Newman University Master of Social Work student Maggie Papalia, who’s also a graduate of the Bachelor of Social Work program, was recently awarded a prestigious $10,000 fellowship from the Council on Social Work Education.
Through the fellowship, Papalia will focus on meeting the mental health needs of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) communities as a culturally competent behavioral health professional.
The fellowship is a special honor because there’s typically a large number of applicants for the program, but only about 30 or 40 are selected.
Lindsey Stillwell, assistant professor of social work and interim director of the Bachelor of Social Work program, said, “The honor reflects Maggie’s exceptional potential and clear commitment to social work in mental health and/or substance use disorder services with racial and ethnic minorities.”
Papalia was initially drawn to the social work profession because of her own life experiences. She grew up in a turbulent home as her mother had a history of mental health issues, addiction and alcoholism. Papalia herself started experimenting with drugs and alcohol at a young age. Her mother got sober in 2006, and her father found Papalia a treatment center in 2014.
Today, Papalia is proud to share she’s nearly ten years sober. Since then, she has put her recovery above everything else.
“Everything I have in my life today is the result of the work I’ve put into my recovery,” Papalia said. “I wouldn’t have any of this if I wasn’t sober. I’m a completely different person.”
Now, Papalia is able to take her experiences and grit and help others who are in need. She loves the value and mission of the social work profession and being able to be of service.
During her Bachelor of Social Work practicum at Newman, Papalia worked as a case manager at a transitional home for adult women survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. She continues to work there, helping support women from across the United States who’ve experienced trauma to navigate their lives and support them as they gain access to resources within the community.
After earning her degree this past spring, she immediately started the Master of Social Work program at Newman.
She is thankful for her Newman experience and the supportive faculty who’ve helped guide her.
“I’m really grateful for the education I’ve received at Newman,” Papalia said. “I certainly wouldn’t have gotten the fellowship if I wasn’t there.”
For more information on how you can help students like Maggie succeed, please contact University Advancement at 316-942-4291 Ext 2163 or advancement@newmanu.edu.
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