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A decade ago, a visionary idea took root, aiming to weave the fabric of social work values into a tapestry of future leaders from disciplines as varied as neuroscience, education, engineering, and humanities. The Browne Leadership Fellows Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work extends a hand to students outside the field of social work, offering them an immersion into the principles and values of social work through dynamic seminars and experiential learning. Collaborating closely with partner agencies, participants delve into community history; identify local strengths and challenges; foster understanding and appreciation for neighborhood culture; and, ultimately, bring collaborative community projects to life.
The inspiration behind the fellowship program came from the experiences of James J. “Jim” Browne (MSW ’73). Having pursued a career in the finance sector as cofounder of Allegheny Financial Group, Jim found that his social work education equipped him with invaluable skills. He and his wife, Noel (MSW ’74), envisioned a fellowship that would enable students from diverse disciplines to explore the root causes of social issues and actively engage in identifying effective mechanisms for lasting change.
Keith Caldwell (MSW ’02), former program director of the Browne Fellowship, attributes the program’s success to the visionary leadership of the Browne’s, emphasizing their commitment to creating an exciting and transformative experience for students. Additionally, he credits the dedication of former Pitt Social Work dean Larry Davis to community building, which played a pivotal role in creating the foundation for the program’s current success.
The program remains a testament to growth, community, and enduring commitment. The stories of Bruni, Stowe, DiSanto, and Kehinde emerge as compelling evidence of the Browne’s profound impact.
Pietra Bruni, a member of the first cohort in 2013, notes that the program emerged at a crucial juncture in her personal and professional growth and became a cornerstone in solidifying her passion for collaborative work. Recently, she completed her pre-doctoral psychology internship residency at VA Boston Healthcare System/Harvard Medical School, where she engaged with a diverse team that included social workers, occupational therapists, and more. Bruni recalls that her Browne Fellows placement at a local food bank provided a new viewpoint on the value and purpose in meaningful communication with community residents. Similarly, Rachael Stowe, a graduate of Pitt’s School of Education, says that the fellowship provided her with valuable insights into creating partnerships with communities, fostering trust with parents, enhancing her communication and collaboration skills, and learning the importance of meeting people where they are. Stowe’s experience in the fellowship, particularly her placement at Assemble, where she helped to run summer camps and plan fundraising events, continues to influence her current graduate studies in educational policy.
Seeking to diversify their understanding of the world, many students have found their way to the fellowship from health and medical fields. Dominic DiSanto, who received his undergraduate degree in neuroscience and completed a Master of Science in biostatistics, applied to the Browne Fellowship for an experience beyond his field. Afterwards, Disanto felt equipped with the language and critical thinking skills crucial for addressing issues of health equity and caring for patients as people. Similarly, Faith Kehinde, a 2022 graduate, chose the Browne Fellowship because she is a firm believer that you cannot be a good doctor unless you are a good community member.
A crucial aspect of the Browne Leadership Fellows Program is community enrichment and engagement. Since taking over leadership of the program, Aliya Durham (MSW ’02) has prioritized engaging with community partners. Opening the door for reflection, transparency, and connectedness, Durham makes sure to spend time with the partners in between student placements. She ensures that they receive all materials students use and understand how the program operates, enabling partners to
facilitate meaningful connections between academic knowledge and real-life applications.
Susan Chersky, director of operations and communications at the Buhl Foundation and a 2001 graduate of the Pitt Social Work MSW program, is a new partner who consistently finds herself impressed by the students’ professionalism and readiness to engage with the foundation’s work. She highlights the students’ ability to bring a fresh perspective and their motivation to apply their learnings to the projects at hand. As an MSW graduate, Chersky acknowledges the impactful nature of teaching organizational skills, recognizing their broad applicability, and considers it an incredibly important aspect of student development.
Looking ahead, Durham envisions expanding the program’s impact by placing students at multiple sites during the summer to expose them to the nuances of different communities and the varied approaches required for effective engagement. The long-term goal is to leverage the relationships built over a decade in these neighborhoods, exploring innovative ways for the School of Social Work to contribute meaningfully to these communities. Thinking outside Pittsburgh, Durham hopes to one day explore the possibility of taking the fellowship international.