Student Advisory Board

The Students for Social Work Student student advisory (SFSW) board helps to foster communication between undergraduate social work students and the BASW program director. This group helps to express student needs, offer feedback and advice, and help to foster connection and community within the student body.

The advisory board consists of pre-social work majors, and Year 1 and Year 2 admitted upper-level social work students.

Have questions, ideas, or looking to connect with someone from the major? Meet and connect with your SFSW advisory board reps below. Have additional questions or comments? The BASW Program Director, Monaca Eaton, would love to connect with you. You can reach her at eatonmon@msu.edu.

25-26 SFSW Advisory Board Members

Year 2 Admitted Program Members

• Jasmine Zavala

  

  Why Social Work: I chose social work as my major because I am passionate about helping others, particularly children and families in navigating challenges and providing access the resources. With my degree, I plan to work in child welfare or within the school system. I want to address issues like child abuse, neglect, and lack of educational support.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: SFSW advisory board gives an opportunity to contribute ideas and feedback to the social work program and this offers a platform to advocate for issues such as equity and inclusion in the field of social work.

  Students Can Contact Me To: BASW students should feel free to reach out with anything they’re curious or concerned about!

  Email Me: zavalago@msu.edu

• Kayla McMichael

  

  Why Social Work: I have always wanted to lend a helping hand to those in need. I have also been a person that needed a helping hand. I chose social work as a major to be voice for those who can’t speak for themselves and that helping hand to help people get through the tough moments in life. Mental health is very important to me and something I am passionate about advocating for. With my degree I plan to get further education and earn my MSW and get my license shortly after. I then plan to work as medical social worker in private practice as a mental health social worker or a behavioral social worker. My ultimate goal is to own my own practice that offer services to those who struggle to afford mental health services along with doing work to advocate for policies that affect this as well.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I have always had a voice but more recently those closest to me have urged me to share my voice more to advocate and connect more with others. I joined to advocate for my social work cohort and make this program a place all students can excel and do great things in the future.

  Students Can Contact Me To: Students can contact me if they have an issue with faculty that they would like a students perspective on. Students can contact me with any ideas or help brainstorming ideas to make the program better for others. Students can contact me to simply chat or get advice on anything related to school or professional endeavors.

  Email Me: mcmich25@msu.edu

• Ben Schroeder

  

  Why Social Work: Long story short, I realized that I wanted to help individuals and communities with mental health struggles. I want to use my degree to become a school counselor and eventually a therapist.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I wanted to be a leader within my cohort.

  Students Can Contact Me To: Anything! Please feel free to reach out to me via email! :)

  Email Me: schro319@msu.edu

• Yasmen Alsuraimi

  

  Why Social Work: I chose Social Work as my major because I have a deep passion for helping individuals and families overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Growing up, I gained valuable experience while assisting individuals in navigating complex systems to access essential resources. Whether it was helping with school enrollment, connecting others to community programs, or translating and explaining important documents, I witnessed firsthand the significant impact that support can have. These experiences highlighted the importance of meaningful assistance and inspired my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. With my Social Work degree, I aim to use the skills and knowledge I have gained to advocate effectively for individuals and communities facing systemic challenges. I am deeply dedicated to addressing inequities and empowering others to overcome barriers by providing access to vital resources. Additionally, I strive to contribute to the creation of more inclusive and supportive communities.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I wanted to join the SFSW advisory board to support students pursuing Social Work and to help improve the Social Work program. I’ve always enjoyed helping others and being someone they can rely on for support. This role gives me the opportunity to share ideas, listen to student voices, and work toward improving the Social Work community.

  Students Can Contact Me To: BASW students can contact me for support, guidance, or to share any concerns they may have about their experiences in the Social Work program. Whether it’s questions about resources, navigating challenges, or ideas to improve the program, I’m here to listen and help.

  Email Me: Alsuraim@msu.edu

Year 1 Admitted Program Members

• Saara Ashtiani

  

  Why Social Work: I picked social work as my major because I loved how structured the program was and the opportunity to have smaller classes. With my degree I want to be an advocate for those who do not always have a voice, and share the experiences that can come with equine assisted therapy. I am still learning and creating new goals as I continue my education.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: Since I picked social work as my major, I felt like I found my place here at msu. With the endless support and kindness and personal successes I was able to find in the program I wanted to be a part of it too. I want to be an advocate for my self and my fellow students to continue to make positive change.

  Students Can Contact Me To: Anything! It can be just to vent, share specific changes they would like to see in classes or programs. New ideas they may have, etc.

  Email Me: Ashtian5@msu.edu

• Tyara Jones

  

  Why Social Work: I chose social work as my major because I am passionate about community engagement and racial inequality. With my social work degree, I hope to help relieve inequality towards racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I wanted to be an advisory board member because I would like to have a positive impact on students and the school of social work, and further my commitment to helping people.

  Students Can Contact Me To: Students can contact me for academic advice and personal concerns that may impact their academic or social life.

  Email Me: jonestya@msu.edu

• Abbey Weitzman

  

  Why Social Work: I decided to go into social work because I knew I wanted to help others with mental health and addiction, but I am still deciding if I want to take more of a clinical or community approach.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I joined the SFSW Board because I wanted to be part of how the program runs and be a voice for others in the program. I also wanted to join the board because I remember having many questions during my pre social work years, and I want to help others in that position now.

  Students Can Contact Me To: Anything. If I don't know the answer I will find it out for the both of us.

  Email Me: weitzm13@msu.edu

Pre-Social Work Members

• Josephine (Josie) Lanave

  

  Why Social Work: I picked social work because I want to help others. I specifically am on the route of becoming a clinical therapist, however I am also considering policy advisement for elected officials.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I want to make sure everyone knows that they have a voice. I care that you feel heard and I hope to see the program progressing due to our interactions.

  Students Can Contact Me To: You can contact me about questions or concerns you have regarding the School of Social Work. If you have concerns, feel free to reach out and I will do my best to help you or guide you in the right direction.

  Email Me: lanavejo@msu.edu

• Reagan Stack

  

  Why Social Work: I chose social work because one of my biggest passions is helping others and making a difference in people’s lives and I think social work is the best way to do that.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I wanted to be an advisory board member to be able to meet and connect with others in my field and also to help make a difference in the program that I am a part of.

  Students Can Contact Me To: I am a transfer student and pre social work right now and will be applying for the upper lever program this spring, but I am open to being contacted about anything and everything :)

  Email Me: Stackrea@msu.edu
• Keeley Johnston

  

  Why Social Work: I have always had a strong interest in helping others and being a support person. Social work provides the opportunity to address systemic issues , support individuals in need, and advocate for meaningful change. With my degree, I want to become a therapist, specifically with certifications in trauma related therapies.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I wanted to be part of the advisory board because I would like to be the support person that I wish I had my freshman year, for someone else. It is also a great opportunity to meet other social worker students and make connections. 

  Students Can Contact Me To: BASW students can reach out to me for: collaboration on recommended classes (from my own experiences) guidance as a mentor, advice, encouragement or just a listening ear. I understand how challenging it can be, I am here to help! 

  Email Me: john8327@msu.edu

• Sarah Bronkema-Bekker

  

  Why Social Work: I chose social work as my major because I want to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities, especially those facing challenges. I have always been passionate about helping people who are struggling and supporting those in need. Social work gives me the chance to use my empathy and desire to help others in a meaningful way. With my degree, I hope to work in areas like counseling, community support, or as a case manager in a hospital setting, helping patients navigate their care and access necessary resources. Ultimately, my goal is to create positive change, whether by supporting individuals directly or working to improve society as a whole.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I wanted to be a member of the School of Social Work Advisory Board because I am eager to help improve the BASW program. Being on the board provides me an opportunity to work with faculty and other students to discuss the program's strengths and areas for growth. I believe it's important to share student's feedback, help shape the curriculum, and make sure the program prepares students for the challenges they will face as social workers. Overall, I want to be involved in creating a strong, supportive program that helps students succeed as social workers.

  Students Can Contact Me To: As an advisory board member, BASW students can contact me to reach out to share feedback or concerns about the program, including the curriculum. I'm also here to give advice on school, career planning, and how to do well in the program. I can also offer advice on networking, career development, and how the board's decisions affect the program. My goal is to be a resource for students as they go through the social work program.

  Email Me: Bronkem8@msu.edu