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

headshot of nick amolino

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.


 

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