In 2018, a group of students created the Social Leadership Student Organization (SLSO) with an interest in creating an organization that would allow them to network and share resources related to the social leadership practice track. In a few short years, SLSO has become the Macro Social Work Student Network (MSWSN), affiliated with a nationally recognized organization of the same name. The group was quick to hit the ground running at the beginning of the fall semester to begin connecting with students interested in macro social work. Featuring a panel of guest speakers from the League of Women Voters, JEJ & Associates, and the FSU Center for the Study and Promotion of Communities, Families and Children at the College of Social Work, the network offered its first virtual event exploring voter engagement this September.  

“The network is eager to connect students with professionals in macro practice roles to showcase how social workers make a broad impact at the agency, community, and societal level through leadership, advocacy, and community practice,” emphasized Dr. Shalay Jackson, social work professor and MSWSN faculty advisor.

“Part of our mission is to highlight the role of macro social work throughout communities,” said Caitlyn Bergman, MSWSN president and MSW student. “Providing education about these roles to students outside of the College of Social Work could have large benefits for the growth of macro social work and can help us find new ways for social workers to collaborate with other fields.”

“I’d like students to know that you do not need to be in social work or be a social leadership student to get involved,” added Caitlyn. “We’d love for students to feel comfortable reaching out to us to start conversations.” The MSWSN is open to new topics, questions and people as they grow their network of students and alumni partners. The network seeks to create connections through the understanding of macro social work.

This includes a desire to support fellow students in learning to advocate for themselves. “Social workers often focus primarily on advocating for others and forget the many opportunities that can be missed by not speaking up and creating connections,” stated Caitlyn.

To join the network, contact them at macrosw.tlh@gmail.com or on social media at @MSWSN (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).

Caitlyn Bergman

President and MSW Student (Social Leadership)

Caitlyn is from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and is an MSW student in her second, and final year, of the social leadership concentration. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida State (2018). She became interested in social work because of her interest in criminal justice and civil rights. As she explored her interest in mental health, she realized her primary interests lay with understanding the systems affecting mental health as well as the legislation and policies that affect access to insurance coverage and assistance programs. After graduation, she plans to continue pursuing her dream of being a civil rights lawyer and hopes to work in federal government policy analysis and legislative advocacy.

“Taking on the role of president was daunting, but I found that with the help of my incredible executive team, we could work together to make things happen,” expressed Caitlyn about her role with MSWSN.

Sierra Jackson

Vice President and MSW Student (Clinical Concentration)

Sierra is from Lakeland, Florida, and is a second-year MSW student focusing on a clinical concentration. Her interest in macro social work stems from her focus on educational inequity. She hopes to work with children and adolescents in low-income areas, helping to improve their educational and mental health outcomes. After graduation, she intends on pursuing licensure to work in the clinical non-profit sector providing therapy to children and adolescents.

Having served in several leadership roles during her undergraduate career, Sierra was drawn to MSWSN and enjoys overseeing the professional development committee for the network, connecting members to professional and academic opportunities and resources. “We hope to grow into a well-known organization throughout the entire Tallahassee community,” she explained. “Regardless of the field you work in, it’s important to remember that change begins in our communities.”

Lauren Henderson

Secretary and BSW Student

Lauren is from Tallahassee, Florida, and a senior undergraduate social work student. As the secretary, she gathers information and feedback from MSWSN events and uses it to improve future events. She is the network’s liaison with fellow undergraduate students. She is interested in working with youths and adults in the criminal justice system. After graduation, she intends to pursue her Master of Social Work degree at Florida State.

“As an undergraduate, it can be difficult and intimidating to network and speak with professors and social work professionals about available opportunities. Additionally, many undergraduates are unsure which area of social work they would like to go into,” said Lauren. “MSWSN allows both graduate and undergraduate students to make connections among themselves, with professionals, and to learn more about key social work areas and issues. I was motivated to take on a leadership role to connect students especially as we are in a mostly virtual world.”

Katherine Alexander

Events and Alumni Relations Chair and MSW Student (Social Leadership)

Katherine is from Wesley Chapel, Florida and is a second-year MSW student in the social leadership concentration. She also received her bachelor’s degree in criminology (2019) from FSU. With an interest in criminal justice, she was drawn to the MSWSN because she saw and experienced the need for more opportunities in macro social work. Her role with the network includes coordinating connections between MSWSN members and alumni as well as the events to reach and educate anyone interested in macro social work.

“I like the idea of being able to implement positive change on a large scale, especially in the policy and government realm,” Katherine stressed. She hopes to work within the realm of criminal justice after graduation, particularly with crime victims and on legislation and policy related to their needs.

Kennethia Vail

Professional Development Chair and MSW Student (Clinical Concentration)

In her role with MSWSN at FSU, Kennethia supports others students to find resources to aid their professional development. She also works in the FSU Diversity and Inclusion office where she contributes to redefining what inclusion means at FSU. After graduation she hopes to continue working with a non-profit, humanitarian organization serving as an advocate and aiding in the relief of global poverty.