“Social workers understand how diversity and difference characterize and shape the human experience and are critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including but not limited to age, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, marital status, political ideology, race, religion/spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status. Social workers understand that, as a consequence of difference, a person’s life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim. Social workers also understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values, including social, economic, political, and cultural exclusions, may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create privilege and power. Social workers:

Practice Behavior:

• Apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
• Present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences.
• Apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies (CSWE, 2022).”
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Competency 3 focuses on recognizing systemic barriers, challenging oppression—especially racism—and promoting equity and inclusion. This matters a lot to me because I want to work in leadership roles at the macro level, where I can help create better policies and systems that make a real difference. Growing up, I witnessed racial and economic inequities in my community, which motivated me to challenge inequality and advocate for change. This competency helps me think beyond individual problems and look at how the system affects people, especially those who are often left out. It reminds me that social work isn’t just about helping one person—it’s also about changing the bigger systems that impact their lives.  To continue growing in this competency, I plan to attend anti-racism training, participate in policy advocacy initiatives, and seek mentorship from professionals committed to equity work. By focusing on these goals, I hope to help build a more just and inclusive society where everyone is valued.

Evidences

School:Human Behavior and Social Environment: SOCW 322- Literature Review

For this assignment, I wrote a literature review called “How do Pregnancy-Related Challenges Impact the Educational Attainment of Teenage Mothers?” In this review, I looked at different factors such as health issues, financial problems, and social stigma, some things that affect the education of teenage mothers. I didn’t just focus on the individual challenges; I also examined how family support, school environments, community services, and broader policies come together to influence their educational outcomes.

Through this assignment, I came to see that the struggles teenage mothers face aren’t just about their personal challenges—they’re linked to many parts of their lives. I realized that factors like family dynamics, school environments, and community services all play a key role in shaping their educational experiences. This understanding really broadened my view of how these different systems work together.  While reviewing and combining research from various sources, I improved my ability to see how issues on a personal level, such as family challenges, connect with larger community factors like school policies. This process strengthened my critical thinking and research skills, which are vital for creating effective social work interventions. The assignment reminded me of the importance of looking at the whole person within their environment. It strengthened my belief in treating people in the context of their families, communities, and the larger systems that affect them. This deeper insight has helped me appreciate the value of empathy, social justice, and a holistic approach in social work practice.

I picked this literature review as evidence for Competency 3 because it really shows how I connect individual struggles with the bigger picture of social systems. Working on it pushed me to move beyond just personal issues and consider how families, schools, community groups, and policies all shape the lives of teenage mothers. I learned that blending these different perspectives is crucial when working with diverse groups. By looking at everything from personal health to community support, I developed an ecological view of social work, one that helps me plan interventions that tackle challenges on multiple levels at once. This assignment drove home the importance of teamwork and collaboration in creating meaningful solutions, which is a key part of effective social work practice.

Field: DEI Infographic for FYE Advisors

For this assignment, I created an infographic for the First Year Experience (FYE) department to highlight practical ways advisors can implement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in their work with students. I researched credible peer-reviewed sources, designed a visually engaging layout, and tailored the content to be accessible and applicable to the advising team.

This really helped me understand how bias and systemic issues can affect students and how advisors play a key role in creating an inclusive environment. I had to think critically about things like identity, privilege, and power, and how those show up in advising. It pushed me to reflect on my own perspective and how I can use my voice and skills to help make change.

I picked this assignment because it wasn’t just research—it was something I created to actually be used in a real space. It shows how I took what I learned about DEI and turned it into something helpful for others. It helped me grow by challenging me to think about how we apply equity work in everyday roles like advising, and it showed me that I can use my skills to influence positive change on a systems level.

Other:BCU Community Service

The community service event hosted by the Black Christian Union (BCU) in Fall 2022 was an opportunity to support a low-income community by providing essential resources, food, and engaging activities. My role in this event involved organizing and distributing clothing, assisting individuals in finding items that met their needs, setting up games for children, and serving food. Beyond these tasks, I focused on building connections with the families, ensuring they felt welcomed, supported, and valued throughout the event. This experience allowed me to witness firsthand the importance of community-based services and how small acts of kindness can create a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

This assignment helped me develop knowledge, skills, and values related to Competency 3 by deepening my understanding of community needs and social inequalities. Engaging in direct service gave me insight into the challenges faced by low-income families, such as limited access to basic necessities and recreational activities for children. By working to distribute clothing and food, I contributed to addressing economic disparities in a way that provided immediate relief while also reinforcing the importance of dignity and respect in service work. This experience also strengthened my communication and problem-solving skills, as I had to adapt to different needs, assist individuals effectively, and ensure that everyone received the support they required.

I chose this assignment as evidence for Competency 3 because it allowed me to actively participate in promoting social and economic justice through direct engagement with individuals in need. This experience reinforced my commitment to advocacy and equity, as I saw the importance of ensuring that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has access to essential resources and a sense of community. By serving in this capacity, I enhanced my ability to recognize systemic barriers, respond with empathy and action, and develop a deeper commitment to advancing human rights and social justice in my future social work practice.