GSS Student Ambassadors

Our GSS Student Ambassadors are here to help you get a better sense of what it is like to be an MSW student here at Fordham. Whether you are a prospective applicant or a recently admitted student, our ambassadors are here to answer whatever questions you have about the Fordham student experience. Reach out to them by emailing [email protected] or by signing up for a campus tour

Manhattan Campus Ambassadors

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Name: Nick Ambolino

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Undergrad Major & College: Advertising from Penn State

Plan of Study: Full-Time 2 Year

Current Phase: Generalist

Area(s) of Interest: Clinical Social Work, Young Adults

I chose social work as a career pivot from advertising because my most impactful professional experiences involved advocating for social justice and having vulnerable conversations, which social work provides in abundance. Social work offers a fulfilling next chapter at the right time in my life. I chose Fordham because I connected with the school and its community more than any other. Every faculty member and student ambassador I met validated my career change, and the school's reputation, reasonable cost, and excellent curriculum and field placement opportunities were also significant factors.


 

Emely Alonzo Welch headshot

Name: Emely Alonzo-Welch

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Undergrad Major & College: Psychology from Lehman College

Plan of Study: Full-Time 2 Year

Current Phase: Generalist

Area(s) of Interest: Clinical Social Work, Children & Adolescents 

I chose social work after a recent experience showed me the profound impact of having someone to talk to, understand, and help you through challenges. I was drawn to Fordham because its professors are actively working in the field, not just teaching. The university's commitment to both academic excellence and providing strong support for students also solidified my decision.


 

Sahiba Bhatnagar headshot

Name: Sahiba Bhatnagar

Hometown: Plainvew, New York

Undergrad Major & College: Social Work from Seton Hall University

Plan of Study: Part-Time Advanced Standing

Current Phase: Specialist

Area(s) of Interest: Mental Health and Clinical Social Work, Children and Families, School Social Work

I chose social work because I believe everyone deserves support and hope, and I am inspired by helping people find their strength to rebuild their lives. For me, it's a way to transform compassion into tangible, lasting change. Fordham feels like the perfect place for my professional and personal growth, with a strong academic program that challenges me. Its location in New York City provides a rich learning environment, and the supportive faculty and staff make it clear I will be guided throughout my journey.


 

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Name: Kailyn Castro

Hometown: Sherman, Texas

Undergrad Major & College: Sociology & Communications from Indiana University

Plan of Study: Full-Time 2 Year

Current Phase: Specialist

Area(s) of Interest: Clinical Social Work, Macro/Policy Social Work

My path to social work was driven by a desire to empower vulnerable people and create meaningful connections, as I often felt disconnected from the real impact of my previous work. After much reflection and conversations with social workers, all signs pointed to this field. I was initially drawn to Fordham for its flexible programs and tuition cost, but I made my final decision after hearing how much people loved the GSS program. Speaking with an ambassador who confirmed the program’s focus on "care of the whole person" and the supportive community convinced me that Fordham was the right place for me to succeed.


 

Jenifer Herrera headshot

Name: Jenifer Herrera

Hometown: Crotona Park East, The Bronx

Undergrad Major & College: Psychology from Lehman College

Plan of Study: Part Time 3 Year

Current Phase: Specialist

Area(s) of Interest: Women's Health Care, Women's Rights, and Mental Health in Children.

I chose social work because I want to support and advocate for vulnerable populations. I selected Fordham University because it is a top-rated program in NYC that provides the flexibility and support I need. This allows me to attend classes in person while also working full-time and being at home with my family.


 

Olivia Meyer-Jennette Headshot

Name: Olivia Meyer-Jennette

Hometown: Greensboro, NC

Undergrad Major & College: Literary & Visual Studies from Tufts University

Plan of Study: Full-Time 2 Year

Current Phase: Specialist

Area(s) of Interest: Grief & Bereavement, Children & Families, Trauma-Informed Care

I chose social work because after years of working with spreadsheets, I wanted a career that was more fulfilling and aligned with my curiosity about people and their stories. The field's many facets provide endless opportunities for learning, and I'm grateful for this transition. I chose Fordham because everyone I spoke with described it as a special place, and I found this to be true from the moment I arrived. The community's emphasis on cura personalis makes it easy to connect with professors and peers, allowing me to take full advantage of their knowledge and support.


 

Tess Palin Headshot

Name: Tess Palin

Hometown: Sunapee, NH

Undergrad Major & College: Nutrition from Syracuse University

Plan of Study: Full-Time 2 Year

Current Phase: Specialist

Area(s) of Interest: Community Organizing, Policy and Advocacy, Social Justice & Healthcare

I chose social work because it is fundamental to the betterment of every community, and it allows me to become an impactful support system for others and myself. The field offers countless opportunities to make a difference, making it the most fulfilling career I could have chosen. Fordham's commitment to its students is exceptional, and from the moment I arrived, I felt the sense of community and family it is known for. Fordham has given me a new home in a brand new city, and I would choose it again every time.


 

Nishat Rahman Headshot

Name: Nishat Rahman

Hometown: New York, NY

Undergrad Major & College: Psychology and Economics from City College

Plan of Study: Full-Time 2 Year

Current Phase: Generalist

Area(s) of Interest: Macro Social Work: Housing, Poverty & Education Policy

I chose social work because of its holistic approach to empowering individuals while also addressing systemic barriers. The field's emphasis on both direct impact and broader advocacy is what drew me in. I selected Fordham due to its strong curriculum, expert faculty, and exceptional student support. The diverse field placement opportunities, including the chance to intern with the UN and study abroad, were also a key factor in my decision.


 

Whitney Rich Headshot

Name: Whitney Rich

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Undergrad Major & College: Fine Arts from Ohio University

Plan of Study: Part-Time 3 Year

Current Phase: Generalist

Area(s) of Interest: Clinical Social Work focusing on Grief, Trauma and Life Transitions

I chose social work because recent challenges in my community and family have highlighted my passion for helping others through empathy and advocacy. I respect how the field is designed to meet people where they are and to address systemic barriers to well-being. What excited me most about Fordham was not only its academic excellence but also the clear passion of its community. The conversations I had with staff and students made it clear that they foster a warm, inclusive, and caring environment.


 

Long Island Campus Ambassadors

Liliana Fridrikson Headshot

Name: Liliana Fridrikson

Hometown: Queens, NY

Undergrad Major & College: Psychology from St Johns University

Plan of Study: Full-Time 2 Year

Current Phase: Generalist

Area(s) of Interest: Children, Youth & Families

I chose social work after realizing my undergraduate studies in psychology were missing a key component: the impact of social environments on individuals. I was fascinated by how personal experiences within systems like family and community shape a person's life and well-being. Social work will allow me to combine this interest with direct advocacy and support, empowering clients while also addressing systemic challenges. I chose Fordham because it combines rigorous academics with hands-on experience and a commitment to social justice. The diverse field placements and the school's focus on ethical practice solidified my decision, as I knew it was the right place to grow personally and professionally.


 

Nyomi Spencer Headshot

Name: Nyomi Spencer

Hometown: Nassau County, NY

Undergrad Major & College: Business Management from SUNY Farmingdale

Plan of Study: Full-Time 2 Year

Current Phase: Generalist

Area(s) of Interest: Clinical Social Work, School Social Work

I chose social work after three years of working as a shelter advocate, where I discovered my passion for guiding and helping others. My experience was eye-opening and inspired me to pursue a career in this field. Fordham was my choice because its MSW program is clearly committed to student success. I especially appreciated that the curriculum includes field advisement sessions, demonstrating the program's dedication to supporting students throughout their entire journey.


 

Online Campus Ambassadors

Justine Goodman Headshot

Name: Justine Goodman

Hometown: Columbia County, NY

Undergrad Major & College: Philosophy from Brown University

Plan of Study: Full-Time 2 Year

Current Phase: Generalist

Area(s) of Interest: Clinical Social Work, Individuals & Family

I chose social work to help address the desperate need for mental health services in my Upstate New York community. I was drawn to Fordham because its MSW program was the only one that aligned with my personal circumstances, allowing me to earn my degree remotely in just 16 months with a local field placement. Additionally, I was impressed by the welcoming application process and the positive experiences shared by friends and family who are alumni. The supportive community and helpful information sessions solidified my decision.


 

Westchester Campus Ambassadors

Jennifer Gregoriano Headshot

Name: Jennifer Gregoriano

Hometown: Queens, NY

Undergrad Major & College: Psychology from Adelphi University

Plan of Study: Full-Time 2 Year

Current Phase: Specialist

Area(s) of Interest: Clinical Social Work, School Social Work

I chose social work as a direct path to clinical practice and to make a difference in people's lives, realizing it was a more accessible route than obtaining a psychology PhD. My interest was solidified by an influential social work professor and my hands-on experience as a social coach for students with Autism. I was drawn to Fordham because it felt like home from the start, with a beautiful and welcoming campus. The university's strong reputation, commitment to social justice, and knowledgeable faculty gave me full confidence that I would receive an excellent education.


 

Molly Harnaga Headshot

Name: Molly Harnaga

Hometown: White Plains, NY

Undergrad Major & College: Social Work from Marist College

Plan of Study: Full Time Advanced Standing

Current Phase: Specialist

Area(s) of Interest: School Social Work, Policy/Advocacy of Women's & LGBTQ+ Rights, & Community and Organization Work 

I chose social work because it combines my passion for helping others with my commitment to promoting equity and justice. The field's focus on empowering individuals and addressing systemic issues aligns with my values and desire to create a lasting impact. Fordham was my top choice due to its academic flexibility, reasonable tuition, and diverse course offerings. The program’s strong reputation, hands-on opportunities, and supportive community also solidified my decision.