By Brynne Irish

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Hawa Bangoura for February’s Student Spotlight. Hawa is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program.

Hawa will soon graduate from EWU with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work and a minor in Psychology. She is currently interning with the nonprofit organization, Communities in Schools.

As Hawa grew up on the other side of the state in Federal Way, WA, she thought EWU was the perfect distance away from her family and hometown, not too far but still far enough for her to start her new journey. EWU was a top pick for Hawa, one because she was interested in seeing a different side of the state, but most importantly, she found that EWU had a good Social Work program which solidified her decision to attend EWU.

The Social Work program caught Hawa’s attention the most, and she decided to pursue this academic area of study because she felt that the social work field is very important but there are not enough social workers to do the work required. Hawa knew that she wanted to pursue a career where she would be helping others, and she believes that the real-world system is in need of more social workers. She expressed that “sometimes when people think of social workers, they may often think about the more negative side to it, such as taking children away from their home or how there is this narrative that social workers don’t get paid enough.” Hawa believes that this is what a lot of people can see or hear, and it steers them away from the social work field. She also mentioned that social workers can be present and helpful in many different settings, such as schools, hospitals, juvenile centers, and much more. However, “there just seems to be a lack of social workers when we need them and their support,” which is another valuable factor of why she is very passionate in contributing to improving the system.

Through her experience in EWU’s Social Work program, Hawa expressed how every faculty member and mentor in the program has been very helpful and has made it clear to the students that they have their best interest at heart, which Hawa found to be very reassuring.

Hawa is currently an intern with Communities in Schools, which is a nonprofit organization. For her internship, Hawa works at Sunset Elementary School in Airway Heights alongside the Student Support Coordinator there. She shared that in her role, she has learned how to do case management and how to help students who may be dealing with any behavioral issues. Additionally, Hawa and the Student Support Coordinator work with a caseload of kids with a big focus on social and emotional learning. One thing that had surprised Hawa during her time in the social work program was that when dealing with clients, “we aren’t necessarily telling them how to solve their problems, we actually help them solve their own problems instead of just doing it for them.”

One challenge Hawa expressed that she faced was adapting to the college lifestyle and learning to become more independent.

I managed to overcome this challenge because I have such an amazing good support system through my program, family, and friends.

While one of her greatest achievements is making it this far into college because “at the beginning, I was unsure of how far I would get, but I am so grateful and proud of what I have accomplished and how much I have grown through my college experience.”

If I had to give one piece of advice to others who may be interested in the social work program, I would say make sure you plan out how to manage your time as much as you can, while also making sure you take care of yourself by prioritizing your own self care.

Hawa also expressed that she would encourage other students to join any club that interests them because through EWU’s clubs you can build connections that can further help you when you’re done with college.

Lastly, Hawa shared that she plans to get her Master of Social Work (MSW) after finishing her bachelors degree. Five years from now she sees herself having her Master’s degree in Social Work and potentially leaving the state or remaining local.

The College of Professional Programs is honored to feature Hawa for all of her hard work, her passion for social work, and helping others!

The College of Professional Programs is hosting the first Community Engagement Speaker Series event, on the Opioid Epidemic Thursday January 30th, featuring:

• A keynote by Sarah Spier, Consultant and Founder of Follow the Poppy
• Panelists:
  • Dr. Francisco Velázquez, Spokane Regional Health District (SHRD)
  • Sheriff John Nowels, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
  • Dr. Tricia Hughes, EWU Counseling and Wellness Services

Event will be moderated by Dr. Rie Kobayashi, EWU School of Social Work. Doors open at 9:30 am. Open to the public. Classes welcome.

Date: Thursday January 30th
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 am
Location: Pence Union Building (PUB) Nysether Community Room (NCR) on the EWU Cheney campus (see map)

About the Guest Speakers:

Sarah Spier

From the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood career to the corridors of an international nonprofit, Sarah Spier’s life took an unexpected turn. Little did she know she was close to losing it all. Introduced to pills, she quickly became an IV heroin addict. The bright lights and achievements couldn’t overshadow the darkness of opioid addiction. But Sarah’s journey didn’t end there. Through sheer determination and the unwavering support of her mother, she fought her way back from the brink of death. Fourteen years later, Sarah is a survivor, speaker, consultant for integrated behavioral health and opioid treatment programs, an internationally certified coach, philanthropist, and advocate. She offers her professional services and shares her story through her opioid support organization, Follow The Poppy, providing education, hope, and support to those affected by addiction.

Dr. Francisco Velázquez

Francisco Velázquez, M.D., S.M., F.C.A.P. currently serves as the Spokane County Health Officer with the Spokane Regional Health District. Dr. Velázquez is very accomplished, and his background includes being the former President and CEO of Pathology Associates Medical Laboratories (PAML) and PAML Ventures, leading the Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials Division for Quest Diagnostics, Inc., as well as many other leadership roles in publicly traded companies. He received his training at the Mallory Institute of Pathology in Boston and the Boston University Medical Center. Subsequently, he obtained a master’s in health care management and policy at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In addition, Dr. Velázquez has held numerous clinical, academic, and executive positions in healthcare systems, academic institutions, and integrated delivery systems. He is very active in the community as a member of numerous boards for professional and nonprofit organizations and is currently the board chair for the Health Sciences & Services Authority of Spokane County.

Sheriff John Nowels

Sheriff John Nowels has been serving in the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office for more than 26 years. He was elected as Sheriff on November 8, 2022, and officially started his term on January 1, 2023. Sheriff Nowels graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1996 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. In 2019, he completed his Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Oklahoma. In September 2016, Sheriff Nowels also graduated from the 265th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia where he completed master’s level leadership courses from the University of Virginia. Since being elected in 2023, Sheriff Nowels was elected to serve as the President- Elect of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC).

Dr. Tricia Hughes

Dr. Tricia Hughes is the Senior Director of Counseling and Wellness Services at EWU. Tricia’s path to her dream job at EWU began with stints in public health and K-12 education. Through these experiences, she designed health communication strategies, implemented evidence-based prevention and environmental programs, facilitated community processes and collaborations, provided professional development, and worked to radiate possibility and positivity. She will try most things once, which places her in fun experiences such as dance-offs and dunk tanks and highlights her sense of humor. She is a self-proclaimed coffee-aholic and dark chocolate connoisseur, who is passionate about physical activity and can be found outside with her family bike riding, skiing, hiking, golfing, or paddling.

Ed Byrnes Joins State Public Safety Committee

Congratulations are in order for Dr. Belinda Hammond, Senior Lecturer in Children’s Studies.

Dr. Hammond and her coauthors on a paper in the Journal of Child Life, have been recognized by the national Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) with the 2024 Professional Research Recognition Award. The article, published this year, is titled “Being a Child Life Student Has Definitely Been Difficult: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring the Experiences of Emerging Professionals.”

by Mya Brossoit

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Jamie Trudgeon, a Master of Social Work (MSW) student in the EWU School of Social Work.

Jamie Trudgeon is a part-time student working to earn her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and intends on graduating in the spring of 2024. Originally from Spokane, Washington, Trudgeon decided to attend EWU for her undergraduate degree, and describes it as  a “positive experience” in which she had the privilege of networking with those in her area of study. Trudgeon describes her experience with a former supervisor who spoke highly of EWU’s graduate program in social work. Ultimately, the flexible classes offered at EWU and the positive testimonial about the program is what pushed Trudgeon to pursue her education further.

Before entering the MSW program, Trudgeon tells of the challenges she faced when making her  decision. She cites several obstacles, including choice of study, determination of timing, and  and covering the cost of continued education. Yet, her career goals and motivations surpassed these obstacles leading her into the successes she owns today. Looking back, she holds much gratitude for her choice to personally grow and invest in her future.

With aspirations to help others reach full potential, Jamie wants to use her degree to make a positive influence in the world. She hopes to use her education in social work as an outlet to serve and help make a positive change in the lives of others. When considering different career paths, Jamie states that “Social Work stood out to me because of the ethics and values that are a part of working in [sic] the field.” She also notes how vast the field is and the many ways a professional can serve.

…I knew that I wanted to continue my education and personal growth and I’m so glad that I decided to enroll in the MSW program. – Jamie Trudgeon

When asked to share a meaningful learning experience from the MSW program, Jamie reflected on the topics covered in the Grief, Loss and Resilience course. In discovering different coping mechanisms and behavior of those who have battled loss, she is now able to apply this knowledge in the workplace during the interactions and conversations with clients and colleagues.

One of the things Trudgeon is most proud of is her decision to move abroad for two years after graduating with her Bachelor’s degree. She states that, “It was extremely challenging, exciting and eye-opening. I think having that life experience shaped me in a lot of ways and helped guide me down the personal and professional path that I am on now.” Jamie lived & taught in Cheonan, South Korea and then in Seoul, South Korea. She also spent some time traveling in Hong Kong, Indonesia & the Philippines and lived in Newcastle, Australia for a bit.

Jamie acknowledges the support she has received from her Agency Field Advisor, Kylie Engeland, and Faculty Field Advisor, Veronica Risken-Oakes, who have guided her throughout her practicum, where she applies what she has learned in the classroom into practice with real clients. Trudgeon also shares that Dr. Sarah Shears, Professor of Social Work, has enriched her learning experience in the classroom. With the help of faculty, she is accomplishing her dreams of personal growth and self-development in effective ways.

Currently, Jamie is the Youth Program Coordinator with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) – Washington, overseeing the Individualized Learning Program for students. She helps match newly arrived refugees and immigrants with volunteer tutors who provide student homework support and English learning assistance. She shares the wonderful opportunity their programs offer for “refugee students and families to make connections with members of their community and to build relationships that support their strength and resiliency as they are settling in the U.S.”

Jamie is excited to progress in her career as she uses her knowledge of social work to help others. When envisioning her future, she hopes to work with an agency that provides supportive services for families and individuals who need assistance with the challenges they are facing. Because of Jamie’s personal investment at college, she continues to use her education to soar in the field of social work.

As the College of Professional Programs, we proudly acknowledge Jamie Trudgeon for her achievements and efforts!

Learn more:

Do you work in a school district in Spokane? The Spokane IRC office is relatively new, and they are “looking forward to partnering with additional school districts in the area to provide after-school programming, educational orientation and mentorship to the growing refugee population.” Learn more.

Are you interested in traveling abroad? Consider EWU Education Abroad Opportunities! Learn more.

Are you considering the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at EWU? Learn more.

• • Join the MSW-Graduate Program Director by Zoom for an information session on the MSW Program and the Fall 2022 Application Cycle. Please register in advance up to the time of the session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If these sessions do not meet your schedule, contact Dr. Deb Svoboda at MSW@ewu.edu to set an appointment.

Join the Social Work Program and Chicana/o/x Studies to learn more about all the ways a Social Work degree can help support the Latino Community.

This panel discussion, consisting of a variety of professionals, happens on January 27, 2022, from 2 pm to 3 pm.

Attend in-person in PUB 317 (limited seating) or via Zoom option.

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Svoboda at dsvoboda@ewu.edu.

Social Work Careers in Latino Communities Flyer