Program: Dual Degree – Master of Social Work: Leadership and Development in Social Services Specialization and Master of Arts in Women’s Studies and Gender Studies

Why did you choose our program?
I chose this program because I was excited by the opportunity to merge my interests in WSGS with my desire to work in the social work field. I was also attracted by the program because of the administrative/macro-level specialization available in the social work program.

Thesis? Field placement? Practicum? Tell us about your experience at Loyola.
I worked at the Center on Halsted for my first field placement – which was a wonderful combination of gender studies and social work skills, like case management and group work. This experience convinced me to include queer theory later in my WSGS studies. I am currently finishing my second field placement with the Chicago Jobs Council where I am learning the administrative side of social work with evaluation type tasks. I find that bringing an intersectional feminist and critical lens to my work will continue to be relevant in whatever work I do.

What was your favorite book or reading from one of your WSGS classes?
I very much enjoyed reading Gloria Anzaldua’s work in the beginning of this program. I have continued to read her writing since and feel inspired by Anzaldua’s work more than other authors I have read.

What are your short or long term plans after graduation?
My plans for graduation, despite being changed a bit due to COVID-19, are to pursue licensing for social work. I am most interested in a job working towards environmental justice in a policy-related role.