Ethnic Gem in the Making:
Ashley Stewart
School: University of Connecticut
Major: Master of Social Work
GPA: 3.6
By: Jovani Yolanda Fox, Managing Editor
After bestowing upon herself the task of saving the world, Ashley Stewart embarked on a rewarding educational path. Her desire to touch lives led her to pursue a career in Social Work.
“I met a social worker in the 8th grade, and it was my understanding that she saved lives. Since that moment, I’ve been striving to save the world,” said Stewart. She hails from Millbrook, Alabama. In 2010, Stewart graduated from Alabama State University with her Bachelor of social work degree and packed her bags to take on the University of Connecticut School of Social Work.
While there, Stewart entered the Advance Standing Program (a one-year completion program) and interned at the R.J. Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Art in the social work department. In addition, Stewart worked part-time as the assistant director for the Afterschool Alliance Program at West Middle School in Hartford, Connecticut where she tutored third graders in reading and math. Her participation in multiple organizations was key to her success. She was the secretary of the Organization of Black Social Work Students and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. She is an active member of the Greater Hartford Alliance of Black Social Workers and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Stewart also received UConn’s Dr. Ivor Echols Scholarship for her continuous work in the African American community in the Hartford area.
In May 2011, Stewart graduated with her Masters of Social Work with a concentration in casework and is now employed at the Friendship Service Center in New Britain, CT as a supportive housing case manager. With FSC, Stewart is responsible for helping her clients receive and maintain housing, along with assisting them with transportation to appointments and budget and life skill building.
She credits Michael L. Jackson, LGSW and Brunilda Figueroa-Richmond, MSW, as influential mentors. In five years, Stewart hopes to be a successful business owner and to run a maternity center to benefit teenage mothers.
