Education Equity is Social Work

Education Equity Is Social Work explores how Kayla’s path in higher education policy and equity leadership reflects the broad, impactful possibilities of an MSW degree. Prospective students will learn how social workers influence institutional culture, shape policy, and design programs that advance racial and educational justice. The conversation will highlight the skills social workers bring to systems change—data analysis, community partnership, equity audits, and strategic planning. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how social work expertise can drive equity across sectors, including education. 

About our guest: Kayla is an MSW alumna whose career centers on educational equity, racial justice, mental health access, and building BIPOC community power. She brings years of experience leading DEI initiatives at UW’s Office of Graduate Student Equity & Excellence, where she develops equity-driven trainings, community programs, and institutional policy assessments. Her work spans coalition building, culturally relevant program design, and systems-level change across all UW graduate programs. She is committed to transforming structures so that historically underrepresented students can thrive.