On March 19th, a group of students, faculty and staff from Pitt's School of Social Work embarked on an enriching journey to Harrisburg for Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD). In partnership with the National Association of Social Workers, this initiative offered students a unique opportunity to advocate for legislation that is relevant to the social work profession (read last week's story about the trip).
While at the Capital, Center on Race and Social Problems (CRSP) students met Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, the Pennsylvania State Secretary of The Department Of Drug And Alcohol Programs. Students also heard from Anette Nance who is the Executive Director of the Commission on African American Affairs, Ruby Mundok who is the Executive Director of the Commission on Next Generation Engagement, Moriah Hathaway who is the Executive Director of the Commission on Women, and Olga Negrón who is the Executive Director of the Commission on Latino Affairs.
One of the main highlights of the trip involved a select group of our CRSP students being invited to an exciting dinner event at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's house! This special occasion provided an engaging setting for students to connect and network with key figures in the field and celebrate the art of Teenie Harris. At the event, students had the opportunity to meet individuals such as Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, Ashleigh Strange (they/them). Through a series of captivating lectures, students delved into the rich history of African American life in Pittsburgh as documented by Harris' iconic photography and learned about Harris' profound impact on African American history, culture, and resilience.
Advanced Standing MSW student and CRSP's Outreach and Engagement Assistant Cruzilious Contreras-Amezcua was a key contributor and lead facilitator for this impactful event through their grant funded project titled: "Leading Social Work Students to LEAD - Legislative Education and Advocacy Day". This initiative sought to provide social work students an opportunity to attend one of the biggest social work policy-facing events of the year in the state of Pennsylvania, Legislative Education and Advocacy Day. The Center on Race and Social Problem’s Director, Dr. Kyaien Conner, traveled to Harrisburg with the students and was thrilled that they had the opportunity to attend these events. Dr. Conner states, “I think for students to have these kinds of opportunities, to not only hear and learn about policy but to actually talk to people who are making policy and have intimate conversations with them, can ignite their excitement about their role as a student, as an advocate and their influence on policy development.” Dr. Conner goes on the say that opportunities like that of the Governor’s event can help to empower students to “recognize that they can be the voice of the communities that we care about” and that "their perspectives are needed and important”.
We asked students to describe their experience attending the special dinner event at Governor Shapiro's house and talk about their most memorable part of the event:
Cruzilious Contreras-Amezcua, Advanced Standing MSW: “It was an honor to meet and engage with so many different folks like Governor Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro. They made sure the students felt welcomed and Governor Shapiro made sure to give them a shout out to the crowd and show love before the Teenie Harris lecture had started. For me, I felt represented in all the rooms I was in and never got the feeling that I didn’t belong there. Instead, I felt like I was acknowledged as my full self rather than just a student to talk to, and I appreciated that immensely. I straight-up felt like I was talking to family with some of the folks in the room.
Once the function really started up, I couldn’t help seeing all the social work students and CRSP staff have a good time. Seeing them engage and network with folks from all around the state and each other, the smiles they had when walking through the gallery and taking in Teenie’s work, it was just a different feeling. Students got to attend and represent themselves, their passions and futures to so many different folks in the community. Seeing everyone smile and engaged made all the preparation work feel more than worth it, to give back to these students and show them that we can be present in these spaces and engage with those who have high positions, because at the end of the day, we’re all people with dreams and goals to better serve and support our communities.”
Andrea Tamayo, First Year MSW Student: “Getting the opportunity to attend the special dinner at the Governor's residence was an amazing experience that I will never forget. The most memorable part of the experience was walking through the Governor's Residence and seeing all the amazing artwork photography from Charles "Teenie" Harris being displayed throughout the residence. The ambiance was truly captivating with history and culture. Overall, the evening was a perfect blend of elegance, culture, and community that left a lasting impression on me.”
Calvin Ecker, Advanced Standing Grad Student with a COSA Concentration: “My favorite part of the event was when I found out how Charles “Teenie” Harris would develop his photographs so that everyone “had the dignity of their ear.” When Harris would develop his film photos, he would put his hands in the developing chemicals over people’s faces. He would then uncover them at different points in time as the photograph developed. This meant that no matter the color of one’s skin, Harris made sure that the details of their face were shown. This anecdote inspires me to do the same in the social work that I do. I want to ensure that no matter who I’m working with, I am doing the best I can to ensure that they are treated with the dignity and worth they deserve.”
Lluvia Frias, First Year Social Work Grad Student: “It was a delight to attend the Charles "Teenie" Harris Lecture at the Governor's Residence. The atmosphere was warm and educational, which fostered easy conversation among attendees from varying backgrounds and experiences. It was great seeing Governor Shapiro and the First Lady, Lori Shapiro, take the time to engage with us and other guests. Observing my COSA (Community Organization and Social Administration) Professor, A. Nance, in action, outside of the classroom, power walking through the capitol and presenting was a treat. It has become a personal cherished experience to see state leaders genuinely interested in creating a space for community engagement. Attending the event with the guidance of CRSPR organizers and fellow students, most of whom I met there for the first time, left me feeling hopeful and motivated in my journey as an MSW student at Pitt and an aspiring social worker.”
Daniel Abusuampeh, 2nd year Ph.D Student: “Attending the special dinner event at Governor Shapiro's house was an incredibly enlightening experience. The highlight for me was the interactive session before dinner, where students were given the opportunity to ask questions and share historical stories. This not only deepened my understanding of the significant work being done by the Governor's office but also emphasized the impacts and improvements these policies bring to the state of Pennsylvania. Additionally, this event was a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with other influential figures, which opened up new avenues for understanding various projects that aim to affect lives across the state positively.”
In addition to these inspiring reflections, CRSP students also talked about how meeting key figures such as Dr. Latika Davis-Jones and Lt. Governor Austin Davis contributed to their professional development and advocacy skills:
Cruzilious Contreras-Amezcua, Advanced Standing MSW: “Speaking with Dr. Latika Davis-Jones was amazing. I mean, she just had everyone on the edge of their seats when she was talking about her journey to becoming the Pennsylvania State Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, and what it meant to be the first person of color to lead her department in that position. It was beneficial to hear about issues surrounding substance use from a policy level, as I currently work with a population that is greatly impacted by substances, and what government programs are being utilized as well as upcoming programs to address these issues. I made the ‘not such a joke’ comment ‘yall hiring?’ to which she laughed and plugged in an upcoming program that allows more people to train and be equipped to specialize in substance use positions, that pays off your student debt (she was pretty smooth with that). The question I asked Dr. Davis-Jones was “You’re in a historic position and do very important work. I’m sure you have a lot of big expectations put on you and that can be heavy. How do you keep yourself grounded?” Her response touched on knowing what you did to get to your position, knowing that nothing changes overnight, and most importantly, making sure you are passionate about what you’re doing.
At the Governor’s house, I got to meet Ashleigh Strange, the Director of the Governor’s Commission on LGBTQ Affairs. One of the things I asked about was “How do you advocate for what you believe in and incorporate it into your work while being in a government position?” They responded with talking about how you have to switch your mindset from being on the frontline to recognizing that you are in a position that requires you to look at all the intersections of a topic and how you can best implement change for the betterment of others, while not further harming due to lack of openness from others about these policies.
I asked those questions because as a young professional, I struggle to still recognize where I can show up as myself and what I uphold wherever I am at. Not everyone is as ready for change and liberation as I am, so I am learning how to navigate meeting people with where they’re at and continuing to keep an open-mind for learning. The key to being a good social worker is to never stop learning. Like Malcolm X said, ‘You can’t legislate good will - that comes through education.’”
Andrea Tamayo, First Year MSW Student: “Meeting key figures such as Dr. Latika Davis-Jones and Lt. Governor Austin Davis enhanced my professional development and advocacy skills. I absolutely enjoyed hearing the journey that Dr. Latika Davis-Jones has taken in her work with drug and alcohol programs in Pennsylvania, she talked about having true courage and never giving up on what you want to advocate for in this world. Always stay ready for that phone call of opportunities, our hard work will pay off is one of many messages that Dr. Latika David-Jones relayed to us during her time with us.”
Calvin Ecker, Advanced Standing Grad Student with a COSA Concentration: “When we met with Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, she expressed the importance of knowing yourself and your personal mission, vision, and values. If you know yourself, you’re able to set boundaries between your work and personal life. You’re also able to take care of yourself when you’re facing tough situations or burnout. She had expressed that she has been so successful because she does self-care that works for her.”
Lluvia Frias, First Year Social Work Grad Student: “Meeting Dr. Latika Davis-Jones was an enlightening experience. As a University of Pittsburgh alumna, social worker, and Pennsylvania's Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, her perspectives were revealing. She shared personal anecdotes that emphasized the need for resilience, adaptability, and personal and shared accountability to maintain ethical standards across various fields of work.
Meeting Lt. Governor Austin Davis was uplifting. His story can be found to be quite relatable by some, and as the nation's youngest Lieutenant Governor, he is exemplifying how young leaders can drive social change in high-level state government roles. (No pressure, Lt. Governor Davis! Many of us are cheering for you and your efforts!)
Their views on leadership are encouraging for me and have reinforced the value of networking with experienced professionals to guide my career. These discussions expanded my knowledge of social work within government and emphasized the need for informed, empathetic leadership, particularly for cross-disciplinary teamwork.”
Daniel Abusuampeh, 2nd year Ph.D Student: “Meeting key figures such as Dr. Latika Davis-Jones and Lt. Governor Austin Davis was instrumental in enhancing my professional development and advocacy skills. I had the chance to discuss my research on community development, particularly the challenges related to housing shortages and the correlation with drug use in abandoned houses. Dr. Davis-Jones shared insights into initiatives being implemented to tackle these issues, which broadened my understanding and fueled my motivation to contribute more effectively to community improvement efforts. These interactions were invaluable as they provided direct exposure to the practical aspects of policy-making and community engagement.”
The event was not only educational but also inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on our students. Be sure to stay tuned on social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X) for more photos and highlights from this exciting trip!