Two UTCSW PhD students took advantage of some time off this summer by attending retreats and fellowships in Knoxville and Washington DC to further their knowledge about community leadership and public policy.
Kenyette Garrett
Community Engagement Academy Summer Intensive Cohort
What leadership retreat did you attend?
I was invited to take part in the Community Engagement Academy (CEA) Summer Intensive cohort sponsored by the UT Office of Community Engagement and Outreach. The academy took place at the Frieson Black Cultural Center June 7-8.
What prompted your interest in attending the retreat?
There was an application process and Dr. Carmen Foster encouraged me to apply. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it looked like a fantastic opportunity to learn more about what it takes to translate our learning into something applicable that can benefit our community. Often it seems like we are insulated in the classroom environment, and it makes us feel far removed from the issues that we study. The Community Engagement Academy provided the opportunity to get a better understanding of the rich history of Knoxville and the issues that individuals in the community are dealing with.
What was your favorite part of the experience?
My favorite part of the experience was learning from and connecting with doctorate students from other departments. It was particularly meaningful for me to have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other students who are women of color.
What stood out to you as the most interesting info you learned?
Since moving here last August from North Carolina, I have stuck to my routine of coming to campus, going back home, and maybe one or two places outside of going to Market Square. Not only were we taken on a tour of Knoxville, but Dr. Samuel also provided us with some history; that was an eye-opening experience for me. It was sobering to learn how urban renewal has adversely affected the African American community in Knoxville. This was particularly saddening as I was also previously unaware of the rich cultural history of Knoxville including being the birthplace of Alex Haley. I am looking forward to exploring and learning more about The Bottom, the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, and the East Tennessee Historical Society.
How do you plan to use what you learned now that you are back at UTCSW?
As an educator, I plan to incorporate community engagement into the curriculum whenever possible. I feel it is crucial to our work in the social work profession, particularly as it relates to being of service to disenfranchised individuals. I have also been sharing what I have learned with my colleagues and encouraging them to explore the history and culture of the Knoxville community.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Being a part of the Community Engagement Academy was an incredible experience and has reaffirmed my passion for exploring and addressing barriers that inhibit access to resources and opportunities that have the capacity to potentially improve the lives of marginalized individuals. It was also incredibly empowering and healing to have conversations about the concepts of equity, equality, inclusion, and cultural humility with my colleagues from other disciplines.
Ishita Kapur
Washington Fellows Program
What Public Policy Fellowship did you attend?
I attended the Washington Fellows program offered by the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. It was an intensive two-week academic program in Washington DC. It involved meeting people from think tanks, policy analysts, researchers, journalists, and politicians. The program offers insights into politics, policymaking, and an understanding of the requirements for such careers in DC.
What prompted your interest in attending the Fellowship?
My interest in pursuing this fellowship was sparked primarily to understand and explore how my field of work in social work can be further linked to public policy and ensuring on-ground policy-level changes informed by research-based evidence.
What was your favorite part of the experience?
My favorite part was visiting the Capitol building, getting to know the history associated with it along with seeing its amazing architecture. Getting to be in the capital city was an equally interesting experience as well.
What stood out to you as the most interesting thing you learned?
The opportunity to meet with people from diverse backgrounds and hear about their lived experiences in their respective careers was very interesting.
How do you plan to use what you learned now that you are back at UTCSW?
I would want to use this experience to further work with researchers from policymaking along with communication backgrounds to tie these fields together with social work. I believe that policymaking can be an efficient tool to implement all the changes that are highlighted through the social work profession in the social sphere of the world.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Having done this fellowship, it strengthens my belief in the idea to increase the interdisciplinary collaboration within different fields including social work to add to the existing knowledge base about non-conventional careers and their power to bring change in society. Therefore, seeking out opportunities outside of our careers can be helpful to align with other professions and to best address the gaps in social and policy space.