Admissions Ambassadors
Silver Champions
Silver Champions is an ambassador program that connects prospective and newly admitted students with current MSW students or MSW alumni. Champions are volunteers who draw upon their experiences to highlight the opportunities and benefits of an NYU education. They have the necessary skills to help newly admitted and prospective students throughout the application process and serve as mentors.
Contact Us:
Dezh Kelson
Admissions Recruitment Specialist
Admissions & Enrollment Services Office
1 Washington Square North, Suite 100
New York, NY 10003
Email: silver.champions@nyu.edu
Phone: 212-998-5910
Connect with a Champion
If you are interested in getting in touch with one of our Silver Champions, please complete our matching tool, or email our program coordinator for more information.
Featured Silver Champions
Our Champions come from a variety of programs and are here to speak with you about their experiences at NYU Silver. If you would like to connect with a Champion, please send an email to silver.champions@nyu.edu.
Current MSW Students
Ava-Celeste Dujon, MSW ’25
Two-Year Pathway
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
I chose to pursue my MSW at NYU Silver because of the incredible range of learning opportunities available both in New York and internationally. Growing up as the child of immigrant parents from the islands, I have a deep interest in exploring how social work is practiced across different cultures. As a founding participant in Silver’s School Social Work Training Academy, I am being prepared to work closely with youth in New York City schools. I have developed a desire to see schools implement restorative justice practices into their learning models.
I would encourage finding community and building relationships with professors and other staff. Looking ahead, my immediate plan post-graduation is to take some needed time to rest, but I am genuinely excited to officially step into the field and apply all that I’ve learned!
Irán Lisser, MSW ’26
Extended
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
As a career changer, I choose NYU Silver School of Social Work because of the diverse and inclusive community and clinical experience. Having direct experience working with children with trauma through practicum placements is a rewarding experience. NYU Silver School of Social Work offers a macro-level lens and clinical perspective on Social Work, which is essential to me. NYU Silver School of Social Work provides a restorative justice perspective on services, the importance of human relationships, and social justice, which allows students to gain awareness and additional knowledge about the different areas of social work. I currently represent Part-time students at the Graduate Student Association (GSA), an opportunity to build community and have representation of our diverse and inclusive community.
Andrew Levey, MSW ’25
Two-Year
Pronouns: He, Him, His
I decided to pursue my MSW at NYU Silver because my interest in clinical social work deeply aligns with the type of practicum placements offered by the program. I also found that NYU Silver offered knowledgeable, supportive professors who have experience being leaders in their respective fields. Even though my interest in social work is aimed towards clinical social work, I have also been exposed to various macro perspectives of the profession through my Social Work Policy and Macro Practice classes. NYU Silver has provided me with the tools to become a well-rounded social worker after I graduate. The intimate class settings and expertise of my professors in the MSW program at Silver have prepared me for a future career as a clinical social worker. The sequencing of the Human Behavior courses especially have made me feel increasingly prepared to provide clinical support to clients, understand the importance of diagnosis, and analyze the biopsychosocial factors that can affect clients. As a Silver Champion, I have had the pleasure of connecting with prospective MSW students to share about my experience being a MSW student at NYU Silver. After I graduate in May 2024, I plan on progressing towards my clinical license in a group practice setting where I can gain experience working with adolescents and young men seeking therapy with a male clinician. So far, NYU Silver has provided me with an unparalleled practicum and educational experience that will prepare me for my future career as a clinical social worker.
Recent Alumni
Irine Thomas, MSW ’24
Suffern, NY | Two-Year
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
NYU has been my dream school since I was in high school. It is an honor and a privilege to be attending such a reputable and world renowned university. When I was looking into MSW programs, I wanted to be at a university that has very robust clinical training that focused on social justice and worked from an anti-racist and anti-oppressive frame of practice, which NYU Silver was able to provide me with. There are so many exciting opportunities for students to get involved in and even networking events that students can attend where alumni, faculty and peers will be present. Pursuing an MSW at NYU has provided me with such personal and professional fulfillment because of the wealth of resources, support systems and knowledgeable professors at the university. Due to the unique placement opportunities that NYU Silver has partnered with, and I was fortunate enough to be a part of, I have developed a very versatile and well rounded perspective. I am empowered and confident that I can tackle the challenges that come my way. I feel that my personal experiences as an immigrant, person of color and woman, as well as my academic experience at NYU Silver has molded me into a confident and capable clinician. I am excited to continue the work I have started and hope to work with families, children and couples after graduation.
Gita Malapatti, MSW ’24
Hyderabad, India | Two-Year
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
I chose MSW at Silver as I wanted to work closely with children and families. I have had some really good professors who showed me the ropes of the field. The classes I took are preparing me for the outside world! Most importantly, I have a better understanding of social justice and my role in it. Having some classes has made it personal by getting to know our peers and also having engaging conversations in class.
I was an International Student Representative GSA. The main reason I chose to run for this role is I wanted to advocate for my fellow peers and be their voice at Silver. I know how it can be challenging to navigate school coming from abroad. I wanted to make sure they have resources that are readily available for them.
Samantha “Sam” Luxmikanthan, MSW ’24
Toronto, Canada | Two-Year
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers and Them, Their, Theirs
I chose to pursue my MSW at NYU Silver as I wanted to learn from the diverse and inclusive community that NYU Silver aims to foster. The faculty at NYU Silver was another driving factor for myself to pursue my MSW, as I found myself aligning with their values and their dedication to the continuous learning of the field. I am thankful to have been surrounded by individuals that have taught me the skills to apply knowledge within real-world settings. I am thankful to be around passionate individuals, and have found myself to be engaged with NYU Silver members and NYU-Wide.
The program, which has a more clinical focus, has also provided me opportunities to learn from a macro lens, which has greatly benefitted the way I am engaging with students, clients and community members. In addition, I have worked with amazing faculty members that have supported my professional development and academic journey. With being in smaller classrooms, I found building mentorship opportunities easier and more intentional!
I was involved in many student organizations and served as the President for the Graduate Student Association. NYU Silver aims to create community and belonging for students, having many student groups that offer many spaces to meet new friends or to learn something new! If you find something is not there for you, you are more than welcomed to start a new group! Engaging within student groups can allow you to meet new individuals in your community, and provide a space for community-building.
I hope to continue to work with the QTBIPOC population, especially within health-care settings. I want to continue to be a lifelong learner, allowing myself to advocate and work alongside my community. The best thing of getting an MSW is that this is truly applicable in many settings, something that is very flexible of the degree. My education at NYU Silver has prepared me to work with multiple populations and in various settings. I feel that I am able to transfer my skills and allow myself to wear many hats!
Karina Acevedo, MSW ’22
Los Angeles, CA | Advanced Standing
Pronouns: she/her/ella
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, until I moved to New York to pursue my Master of Social Work at NYU and continue my career in the city. Prior to attending NYU, I received my Bachelor of Social Work in 2019 and was working as a forensic mental health counselor in LA with clients on county probation who had co-occuring mental and substance use disorders.
During my time at NYU, I was a part of the Advanced Standing pathway and Co-Occuring Substance Use Disorder Focused Learning Opportunity (FLO). I was also a member of Silver's Latinx Social Work Student Organization (LSWSO).
Since graduating with my MSW, I have started working at Housing Works as the Behavioral Health Specialist for their Prevention Services. There I am providing support and trauma-informed care to clients receiving HIV/STI prevention and treatment, and/or related social services. I will also provide supervision for the outreach team and navigators in responding to clients’ mental health needs.
Genevieve Alexis, MSW ’22
Rockland County, NY | 16-Month Accelerated
Pronouns: she/her
I chose NYU Silver for a few reasons! I appreciated that the campus was close to my home and offered a 16-month program. I really appreciated that NYU Silver offers strong clinical training and I didn’t have to choose a concentration or track. Overall, it was what best fit my needs and I was able to continue to work while pursing my degree.