PodCASC is an ongoing series of interviews that feature the diverse stories of CASC Alumni who share highs, lows, and other revelations about community action and social change after college. Alumni discuss a range of issues, like finding a social justice community in a new city, navigating social justice language in different work cultures, finding a balance between their passion and capacity, and much more. Visit Simplecast, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts to subscribe and tune in.
On this episode, Chloe Henderson talks about diversity equity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Henderson reflects upon the role of mentorship, peer relationships, and role models in her development as a woman of color in engineering and the importance of empowering black women's academic excellence in STEM to advance representation. Henderson also discusses the value of outreach and recruitment efforts in engineering as an important act of service, and her vision for inclusive participation, celebration, and representation of marginalized communities in the field.
On this episode, Ashley Elliston-Cowher shares how she applies her CASC experience and Social Work training to work in nonprofit organizations that support aging populations. Learn how she engages in self care, approaches challenges, and maintains health, wellness and mindfulness. Since the time of this interview, she has applied her social work training and skills into the management of research grants for faculty in higher education.
On this episode, Raivynn Smith discusses early experiences in social movement organizing, approaches to campus and community organizing, as well as the role of staff in supporting student activism. Raivynn also shares aspirations to engage in social justice in library and information science by fostering community access to information, promoting inclusive and diverse representation, and creating space for communities to engage social change in local libraries.
On this episode, Faculty Director Katie Richards-Schuster, interviews Christopher Rapisarda; one of the first alumni to graduate in the inaugural class in the minor, and alumni from the U-M MSW program. Chris reflects on his critical consciousness development in the minor, and applications of community action and social change in his role as a practitioner in community agencies.
On this episode, Ashley Kryscynski shares her experience as a first generation college student and member of the first graduating class of the CASC minor program. Kryscynski reflects upon her transition to the U-M MSW program, the tools she developed around advocacy and resilience, as well as her current work, managing county level communications through public relations, lifting up marginalized voices, and creating community content in the spirit of equity, inclusion, and justice.
On this episode, academic advisor Joe Galura interviews Kelly Pearson about how she applies her experience in CASC and Social Work to foster economic mobility through community development and fundraising. Pearson also shares the importance of building meaningful relationships and centering community voice as a critical aspect of social justice philanthropy.
On this episode, Christiana Allen-Pipkin discusses how grief influenced her pathway in social change, and how her undergraduate experiences led her to the U-M Master of Social Work program. Allen-Pipkin also shares the joy of working in her dream job as an emergency medicine social worker, while cultivating multiple passions in the community.
On this episode, Purabi Devi explores her story growing up in Hamtramck, and her motivation for CASC’ing. Devi also discusses her work in higher education and strategies for navigating work culture and social change.
University of Michigan
School of Social Work
1080 South University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106