November 11, 2021

(HOUSTON, TX) - The Hobby School of Public Affairs named MSW Students Chanta Gosby and Alice Navarro to the inaugural cohort of CONNECT Fellows.

The goal of the fellowship is to connect "the skills of University of Houston's graduate students with local nonprofits seeking assistance to tackle data and evaluation projects." 

Chanta is working with East Harris County Empowerment Council and Alice is working with Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County.

We spoke to both about their fellowship experience and how pursuing an MSW will impact their lives and careers. 

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Name: Chanta Gosby 
Program at GCSW and Expected Graduation Year: MSW, May 2023 
Pronouns: she/hers

Congrats on being selected to serve as a CONNECT Fellow. What do you hope to gain from this opportunity? 

I hope to learn more about how a nonprofit operates. I want to gain practical knowledge that I can use when I decide to start my nonprofit one day.  

The CONNECT Program aims to connect graduate students with local nonprofits that need to understand data and evaluation projects. Why is it important for nonprofits to be able to understand and interpret data? 

It is essential to fully serve their clients and their needs to the fullest potential. These organizations have a critical stake in better knowing what is operating best for the population they hope to serve and better support them. 

What drew you to continue your education at GCSW? 

I love the principles and morals of this program. I also love the fact that I can take courses online (and be able to work and provide for myself and my son) and in-person so that I can be able to connect and network with my cohort.  

What has been a highlight of your time at the GCSW thus far? 

A highlight would be learning with my peers and meeting them in person. I've discovered a lot about them, their backgrounds, and their unique stories and experiences. These opportunities to learn and connect with my cohort have been invaluable. 

The GCSW has a mission to achieve social justice at every level of society. Is there anything about that that resonates with you and what you hope to accomplish upon graduation? 

Upon graduating from the program, I want to start a nonprofit that provides outreach and low-cost counseling/therapy to underserved populations. 

Who is someone that inspires you? 

My mother inspires me immensely. 

Anything else you would like us to know? 

I am grateful for this opportunity, and I cannot wait to learn and grow from it! 

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Name: Alice Navarro
Program at GCSW and Expected Graduation Year: MSW Hybrid, Summer 2023
Pronouns: she/hers

Congrats on being selected to serve as a CONNECT Fellow. What do you hope to gain from this opportunity?

I hope to gain more hands-on experience working in the "macro" world of social work. This opportunity will allow me to work with a nonprofit in the greater Houston area, which is great since I am currently based in Austin! I am technically on the clinical track, but I also see myself working in the macro field upon graduation. 

The CONNECT Program aims to connect graduate students with local nonprofits who need to understand data and evaluation projects. Why is it important for nonprofits to be able to understand and interpret data?

The only way nonprofits will determine how effective their initiatives are is by engaging in program evaluation. It allows nonprofits to tell the stories of the populations they serve in meaningful ways to multiple audiences, whether by submitting a progress report for a grant, creating an eyecatching flyer to distribute at outreach events, or planning new services for the agency itself. 

What drew you to continue your education at GCSW?

I had reached a point in my career where I recognized that to move forward and upward professionally; I would need one more credential to provide opportunities for myself in the future. Also, I have lived my entire life in the Central Texas area and had already attended UT and Texas State for my previous degrees. I was not exactly looking to return to those campuses for my MSW. When I realized that I could attend a highly ranked social work program without relocating just yet, I knew I had found my program.

What has been a highlight of your time at the GCSW thus far?

The opportunity to represent the GCSW by being a part of the inaugural cohort for the CONNECT program is a significant highlight. 

The GCSW has a mission to achieve social justice at every level of society. Is there anything about that that resonates with you and what you hope to accomplish upon graduation?

The GCSW mission is what attracted me to apply for the program in the first place. I have spent over five years working in direct nonprofit services and saw firsthand how my clients were experiencing chronic injustices at the micro and macro levels. Upon graduation, I hope to secure a position where I can become a "community-level change agent." I have developed a passion for addressing health inequities, and I know that the GCSW will have prepared me to embark on this journey upon graduation.

Who is someone that inspires you?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg and my mother.

Anything else you would like us to know?

My advice to incoming graduate students is to take that leap and take a chance on these fantastic learning opportunities at UH. Not all graduate schools are created equal, and I am so glad that I decided to enroll at UH for my "final" degree.