The "Dream Team"

Shelly graduated in 2016 from Alverno College, in Milwaukee, WI, with a BA in sociology and minor in psychology. Before graduating, she worked as a Behavioral Health Case Manager for a local nonprofit, and it was that job that sparked her desire to become a social worker.

Shelly is currently a grad student attending the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), scheduled to graduate in May 2022. 

She comes from a very low-income family and was a single mom working 2-4 jobs at any one time to ensure her daughters had enough to eat and the things they not only needed, but wanted. So, helping other families do the same for themselves and their children through Neighborfood Express makes the program very near and dear to her heart.

Amina is a student at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, double majoring in psychology and sociology, with a focus on health in society. Helping individuals has been a passion of hers from a young age, and she hopes to continue it in her career, which will involve research on minimizing the psychological disparities of minorities in America.

Ikea graduated from Binghamton University with a bachelor’s in sociology and Africana studies minor in 2016. She's currently working on her MSW at the University of New England and expected to graduate in the summer of 2022.

Ikea has extensive experience working with individuals and families throughout the community struggling with mental illness, addiction, homelessness, and trauma. She's currently working at a Permanent Supportive Housing Program, helping families secure and maintain stable housing. 

Ikea has always been passionate about giving back to the community and helping others since she was young. She wishes to continue her work with families and youth and is interested in becoming a school social worker or therapist in the future.

Andrea is a senior at the University of Alabama, double majoring in psychology and advertising. She's volunteered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, as well as Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. 

After speaking with a social worker in one of her classes, Andrea’s interest in social work was sparked. She ultimately realized her passion for helping others and leaving a positive impact made social work a great career path for her. Andrea plans to pursue her MSW in Social Work and serve in the area of foster care or adoption social work one day.

Brittani is a student at Walden University, majoring in social work. She expects to graduate with her BSW in the fall of 2022.

Brittani is passionate about working with children, the elderly, and families in need of assistance. Her dream is to become a Child Protective Services social worker.