MSW Scholars Inspired at National Social Work Conference in Denver

Dr. Selena T. Rodgers, LCSW-R, founding director and Chief Administrator of the MSW Program and Prof. Cathleen Lilavois-McDonald, LCSW, MSW Practicum Director, and seven York College MSW scholars recently attended the 71st Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting (APM) in Denver, Colorado. This year’s theme was “Championing Disability Justice and Joy in Social Work.”

“As MSW administrators, we are grateful for the opportunity to provide this experiential learning experience to emerging social work leaders,” said Dr. Rodgers. “We were especially proud to witness their enthusiasm and mastery of course content in a national setting.”

The students expressed similar sentiments:

When destiny and purpose collide, you get York scholars attending the CSWE conference. As a second-year MSW scholar, I have never felt more in my purpose than being afforded the opportunity to attend the CSWE conference this year.

This experience has been an honor, and I'm proud to be representing York! It reminded me that I am in alignment with my goals — and I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

Coming to the CSWE conference has been such an amazing experience! The energy and connections here are truly inspiring. I’m grateful to be part of a community so committed to growth and social change.

Receiving the opportunity to attend the CSWE conference is one that I will forever be grateful for. This experience has opened my horizons to new possibilities and collaboration with like-minded individuals.

When I attended in 2023, I realized that I had found my purpose. But receiving the opportunity to attend again in 2025 is truly humbling. I look forward to my post-degree endeavors thanks to the invaluable knowledge imparted here, and I have Dr. Rodgers and the team at York’s MSW Program to thank for that.

Being part of the CSWE Annual Conference is a meaningful opportunity to learn, connect, and continue developing the skills that will help me better serve others in my social work practice.

“It’s time to act, championing disability justice and disability joy in social work was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I’ve enjoyed every part of it, from the airport journey to learning about various aspects of social work...I especially relished the workshop that was hosted by our fellow York alumni….”

During the Annual Program Meeting, Dr. Rodgers attended a focus group organized by CSWE’s Commission on Education Policy (COEP), providing valuable insights on the CSWE’s 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), and passionately advocating for critical changes to be considered for the next EPAS in 2029.

The York College Social Work Delegation participated in an impactful and thought-provoking workshop titled “Disability & Interprofessional Collaborations” led by esteemed York Social Work alumni Rudy J. Innocent, LMSW, a first-year PhD scholar in the CUNY PhD in Social Welfare Program and Weldon Lam, LMSW, a second-year PhD scholar in the same program. Stephen Silva-Brave, LMSW, a social work doctoral scholar at the University of Texas at Arlington also served as a presenter.