Season 2 Episode 3: UMSSW Alumni Perspectives and Advice for the Class of 2026

In this episode of The Social Work Is Everywhere podcast, host Connie Sgarlata (’89) speaks with University of Maryland School of Social Work alumni Lori James-Townes (’91), Kathryn Zimmerman (’20), and Jamel Freeman (’25) about their paths into social work and where they see the profession heading. Lori shares how a mentor guided her into social work and forensic practice and now leads the National Association for Public Defense; Jamel describes entering the field after personal loss and his focus on systemic mental health and suicide prevention; Kathryn discusses shifting from hospital administration to clinical practice, school-based work, and Red Cross disaster response. They reflect on their UMSSW experiences in three words and discuss the future of social work, including protecting the profession, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ethically integrating AI while centering human connection and community.