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

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.

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

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.

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

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.