News Archive
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Christian Gudiel's journey to receiving a Master of Social Work (MSW) in May 2026 from the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work has been a full circle back to his roots. Dedicated to being a role model for youth in the same community he came from, he now works as a case manager for the Coalition for Engaged Education — the organization that offered him a helping hand when he was incarcerated — demonstrating to his own young children that their lives can be different.
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PhD candidate Maiya Hotchkiss (they/them), and advisor John Blosnich, associate professor and director of the Center for LGBTQ+ Health Equity, have received the prestigious USC PhD Achievement Award for their work on suicide prevention with LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness.
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The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is excited to welcome veteran, leadership strategist, best-selling author and USC alumna Kristen Kavanaugh as keynote speaker for its 2026 Commencement Ceremony on May 15. Her career journey has taken her from the U.S. Naval Academy to the frontlines of military service, from grassroots community leadership to executive roles at the highest levels of the private sector.
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Study brings evidence-based dementia support to caregivers with limited English through cultural adaptation.
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“I don’t want what happened to me to happen to my child or anyone else,” said Mary, who survived human trafficking and then processed her resulting trauma with a therapist at the Trauma Recovery Center at USC (TRC@USC). “My counselor helped me tremendously. It is a huge change. I’m in school, I’m working on my resume, I stopped drinking. It made me be a better mother.”
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Current Doctor of Social Work (DSW) student Devon Hernandez oversaw the expansion of the Trojan Food Pantry on the University Park Campus, which serves a growing number of USC students facing food insecurity. Now, he has been selected as one of just 20 fellows nationwide for the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Doctoral Student Policy Fellowship.
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Kimiko Vang, DSW '20, has spent the last two decades working to reduce gaps in health equity for youth and their families in Merced County, California. As director of Merced County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Vang leads the effort to serve medical-eligible clients with severe mental illnesses and substance use disorders through mental health services at the county’s clinics, outpatient services and inpatient facility.
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In 2024, Jessie Shay, DSW '24, founded Chronically Informed, a nonprofit that serves chronically ill patients and their caregivers. Her organization works to expand health care access and empower patients navigating the medical system through shared experiences.
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Study found significant increase in access to shelter for pet owners experiencing homelessness.
A new USC study finds that funding for pet-inclusive emergency housing is a critical and effective intervention within homeless services.
The USC Homelessness Policy Research Institute (HPRI) analyzed Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) provider spending and outcome reports from 2020-2024, finding increased access to shelter among pet owners, and substantial provision of pet healthcare.
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Maria Ruelas, EdD ‘18, MSW ‘13, has been named the 2025 School Social Worker of the Year by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) for her outstanding leadership and dedication as District Social Worker for the Lawndale Elementary School District (LESD).
“I am so humbled by this recognition,” Ruelas said. “There are over 80 school districts and 1.3 million students across LA County and so many incredible social workers working to serve their needs. It is truly special to be honored with this award.”