The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

 Featured Monthly Celebration

“If you have an opportunity to make things better and you don’t, then you are wasting your time on Earth.”

– Roberto Clemente

Latinx/e Heritage Month: September 15 - October 15

We celebrate to recognize the achievements and contributions of Latinx/e champions who have inspired others to achieve success. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. The theme for 2025 is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future”

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Finally, Day of the Races, or Día de la Raza, which is October 9, falls within this 30-day period.

Sources: 

National Archives: Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrating Latinx/e Heritage Month at USC

History.com l Hispanic Heritage Month

Events:

What: La CASA: Sabor Sin Fuego
When: September 24, 2025 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm PDT
Where: STU 400

Join La CASA in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a fun & flavorful workshop where we’ll learn to make a traditional Latin American dish without needing a stove or oven!

What: Familias Unidas
When: Saturday, September 13th, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Where: USC Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Courtyard
Familias Unidas Link to Register

On behalf of the Latinx Social Work Caucus (LSWC), in collaboration with the Latino Alumni Advisory Board (LAAB), we are excited to invite you to our upcoming event: Familias Unidas
Enjoy delicious food and lively music, opportunities to meet fellow students, families, and faculty, and a chance to learn about campus resources and support—a celebration of culture, comunidad, and connection.

Please reach out to us if you have any questions at lswcuscboard@gmail.com.

Stronger Community Begins with You

Community well-being starts with taking care of yourself. Show how you reconnect and stay grounded with yourself and others by sharing a selfie. By taking part, you contribute to a more connected and supportive community of social work students, faculty, and staff. It is important now, more than ever, to connect with each other during these uncertain times.

It's Not Too Late to Share a Photo!

Theme: Show how you reconnect and stay grounded!

Caption: Slideshow with no audio, images submitted by faculty and students.

Check back here to see featured photos! For questions, contact Ann Marie Yamada.

Guidelines:

• If sharing a group selfie, ensure everyone in the photo has consented to having their image shared on our social media or website.
• We have the right to remove anything the school determines as inappropriate.
• Be safe, be respectful, and have fun! Avoid displaying risky, inappropriate, or dangerous behaviors, or offensive language or gestures, including political messaging. We want to create a space for all participants to find community well-being through this experience.
   

Available now, you can upload your selfie to our share drive by scanning the QR code below. Include your first name & program in the file name.
 
 

Info and resources for organizational culture and well-being activities within the school and local community.

Celebrate Culture and Well-Being

Stay Connected

• Please bookmark and visit the Organizational Culture and Well-Being webpages (this is one of them!) for further details on resources, upcoming USC events on the USC Events Calendar, and ways to get involved!

• If you would like to get involved in other ways or have community-building ideas, please reach out to Ann Marie Yamada.

Get Involved

• For more information on digital accessibility resources for creating inclusive and accessible content.
• To support a professional and inclusive learning environment we have designed some school spirit Zoom backgrounds. The Zoom backgrounds in this Google Drive folder are a few to consider using during class.
  
  Have your own design idea? Official school Zoom backgrounds must follow USC brand identity guidelines and be consistent with our student code of conduct. Send your designs in for consideration to be added to our selection!