/education shaped their social work journeys. They discuss interdisciplinary practica, clinical training, and practical advice for incoming students: take advantage of opportunities, prioritize rest, and stay open to both micro and macro perspectives as you move forward.

Season 4, Episode 7: Kary Stone and Lorelai Vargas on Leadership, Systems Change, and the Future of Social Work

In this conversation, we’re joined by two remarkable leaders in social work and systems change: Lorelai Vargas and Kary Stone. Lorelai Vargas, Bryn Mawr’s scholar in residence, brings experience across government, philanthropy, and community innovation, and currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at AHRC New York City. She is also a Bryn Mawr alum and a member of the GSSWSR Board of Advisors. Joining her is Kary Stone, a social worker with decades of leadership in child welfare and systems reform. Kary serves as Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability at the National Association of Social Workers, and is Chair of the GSSWSR Board of Advisors. Together, they reflect on values-based leadership, stronger communities, and what it takes to build a more just and sustainable future for social work. Listen now.

Season 4, Episode 6: Provost Dee Matthews on Poetry and Social Work's Healing Intersection

Airea D. "Dee" Matthews, Provost and Professor of Creative Writing at Bryn Mawr College and the former Poet Laureate of Philadelphia, shares her profound insights on using writing as a way to access deep emotional truths, process trauma, and foster healing. Her journey to poetic clarity reveals how language can serve as both refuge and catalyst for growth. Provost Dee Matthews explores the striking overlaps between poetry and social work, and their shared roots in attunement, presence, and care as they aim to make invisible stories visible. She discusses practical ways social workers can incorporate simple, accessible poetry into their practice, transforming silence into a space of reflection and healing.    Books mentioned in this episode: - Simulacra [https://www.amazon.com/Simulacra-Younger-Poets-Airea-Matthews/dp/030022396X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0] - Bread And Circus [https://www.amazon.com/Bread-Circus-Airea-D-Matthews/dp/166801145X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12HTL884N3XY0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1TOHJyxxseOnunhS0y6kHOulrL3cbFzw1SR3RYwXE7kMm4mCH3XzcCG8JzmLMf6lDag4Ij2NjEsX5UCBrN7mfA3-TaSAJq76hmJXTFXW-XHWBcIr4dRSptKEvYLD-3od_FXVek8CW1HQR6BO5-wZKCyKbmUJuweliyPt89oJCeMF-kq6CeDNYd39tUiFkAfnFQqxE1PNWPrVb_7Fp96ENHOqhvTUSgpvEwx89cJQl5U.V4OpOaPAWbRU187oiMdWIMrGI9T-FGN3WqluggQJvqE&dib_tag=se&keywords=bread+and+circus&qid=1773714919&s=books&sprefix=bread+and+circus%2Cstripbooks%2C120&sr=1-1] Connect with Provost and Professor Dee Matthews - Website: https://www.aireadee.com/ [https://www.aireadee.com/] - Instagram: @aireadeefam [https://www.instagram.com/aireadeefam/]

Season 4, Episode 5: Intergenerational Insights on Black Identity & Social Work

A special episode for Black History Month featuring an intergenerational panel of students and alumni from the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. Panel includes Liz Barden, a first year master’s student at the GSSWSR; William Collins, class of 1972; Julius Hayes Jr. class of 1987; and Leaida Dever, a second year master's student at the GSWSR. The discussion was moderated by Lance Wilson, class of 2016, also the academic advisor and writing support on the school's student and career services team.

Season 4, Episode 4: Prof. Deeya Haldar on Trauma Informed Lawyering

Join us as we explore the intersection of social work and law with Professor Deeya Haldar from Villanova University. Discover the principles of trauma-informed lawyering and how they empower relationships with clients who have experienced trauma.